Empowering Insights Into Emotional Intelligence: Inspired By The Life And Legacy Of My Mother

June is a time for relaxation and fun, offering plenty of chances for adventure and bonding. Whether you're hitting the road for a road trip or escaping to the countryside, it's all about creating lasting memories. Beaches are bustling with sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts, while national parks attract hikers and nature lovers, making for unforgettable summer moments.

Yet for me, June holds a special place in my heart as a time of remembrance. It marks the anniversary of my beloved mother's passing. Dianne S. Dogan wasn't just my incredible mom, she was also a devoted wife, nurturing aunt, and supportive friend. Beyond that, she was an inspirational teacher and mentor. Her life truly embodied the profound influence of emotional intelligence, and today, I'm eager to share these meaningful lessons with you. These insights, shaped by her life, have the power to enrich your personal journey and propel your professional growth.

The Importance of Self-Actualization

My mother was not only a wonderful mom but also my first teacher. In fact, she taught thousands of students over her 25-year career working in the Memphis Public Schools System. Before I understood the concept of self-actualization , she demonstrated it. Teaching wasn't just her job; it was an integral part of who she was.

She often told me about dreaming of teaching her students even while she slept. This passion was her driving force, pushing her to go above and beyond the call of duty. Her strong sense of purpose was evident in her work and life, and it has always been an inspiration for me.

To gauge your own sense of self-actualization in your career, consider asking yourself:

• Am I deeply engaged and passionate about my work?
• Do I feel a strong sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment in what I do?
• Do I see alignment between my personal values, my company's values, and my career goals?
• Am I continually growing and developing professionally?
• Do I have a healthy work-life integration and a sense of well-being?

Reflecting on these questions can help you determine whether you're maximizing your potential and achieving personal fulfillment. If you're not feeling self-actualized, perhaps it's time to explore ways to get there. Create an action plan to address one of the questions above to get started.

Building Resilience and Optimism

While my mother achieved tremendous success, she also faced significant adversities. One of the biggest challenges was when my brother, Harold, who was 13-years old at the time, was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. Despite the ups and downs, she remained optimistic, using that energy to support my brother and our family.?

For three years, we were caught in a dance we never wanted to join, bravely navigating it until the music abruptly stopped with my brother losing his battle to cancer at the tender age of 16. I was just 14 at the time. It was a devastating blow for our family, but through it all, my mom's incredible courage, resilience, and optimism kept us moving forward. She taught us to face each day with renewed strength and hope, believing in better days ahead

From this experience, I learned the power of resilience and optimism. These attributes have centered me when life seems chaotic. To cultivate your resilience and optimism, consider these tactics:

• Practice Gratitude: Regularly focus on what you're thankful for to cultivate a positive perspective. My mom led us in gratitude exercises, focusing on what my brother brought to our lives and the world.
• Develop a Growth Mindset: See challenges as opportunities for growth. We were deeply saddened and distraught when my brother passed away, yet it became a pivotal moment for us to strengthen our resilience and optimism. Looking back, I recognize this growth opportunity, though navigating it at the time was incredibly challenging.
• Build a Strong Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive people. Our extended family and friends played a crucial role in helping us through this difficult time.
• Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health: Maintain a balanced lifestyle with exercise, healthy eating, sleep, and stress management. When someone passes away, it’s extremely hard to have balance in these areas, but as time moves on, these are the areas to tap into to activate energy sources to move forward.

Whether you're dealing with the loss of a loved one or a setback at work, these strategies can empower you to face adversities with resilience and optimism.

On another note, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was an incredible partner to my family during my brother’s cancer journey. They not only provided world-class care, but also emotional and financial support. That's why over the past 25 years. I've actively raised awareness about their mission and supported them financially. Consider learning more about St Jude and exploring ways to support their mission.

The Power of Empathy

One of the most remarkable qualities my mother possessed was her deep empathy. Her motto, "You only get to keep what you give away," guided her interactions with family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers. She created a safe space for others to share their challenges without judgment, making them feel seen and heard.

This empathy extended to her students, many of whom faced educational and personal struggles. She made each student feel capable of achieving anything, and they did. Her unwavering belief in their potential inspired their success. Her empathy has deeply influenced my approach as an executive coach, where I strive to make a difference in every life I touch.

To harness the power of empathy in your interactions, consider these tactics:

• Active Listening: Give your full attention, maintain eye contact, and listen without interrupting. Show that you're engaged and interested in understanding the perspective of others.
• Validate Feelings: Acknowledge and validate the other person's emotions. Even if you don't agree with their perspective, let them know their feelings are understandable and okay.
• Use Empathetic Responses: Reflect back what you hear and understand of their emotions. For example, say, "It sounds like you're feeling..." or "I can see why you would feel that way."
• Offer Support: Ask how you can help or offer support in a way that respects their needs and preferences, whether it's practical or emotional support.
• Avoid Judgment: Be non-judgmental and refrain from criticizing or dismissing their feelings. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable expressing themselves openly.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on these lessons from my mother has been a deeply personal and uplifting experience. Her life was a testament to the power of self-actualization, resilience, optimism, and empathy. These qualities not only shaped her into an extraordinary human but also left a lasting impact on everyone she touched.

I hope these insights inspire you to embrace emotional intelligence in your own journey. Whether you're uncovering your purpose, building resilience, or fostering empathy, these traits can foster personal fulfillment and professional growth.?

Lastly, always remember, emotional intelligence isn't just a skill; it's a transformative way of being - enriching your life, as well as the lives of those you interact with.

Here are some ways to access additional tools, advice, and tips to accelerate your leadership & career:

→ Review the numerous career-enhancing resources available on my website at aliciadreece.com .

→ Explore my best-selling book, Driven to Thrive .

→ Engage with my NEW LinkedIn Learning Expert Powered By AI Coaching Bot .

→ Follow me on LinkedIn , and click the ?? at the top of my profile page to learn more about Drive to Thrive events and join the conversation on my posts.

→ Subscribe to receive my Driven to Thrive newsletters.

→?Enroll in one of my LinkedIn Learning courses: Coaching Yourself to Career Success and/or Align Your Career Goals to Your Authentic Self.

I’m rooting for you always!