With a background as an MD, Josh Gibson is a San Francisco consultant with more than two decades of experience in the design of individual and organizational change strategies. As coauthor of “CAREERS: A Brainwise Guide to Finding Fulfillment at Work," one of Josh Gibson’s areas of extensive knowledge is emotional intelligence (EQ), which stands as an alternative to IQ in measuring life and career abilities and potential.
Research has shown EQ to be an outstanding predictor of workplace performance, and it also brings focus to interpersonal skills. It involves self awareness that includes an honest assessment of weaknesses and strengths, and the fostering of qualities such as empathy and patience.
One aspect of EQ involves avoiding emotional interference, which occurs when an emotional reaction prevents a logical reaction to something. With emotional stimuli taking as long as 20 minutes to recover from, it may make sense to put off responding and calm oneself, rather than allowing negative emotions to influence actions and reactions.
Depersonalizing a heated situation can also be effective in working toward maintaining the health of a relationship. Rather than taking what is said in a personal way, work to accept that other people’s actions reflect their own realities. No matter how justified, responding in kind can create a whole host of new relational challenges in the future.
Research has shown EQ to be an outstanding predictor of workplace performance, and it also brings focus to interpersonal skills. It involves self awareness that includes an honest assessment of weaknesses and strengths, and the fostering of qualities such as empathy and patience.
One aspect of EQ involves avoiding emotional interference, which occurs when an emotional reaction prevents a logical reaction to something. With emotional stimuli taking as long as 20 minutes to recover from, it may make sense to put off responding and calm oneself, rather than allowing negative emotions to influence actions and reactions.
Depersonalizing a heated situation can also be effective in working toward maintaining the health of a relationship. Rather than taking what is said in a personal way, work to accept that other people’s actions reflect their own realities. No matter how justified, responding in kind can create a whole host of new relational challenges in the future.
