You’ve probably heard of this book, I enjoyed it. Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman. (And I know someone came out with Emotional Genius – I have to check that one out next!) This one explains why emotional intelligence (EQ) matters and how you can develop it in yourself. At times the book is more scientific than I would like, but I just skimmed those parts and focused on why EQ matters as much as, if not more than IQ. Having worked in a variety of office environments and coaching clients to help them increase their EQ, I agree wholeheartedly.
And someone else agrees… According to Anna Maravelas, author of How to Reduce Workplace Conflict and Stress, we need more EQ. In a recent O Magazine, Maravelas says “Modern civilization is teetering on the brink of an epidemic of emotional idiocy.” She cites an increase in road rage and the emergence of assault insurance of umpires at kids’ sporting events as two examples of how we are becoming more hostile and stressed out.
I like the tool she uses to manage her response to conflict or something frustrating: “You can be effective or self-righteous. Pick one."
Here’s to raising our collective EQ, Hallie Career Coach Hallie Crawford
