The 5 Best things ...

In June 2023, I started on the Certified Consultants course using the Emotional Culture Deck (ECD). I'd been using the cards for a couple of years, but this was a commitment to me, my learning, my creativity and my ikigai of making a positive difference.

The outcome of completing the certification course was to bring my skills with ECD up to the next level as I work with individuals and groups; and it has delivered in so many ways!

Here are the best 5, for me.

#1 Doubt, Uncertain and Alone

As I started on this course, I had to not just ask and coach others - but truly look inwards and ask myself questions. To identify and name my own emotions and feelings; rather than let them run around like an out-of-control pinball machine causing havoc in my brain!

I sat on a plane to Christchurch, kicking off my first reflective activity - and worked through the ECD cards. I identified I was feeling "doubt, uncomfortable, uncertain, alone and insecure".

Sure in one go, that is a little confronting - but the magic is that 'aha' and ability to exhale and then go ... okay, so what do I think about that? And what actions do I need to take?

Name it to Tame it - Dan Siegel

#2 WTF

Using the cards in 1:1s, coffee catch ups, in the car or airplane, in facilitation and training and coaching discussions has really increased my confidence in the asking the question, WTF?

What's the Feeling?

Proactively working with people to identify what they've been feeling or want to be feeling, and the intentional actions, behaviours, and rituals that will support that. This can be with individuals, teams, workplaces - and indeed with families and friends.

Asking this question is the heart of any work with the ECD cards from team building, co-creation of team culture, values design, change management, conflict resolution, self awareness as an individual contributor or people leader!

#3 Above the Line & Below the Line

There is much debate over who or where the concept of 'above the line and below the line' thinking originated; but for me the concepts of using the ECD cards within the work context - are well explained using the above the line and below the line model or overlaying it with growth and fixed mindsets!

In identifying, reflecting and understanding our emotions and feelings - we're better able to group, process, and then work on collective actions. I have loved the ability to link the ECD cards and people's thinking with the concept of above and below the line.

What are the feelings or emotions that are holding you back? Stopping you from stepping above the line? Supporting you or others in being above the line - in taking ownership and responsibility?

#4 What's in your Circle of Control?

E.T.A. (Emotions, Thoughts, Actions)

For the most of us, our emotions, thoughts and actions are within our personal circle of control.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the ability to share with individuals and groups about Stephen Covey's concept of the Circle of Control introduced in his book 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People'; and in understanding how our emotions are ours to name, tame or fame. We have the control and the ability to make choices.

I have woven the concepts around Circle of Control, Influence, Concern with the ECD.

#5 There are more than the emotions you can name with your fingers - happy, sad, mad, angry, frustrated ...

The ECD cards and the variety of coaching and workshop environments have meant that I have introduced the cards to a massive variety of people, from different parts of NZ, including healthcare workers, STMS and Traffic Controllers, nurses, lab techs, managers, administrators, marketers, fundraisers, CEOs and business owners.

The cards and the activities that we've used them for, have helped people understand the spectrum of emotions, introduced emotions that they may not have previously known about talk about the meanings, and shared connections to emotions. This has led to meaningful conversations, personal growth and certainly increased psychological safety within some teams. That has been the personal highlight for me!

It has been an awesome journey of learning to become a Certified Consultant. It's pushed me to try new things, and outside my comfort zone, to reflect and reframe, and to connect in with a wonderful community of people using the #emotionalculturedeck #beawesome

Here are some ways I've used the ECD cards during this journery -

ECD Learning Journey

?#emotionalculturedeck #proelephantrider #ridersandelephants #emotionalculture

Download a free Emotional Culture Deck and join our mission to re-humanise the workplace. Emotions drive life’s experiences. They can inspire and embolden people to push their limits or crush confidence and motivation, leading them to languish. Embraced,?emotions are a marvellous force for good. Learn more here:?https://www.ridersandelephants.com/the-emotional-culture-deck