5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Action!
Dr. Irvine Nugent, PCC, CSP
We help organizations who want to turn conflict into connection before it’s too late. . . Talks about #emotionalIntelligence #conflict #conflictresolution #leadership
My dear friend Maria works as an engineer, however, if you talk to her about drama, her eyes will automatically light up. Her body will move towards you with a passion and enthusiasm that’s hard to miss. Maria spends most of her free time volunteering with her local amateur theater company. She has acted in countless plays from musicals like Billy Elliot to Shakespearian drama such as?King Lear.
I find it fascinating just listening to her dedication whenever she gets a new role. It’s not just about learning her lines – Maria goes the extra mile and does research on the person, the playwright, and the historical context of the play. The pinnacle of this preparation is the live performance which normally runs over a 1–2-week period. Bear in mind that Maria also has a full-time job. I asked her how she can do a full day’s work and then go on stage in the evening?
She lists several rituals she uses to help her get into character and dismiss the distractions of the day. She first has a physical warmup which includes some stretching and dancing to upbeat music – she has a specific playlist for this. Next, she spends some time warming up her voice and doing a set of vocal exercises. Finally, she takes 20-30 minutes to get into the right space.
For Maria, this entails bringing to mind the character she is plying. She hears her voice, feel her clothes, imagines where the character is coming from before they enter the stage.
marvel at such dedication. I also think there are lots of lessons for us here. Each day we also make important transitions between places and actions. Most of us do this without thinking about them or taking time to pause and consider it.
An important facet of emotional intelligence is the ability to be aware of the presence you are bringing to any setting and how it might impact others. Emotions are contagious and are easily caught by others. It’s vital therefore as we make transitions throughout our day to be very deliberate about what emotions and moods we might be bringing to our new situation and if it is serving us and others around us and, if we might need to make any adjustments.
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Probably the most significant transition we make each day is from home to work and vice versa. This still holds true even in our virtual world. ?It’s important to take a few minutes to make these transitions very deliberate. So often we are not fully aware of the energy we are bringing to work or to home. Perhaps we are annoyed by something our spouse or partner said to us over breakfast and we have to jump on a zoom call? Maybe coming home after a phone call with a client who had made some last-minute demands. If we don’t take a few moments to recognize and?manage our emotions, we risk bringing that energy with us.
Maria had her rituals before a performance so she could best embody the character she was playing. Perhaps we should also consider having a ritual as we from home to work and vice versa?
For this week’s?EQ workout, I would like to offer a ritual/practice that others I have coached have found very helpful. As you move from home to work and work to home take a few minutes to pause and become aware of your energy and emotions you take taking with you into the next space. ?What do you notice about them? Will they serve you at home or work? Do I need to make an adjustment?
I have developed a guide for this practice that you can download below.
I make complex things simple & boring things interesting ?? Creative Catalyst, Visual Facilitator & Brand Specialist for Innovation & Tech, Speaker, Semiotician, New Yorker Cartoonist
2 年This is so valuable Dr. Irvine Nugent, CSP because while intellectually we might know it makes sense to be intentional about the energy we bring into a situation, it's hard to remember to check ourselves as we move between spheres. I really like the metaphor of an actor "Getting in character" as a tool to help guide us in who we want to be when coming to a meeting or through the front door at the end of a day
Former Interim President, California State Univ. Stanislaus, Former Chancellor & Prof. Univ. of Mich.-Flint, Sr. Research Assoc., Claremont Grad. Univ., DEI strategist, #First-Gen., #TEDx, #Keynote speaker
2 年What a great description of intentional practice... for any environment. I am often moving so quickly I run the risk of taking energy I don't want into my next space. This is a great reminder Dr. Irvine Nugent, CSP. to be more conscious of the energy I want to bring into a space.
I Help Women Transform Their Law Firms into a Well-Oiled, Profitable Business while Reclaiming Time for Themselves and Their Family Even if They've Already Tried Everything.
2 年Dr. Irvine Nugent, CSP, this is wonderful advice as we are seldom aware of our states and emotions. I find that simply putting a smile on my face shifts my mood and the energy that I bring. Even if I'm not feeling it, it only takes a few seconds to elevate me, and those around me. Why do you think that is?
As I work and live at home, it's import to take time to transition from one state to another. Otherwise I feel like I work all the time. Thanks Dr. Irvine Nugent, CSP for this reminder.
Leadership & Change Expert | Hall of Fame Speaker | Author | Inspiring Leaders and Teams to take Radical Ownership and Ignite the Power of Positive Change ★ In-Person and Online Keynotes ★ Leadership Development
2 年Dr. Irvine Nugent, CSP , thank you for your example of your dear friend Maria! You definitely have mastered the art of storytelling! Maria's intentionality contributes to her success and passion. The steps that you describe in terms of her preparation for each performance are a great reminder for all of us to be more conscious and deliberate in terms of how we each prepare for our daily performance: i.e. living our lives with intention. When I simply go through the motions and view the essential tasks as mundane, it has an impact on my emotional state. However, when I remember the "why" behind all these steps and change my perspective, I can lift myself up.