Having emotional intelligence is about knowing how to manage yourself, and how to manage your relationship with others in a productive and positive way.
There are lots of things you can do to build your EQ levels, but knowing what you shouldn’t do is often just as important as knowing what you should.
Here are 5 things that successful business leaders never do. Take note.
They don’t say “yes” to everything and anything.
Saying “no” is one of the hardest things my clients often report to me. They find their time is “stolen” by things they really don’t want to do but feel an obligation to (sometimes for very obscure reasons). Don’t give a washy “I’m not sure if I can”. A firm but polite, “Sorry I’d like to help, but I can’t take that on right now” should be enough to close down the request so you are free to fulfill your existing commitments.
They don’t take things personally.
Successful people don’t waste their time reading into things or bearing grudges. It’s wasted energy. They take things at face value and let go of emotional attachment. What are you holding personally right now that you could let go of? You’ll find it will free up some headspace.
They don’t spend time with negative people.
Those who constantly find fault, complain or wallow in their pity parties suck the energy out of your life. People who only focus on problems have limited ability to devise solutions. Avoid prolonged conversations with such people. Re-direct the conversation or ask them how they might solve the problem. Don’t join their gang!
They aren’t perfect.
I often think that perfectionists have a tough gig. Nothing is ever good enough and they have a constant sense of failure. Successful leaders know when good enough is good enough. When the benefit outweighs the cost of the effort it’s time to stop. You won’t find them tweaking something ad nauseam when they could be doing more productive things.
They don’t ignore the lessons learned.
Failure is painful and difficult to admit. Often we hide it or move on without a backward glance. But in failure lies the rich lessons for success. Successful people acknowledge and learn those lessons.
Emotional Intelligence can be measured, skill by skill, to show you where your strengths and weaknesses lie. Developing self-awareness, confidence, assertiveness and other abilities will help you to lead at your highest level.
Barbara Nugent has over 20 years experience in large organisations, leading teams and holding senior management positions. She is passionate about helping others uncover and grow their personal and professional potential.
If you would like to improve your emotional intelligence, have a team workshop, or find out more about one-to-one coaching programmes, just contact bnugent@transilientcoaching.ie or www.transilientcoaching.ie
