When keeping it real goes wrong Pt. 1
Observations on Emotional Intelligence
QUOTE
On the power of observation
To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.
- Marilyn Vos Savant
OBSERVATION (No pun-intended)
To be more emotionally intelligent, one must value and observe
Emotional intelligence is a great framework to gain a deeper understanding of self and social regulation. Assessment tools like the EQI can be a great way to look at critical factors within to build it. However, there are two underlying skills in which to build upon: Observation and Valuing Others
If we do not value the processes and perspectives of others, social intelligence will be difficult to obtain because effort will be limited.
If I am not observant, it will be difficult to raise the awareness necessary to recognize what skills to develop to better manage my own thought processes and build empathy towards others.
ACTIONABLE IDEA
Start by training observation
As a place to start, training observation can be a great way to start raising the awareness around our ability to improve emotional intelligence. Below are some questions to create training exercises from.
For today, we will start with self-awareness regulation (See a few examples of questions below). In the meantime, two great resources to gain depth here: The Science of Mindfulness and then works from Daniel Goleman; Emotional Intelligence. Mindfulness is a great accompaniment to Emotional Intelligence.
Self-Awareness Exercises
Observation of thoughts, emotions, and focus
How did you manage focus vs. random thoughts today?
What did you notice about your reactions?
How did you choose to focus?
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Thanks!
Russ
You're discussion on observation makes me think of the distinction in "The Inner Game of Tennis" where Gallwey distinguishes between self 1 and self 2, with self 1 being the cognitive critic in a way telling the self 2 what to do. I really like how he discusses the need to let Self 2 take over and just do, be, notice the swing the form whatever and not let self 1 always try to dictate how to move.