The intelligence of emotion

Emotional Intelligence is the new wave. EI is an overarching model in today's social and professional environments. The core elements of EI; self awareness, self-managment, social awareness and relationship management come together consecutively to create an atmosphere of learning and growth for anyone willing to look internally, which in turn allows us to become a healing presence. Becoming a healing presence as we have learned will encompass many attributes of self-worth. I truely believe all aspects of EI are essential.  Daniel Goleman focuses on EI in the workplace and I couldn't agree more that EI is a very valuable asset to have or bring to the table as an employee. I'm learning in my industry that it very difficult to find employees that are empathetic, compassionate or selfless. Most applicants feel if they come with experience they have an automatic foot in the door. I am finding that EI is more of an attribute that reading and math as Daniel explains as basic skills. Skills which can be taught. EI cannot be taught unless one is willing to look inside. 

My strengths from the ESIC inventory are self-awareness, positive outlook, coach, mentor and influence, and I will strive to continue with the practice of request and big questions to harbor learning and growth in these areas. Self management has been a total curve ball in my life not only the last few years but especially now that I am really paying attention to it. The observer practice has by far been the most influential. As I continue to observe and really witness the thoughts and perceptions in my daily interactions I can definitly do more thinking through the big picture. As I'm learning that I'm a do'er, I tend to quickly react to get a job done and not really think about all persons, feelings and reactions involved. Utilizing the observer practice (and maintaining a focused and calm emotion) I am learning the skill of pause and act.  I am pleased to find that coaching and influence are my strengths. As I spoke earlier in the course, I tend to be really hard on myself and seeing what I thought to be strengths in black and white gave me a boost of confidence. 

Relationship managment I believe is a core element to becoming an effective coach. With success in this quadrant, the other 3 elements must be present and in our awareness. Effective coaching is defined in this quadranct as developing rather than teaching, and helping people find their way.