Looking for your missing piece? Just as Shel Silverstein’s incomplete circle searched for something to help it roll smoother, faster and more confidently, I suggest you consider adding emotional intelligence training to your leadership development program – – in particular, using the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i) assessment tool. It could be exactly what you’ve been searching for!
I recently attended an educational workshop on emotional quotient intelligence, or EQ, and was intrigued by the many ways one’s knowledge of and engagement with emotional intelligence could improve performance in the workplace and overall happiness.
Emotional intelligence is made up of emotional and social skills that together determine how well we understand and express ourselves, develop and maintain social relationships, handle challenges and use emotional information in an effective and meaningful way. In the workplace, an understanding of one’s emotional intelligence skills can make the difference between being an inspiring and effective leader and one who cannot make the transition from worker to manager. It can also enhance the effectiveness of a work- group or team and improve morale.
The EQ-i assessment tool allows for a balanced interpretation of objective and subjective elements and skills (such as intrapersonal, interpersonal, problem solving, stress management, reality testing, flexibility, assertiveness and independence) and identifies areas for change, growth and improvement. It can be used as an individual, group or 360-degree training tool.
Far too frequently, managers find themselves in leadership roles after becoming an expert in their field. As a leader, they no longer perform — they now have to lead and inspire others to perform. While some adapt naturally, others find that they’re uncomfortable and lack the confidence to manage. I suggest that what could aid them with their success is a well-balanced emotional intelligence.
Additionally, we’ve all known or heard of someone who has a high intellectual quotient, (IQ), but who doesn’t seem to advance further than an entry-level position. Their IQ does not change. On the flip side, we also know someone who is extremely successful, but who never completed any formal education or training beyond high school Again, I suggest that a contributing factor to success is a well-balanced emotional intelligence
What I love about the EQ-i is that it provides not just insight into oneself, but actually guides one to a position of action and measurable change. Anyone can develop, change and improve their emotional intelligence and therefore improve their effectiveness as a leader, team member and contributor. By taking a self-assessment, reviewing the elements of emotional intelligence, receiving feedback on engagement with each EQ element and creating an action plan for improvement, one can see and measure behavioral improvement over time.
Choosing to add emotional intelligence training such as the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i) to your leadership development program could just be the missing piece you’re organization has been searching for!
