Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Emotional Quotient

Emotional Quotient (EQ) is the emotional comparable of an IQ, in understanding, and empathizing with the emotions of others. We all know those around us that are really easy to talk to and empathetic; these are the individuals with high EQ.  We of course know those who are self-centred and could not really care less but they may pretend out of showing tact or for business reasons; and these people are quite low in EQ. 

EQ – even though not familiar to everyone – is actually an important part of success throughout our lives and careers.  Think about it.  Most people are naturally drawn to those with high EQ in doing business.  Something as simple as shopping.  I am sure you have dealt with people at the cash register while paying who actually care as well as those who don’t care.  Which one are you drawn to go to most? I personally stand in a longer line up if I know the person checking me out is pleasant.
Which doctor are you going to like more the empathetic one, or the one who wants you in and out fast?  Which mate are you attracted to more, the one who listens, cares and understands; or the one who could not care less? And the list of course goes on.  Our success in anything we do is very much dependent on reading other people’s signals and appropriately reacting to them.

Without mature EQ skills, we fail in motivating those around us, whether at work, social environment or at home.

For us to have proper levels of EQ, there are few requirements:

·        We need to become self-aware.  The ability to identify an emotion as it happens.  At this point I am talking about your own emotion, evaluating and managing it and understanding its effects on others. 

·        We need to be self-confident in understanding our own worth and abilities. To be trust-worthy, honest, responsible, and conscientious.

·         Be adaptable and flexible. This will also allow us to manage change better.

·         Be truly empathetic.  Faking empathy is quite detectable.  The more skillful you are in recognizing other person’s feelings, the better you can control your signals to them. This also improves your social skills at a tremendous rate, in turn it give you a power of influence.

·         Improve your communication skills.  Listen to understand not just to answer.

IQ is hardly enough for success at any level.  Psychologists agree that only 10% of success is based on IQ and the rest is dependent on EQ. 

Regards,

EL

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Employee Value

Looking at the articles online and otherwise, all you can find is how to motivate and reward your employees. No one ever looks at the many abusive employers that are hiding behind the veil of righteousness.  I have had the chance to council few laid off employees as well as the ones’ who left on their own accord and all I can hear is the nightmare of abusive behaviour, nepotism, favouritism, micro-management, unrealistic expectations, bullying, intimidation and so on. You would think at a day and age that we produce movies such as Star Trek, to show human advancement and understanding for “life” and all that it entails, as well as the value of emotional quotient and learning as opposed to all above-mentioned behaviour, we have grown out of these prejudices.
I am all for young CEO’s, VP’s and Senior managers, but it seems that all the values that we held near and dear to our hearts are disappearing fast.  Companies have grown to devalue their employees, as if they would continue being even if they are no longer around.  Employees don’t value and respect the companies they work for because they are not being treated right. We have forgotten that the same employee can also be a client or a customer.  Human values have been replaced with value for money and the bottom line. But where would the companies be without employees or customers? Would they exist? Would they need to?
Laying off knowledgeable, dedicated, level headed employees to bring someone you favour into a position still goes on.  The only difference is the long and fine prints in the contracts before one is hired, and within the severance agreement that prohibits many to come forward and tell their story.  Employees that are frustrated at work seem to take the frustration home and lay it on family members whom they feel the closest with.  This in turn, ruins relationships and home life. 
There seems to be an increasing need for those we hire as CEO, VP, SVP, or Manager, to go through some serious training; not in the area of their knowledge, so much as in the area of human behaviour and needs.  Happy employees – whether you like them or not – are productive employees.  Employee happiness goes beyond little rewards and wage increase.  Most are happy to be just appreciated. Let’s take action and get out of the kindergarten of employee management.
Regards,
EL