I recall passing my driving test. I was so proud. I got my brand new Lancer and I really thought that I could drive … I had a permit to prove it. I soon learnt that the permit was just that, it gave me permission to drive. I struggled to reverse park. The 4 lanes of traffic moving unidirectional around the world’s largest roundabout were a nightmare.
My actual competence in driving would be developed daily, each time I sat in the driver’s seat. That learning continues to take place even today, several decades later.
I share this, because as an Emotional Intelligence Coach, my experience is the same. I began receiving formal training in Emotional Intelligence in the late 1990’s. Every day, every moment, provides me with the opportunity to reflect on my interactions and determine how the insights can assist me in further developing my EQ. My thirst for continuing to enhance my EI competencies and my desire to share with others how they can, is unquenchable.
The reality is that in every moment, every interaction we demonstrate our EI. My ongoing development comes from my willingness to pause in the moment, reflect and objectively unpack my emotions in the moment – what am I feeling, why, and make appropriate choices, choices aligned with my purpose.
Sometimes we can do this independently. At other times we need to receive feedback. We need someone to curate the tough questions we avoid, the questions that uncover our blindspots, allow us to better understand our emotions and improve our EI competencies.
How focused are you on developing your emotional intelligence competencies? What helps? How might I help? #emotionalintelligence #timeoutspecialist #pause
are you ready for a time out? 