1 Idea💡

Last week I came incredibly close to achieving a career goal that I’ve been working toward for months.

I put my best foot forward, and made it to the final stage of the process. But in the end, things didn’t go my way.

The next day my wife asked me how I was feeling about it. I quickly snapped back with a snarky “How do you think I’m feeling?? I’m p*ssed!”.

Realizing I’d let my emotions get the best of me, I paused to reconsider the question.

How Was I Feeling?🤔

I was certainly angry.

But I was also…

• disappointed in myself for falling short

• confused about how I could have done better

• scared that I wouldn’t have another opportunity to redeem myself

This simple act of pausing and acknowledging my emotions caused a shift.

My nervous system relaxed and I was almost immediately able to begin the process of reframing the experience as the important- albeit painful - lesson that it was.

It was emotional intelligence in action.

In a world where AI and technology are transforming careers and industries at a break-neck pace, growing our Emotional Intelligence is more crucial than ever. because while technical skills are important, they alone are not enough to navigate the complexities of a tech-driven environment.

It’s tapping into our Emotional Intelligence that allows us to connect with others on a human level, with empathy and resilience - especially during periods of intense, disruptive change.

Cultivating your emotional intelligence is also a powerful way to AI-proof your career. As AI takes over routine tasks, the uniquely human ability to understand and manage emotions will continue to be a leadership differentiator for many years to come.

A recent Microsoft (parent company of ChatGPT) survey of 31,000 professionals identified Emotional Intelligence as one of the top leadership skills needed in an AI-powered economy.

Getting Started

Growing your emotional intelligence is simpler than you think. Start with these three steps:

1. Notice 🔎

   Tune into your emotions. What are you feeling right now? Remember, emotions aren't inherently “good” or “bad”—they're just data.

    

2. Explore 🗺️

   Investigate the root causes of your emotions. What events or thoughts triggered these feelings? Understanding the source helps you gain clarity and perspective.

    

3. Decide 🔀

   Take control of your emotions. Instead of letting them dictate your actions, choose a response that aligns with your values and long-term goals. What steps can you take to move forward positively and constructively?

[Click here link to download a copy of this Emotional Intelligence practice in worksheet form.]

If you’re not accustomed to tuning into your emotional state, this process may be challenging at first. But with a little practice, you’ll start realizing the benefits personally and professionally, and it’ll become second nature.

Did this week’s topic resonate with you? Hit ‘reply’ and let me know!

And don’t forget to download your Emotional Intelligence worksheet.

Want some help building a culture of emotional intelligence on your team? Book a free consultation and let’s talk about it!

See you next Wednesday,

Darin

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