Emotional Intelligence Skill-building: Strategy For Bottom Line Results
Helping people enhance their Emotional Intelligence can result in measurable benefits for the organization. The following true story demonstrates how improved EI skills positively impacted the company’s bottom line.
Jake’s Story
Jake (not his real name) was able to apply the EI skills he developed and contribute to his corporation’s bottom line. As a Director, Jake often traveled to meet with clients to review contracts for leases on refining and oil extraction procedures his organization had invented.
Jake had scheduled to meet with a customer in South America to renew a multi-million dollar contract. During the flight, Jake learned that the customer wanted to renegotiate the contract, reducing it by $3 million dollars. While traveling, Jake felt worried and anxious. After all an important customer relationship and $3 million in revenue were on the line.
After a period of time, Jack recognized his anxiety. Just before this trip, he had attended an Emotional Intelligence training program. He used some of the quick, easy Emotional intelligence techniques he’d learned, transforming the negative feelings into more positive, productive thoughts and emotions. In that frame of mind, he was able to conceive of severalalternate, positive ideas he could put on the table during the meeting
The meeting progressed quite well. However, one person from the client’s organization began to pick over the contract details. It seemed as though he was trying to foil the whole negotiation as he questioned every point.
Again, Jake relied on his EI training. He handled his own emotional reactions to the man’s arguments, avoiding becoming defensive. Because of his calm persistence, he convinced the client to agree to additional services and process improvements. As a result, they signed a contract several million dollars over the original contract.
Putting EI Into Action
EI is a different way of being smart. It’s not about being soft. It involves managing yourself and your own emotions. In this positive state of mind, you can inspire others, engaging not just their head and hands, but also their hearts.
Daily, you confront stressful situations and feel the effects of emotional turmoil. What can you do? You can take action by enhancing your own emotional intelligence.
Start by increasing your emotional self-awareness. Do this by asking yourself, “What am I feeling right now?” a number of times a day. It is important to notice that the question is not “how” but “what.” People have a tendency to answer the question “How am I feeling?” with the word “Fine.” This response tells us nothing.
You must be aware of exactly what you’re feeling (happiness, excitement, fear anger) This awareness gives you the information to determine what to do or not do next. With this information, you can more effectively make decisions.
Upon becoming aware of your emotions, you can then begin to recognize them, communicating them, as appropriate. For example, if you are feeling anxious or concerned about an issue you’re discussing, simply acknowledge and share those feelings. Quite often when people are feeling anxious, they will disagree or become critical: Those numbers can’t possibly be correct.”
Instead, the more emotionally intelligent thing to say is, “I need to share that I’m feeling a bit concerned about this decision.” Disclosing these feelings gives your team more information about your point-of-view and perspective. You improve communication, laying the foundaton for cooperation.
EI Skill-Building Training
When shopping for an EI skill-building program, look for one that combines formal group classroom sessions and individual coaching sessions. Confirm that the training is skill-based. It should provide the opportunity to practice skills on real situations as well as offering information about EI. Check to make sure you have a proven program. Look for quantified, documented results. The selection of a training program should be based on the same criteria as business decisions – measured results.
About the Author
Specializing in the area of Emotional Intelligence Training, Byron Stock is devoted to making work a place where productivity improves and people flourish. Typical improvements in personal goals range from 30% to 50%. Visit www.ByronStock.com to learn about his quick, simple, proven techniques to harness the power of your Emotional Intelligence.
Grab competent points of view to auto loan calculator – your individual tips store.
Related Blogs
- Related Blogs on Emotional Intelligence Skill-building: Strategy For Bottom Line Results
- Few Observations on Software Development in Egypt « The Bottom Line