The Results from the CIPD Annual Conference are in!

We asked:

Which 3 areas do your leaders need to develop most? Drum roll...

Here's what you said:

In first place: Emotional Intelligence

This was followed by Performance Management and then Communication.

With Emotional Intelligence at the forefront for so many, here is a fresh perspective on WHAT it is, WHY we need to develop it and HOW we can do so in ourselves and the people we work with.

Emotional intelligence is a FEELING and not an UNDERSTANDING. Whilst intellectually understanding Emotional Intelligence is a pre-requisite it is the feeling and behaviour that brings emotional intelligence to life.? There are many leaders who understand and use the phrase of emotional intelligence, but do not necessarily practice it.

Know the difference between sympathy, empathy and COMPASSION.? Sympathy, "I feel for you".? Empathy, "I feel with you". Compassion, "I feel with you and I can take action to provide the conditions for you to use your feelings and thrive".

REFLECTIVE time IS work.? Ensuring there is time to make sense and be intentional about communication and be proactive IS as important (if not more important) than the doing.

Always be in CURIOSITY rather than judgement.? Emotional intelligence is self awareness - start with yourself.? And then you can notice if you are in judgement and then become a seeker.?

Ask QUESTIONS and look for a different understanding.? Judgement means we are working from our emotions.? Curiosity means we are using our feelings to guide us towards deeper understanding.