EQ Factor

The concept of emotional intelligence (EQ) has evolved considerably since psychologists Peter Salovey and John Mayer first coined the term in 1990. Their work laid the foundation for one of today’s most important ideas, but as with many new concepts, definitions get refined over time. And rightfully so.

The starting point of learning emotional intelligence (EQ) can be summed up in two words: know thyself. EQ is the skill of being able to perceive and assess one’s own and other’s emotions, desires, and tendencies, and then act in a way that’s best for everyone.

Perhaps you’ve seen workplace conflicts continue unresolved. People stop talking, tension abounds and productivity plummets. In many cases, the real barrier to resolution isn’t the topic of the dispute, but something deeper. It’s fear.

Here’s a question I pose to management teams everywhere: “Who has taken a speech class?” Nearly every hand shoots up. “Who has taken a writing class?” Again, almost every hand. Then I ask, “Who has taken a class on listening skills?” In decades of asking that question, only two people kept their hands raised.

You’ve probably had those days when your inbox is flooded, your boss drops a last-minute project on you and three different colleagues need something ASAP. Said another way, chaos happens. Although we can’t control when chaos descends around us, we can control how we respond to it, and that’s where our power lies.

The Internet is full of pithy words of wisdom. One axiom I’ve seen recently on my social media feeds is that entrepreneurs are inspired, but leaders inspire. I wholeheartedly agree. While there is much more to leadership than just inspiring others, it’s not a bad place to start.