Mastering Emotional Intelligence: Key Techniques for Effective Leadership
By Helen Wada with Alina Addison
Emotional Intelligence at Work. Are we tapping into its full potential?
In the latest episode of Human Wise, I had the pleasure of speaking with Alina Addison, a trailblazing coach and leadership expert, keen on unlocking the power of emotional intelligence (EQ) in the workplace. Alina is also of the recently published book The Audacity Spectrum
In today’s fast-paced corporate world, the focus often leans toward technical skills and performance metrics. However, Alina believes that integrating EQ into professional environments is crucial for meaningful and effective leadership.
Alina: “It is only through developing our emotional intelligence that we can enhance our decision-making processes and build stronger, more authentic connections with our teams and clients. EQ is not just a buzzword; it’s a vital skill for the adaptability and resilience needed in today's workplaces.”
So, how can we harness our emotional intelligence to elevate our professional lives?
Here are some key insights from my conversation with Alina:
The Challenge of Teaching Emotion
Alina shared a thought-provoking quote by E.E. Cummings that captures the challenge of teaching people to feel. While emotions can’t be directly taught, practices like mindfulness, self-awareness, and journaling can help us to learn to become more emotionally attuned.
Helen: “Though emotions themselves can't be taught, we can cultivate an environment where individuals learn to name and manage their emotions more effectively.”
Naming Emotions: Why “Naming is Taming”
Alina emphasizes the power of using specific language to describe emotions. By acknowledging and naming our feelings, we can better manage them, preventing poor decision-making driven by negative emotions like anger, guilt, or frustration.
Alina: “Naming an emotion helps tame it. This practice, known as ‘naming is taming,’ is a step towards emotional mastery and makes room for higher-energy emotions like joy and enthusiasm.”
The Art of Active Listening
The conversation also highlighted how “silent” is an anagram of “listen,” acting as a good reminder that to listen deeply we need to create a space of silence.
Alina: “Effective listening is a vital skill for leaders. It’s about more than just hearing words; it’s about understanding the emotions behind them.”
Helen shared her personal journey as well, noting the significance of coaching skills in her success and the development of "The Human Advantage."
Creating Space for Emotional Growth
In today’s corporate environment, creating time and space for emotional growth can be challenging yet essential. Delegation plays a significant role in this process.
Helen: “Effective delegation isn’t just about offloading tasks; it’s about creating opportunities for leaders to reflect and think strategically. Asking yourself, ‘What am I willing to let go of?’ is crucial for personal and professional growth.”
Aligning Intelligence Beyond the Brain
Alina discussed the need to align our brain with the intelligence found in our gut and heart. Recent scientific studies highlight the presence of neurons in these areas, suggesting a broader scope of intelligence that can guide decision-making.
Alina: “Integrating the intelligence of the brain, gut, and heart requires courage, especially in the corporate world. It’s about making smarter, emotionally-attuned decisions.”
Practical Steps Towards Emotional Intelligence
Helen and Alina wrapped up the discussion with practical steps to build emotional intelligence:
Mindfulness Practices
: Developing mindfulness can help us stay present and connected to our emotions.Self-Awareness Exercises
: Journaling and regular self-reflection can enhance our ability to name and tame our emotions.Active Listening Skills
: Enhancing our listening skills allows us to better understand and respond to the emotions of others.
Final Thoughts
Emotional intelligence is not an abstract concept but a concrete skill set that can transform our professional and personal lives. From naming our emotions to deep listening and intelligent alignment, each step towards enhancing our EQ can lead to better decision-making and stronger, more authentic connections.
For a deeper dive into our conversation, listen to the full podcast episode with Alina Addison here, or reach out to me on LinkedIn.
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Connect with Alina on LinkedIn, Instagram, or her YouTube channel "Audacious Alina."
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