Emotional intelligence is often defined as a “soft skill” since it’s not a technical skill or related to IQ. But there is nothing soft about being an emotionally intelligent leader. Here are four reasons emotional intelligence is a not-so-soft “soft skill” and, instead, a consistent ability of the strongest, most effective leaders you know. 1. Emotional Intelligence Requires Raw Honesty With Yourself Self-awareness, the first pillar of emotional intelligence, requires an honest assessment of how others perceive …
Transitions are hard! Regardless of age, regardless of intensity. At work, at home, when your favorite coffee shop discontinues your favorite drink, when your iPhone updates and you can’t find anything, when you send your kids off to college… anyone? Out with the safe and comfortable and in with the new… all over again. Transitions. Are. Hard. And that’s exactly what we talk about in my latest interview with Jennifer Johnson on her podcast, The Fashionista Life. …
We know that mindfulness is an essential tool for balance, success, and emotionally intelligent leadership. And we know deep down the best tool known to man for improving your mindfulness muscle is… meditation! Even just 5 – 10 minutes a day makes me more focused, creative, productive, and patient with my family, clients, and team. Vast research backs up these findings! New meditators often ask (amongst many other things) whether guided meditations are ‘good’. Better than …
Tough-love conversations are necessary for shifting unproductive behavior and maintaining a positive, high-performance atmosphere within your organization. A lot of data suggests, however, that most managers and executives avoid difficult conversations most of the time. I bet this isn’t surprising to you. I’m sure you can think of at least one conversation you or one of your key employees needs to have that hasn’t taken place yet. Here are three ways to make having tough …
Our question of the week (or of a lifetime): Is work/life balance really achievable? “Balance isn’t even real,” you might be thinking. Or, “It’s not possible for someone like me… (with my job, my children, my life experiences).” If you feel this way, you aren’t alone. Many people believe that balance is a myth. But I am here to tell you that balance is 100% real, possible, and attainable for everyone, including you. People who believe …