Emotional Intelligence 101

Emotional intelligence is that golden nugget to healthy relationship! 

Emotional intelligence trumps intelligence every time. 

Smarts is not enough; knowing when and how to use the smarts is the key.  We will never rise by downing others. We can only rise when we uplift others by valuing their feelings and emotions.

Here are a few things to help keep our emotions in check. 

1.      Keep the big picture perspective. Is it worth it to get someone’s blood pressure up? Will it matter long term? Is it worth saying it at this moment?

2.      Ware self-awareness at all times. People are not dumping grounds for our self-pity and garbage. Remember that it is our nature to project onto others our feelings and inadequacies. Nothing good comes out of negativity.

3.      Self-management is of paramount importance. Be on guard in case bullets start flying.

4.      Patience and practice are productive. Listen to the emotions, not with the emotions.

5.      Control those mood swings. Mood swings can trigger the firing of un-recallable missiles.

6.      Mental preparation has profound effect. Know what to expect and expect the un-expectable. Fly within your safe envelope.

7.      Value feelings and feedback.  Fix the fumbles if you want a touchdown. Know how to recover quickly. Making mistakes is human. Give grace to others.

Be blessed and be a blessing to others!

Carlos Fontana, President of Phalanx

Co-author of the book Follow to Lead (The 7 Principles to Being a Great Follower)

Author of the book PRICELESS (Sixty-Six Simple Stories of Reflection, Love, and Legacy)