Self-Image + Confidence + Attention

becoming emotionally intelligent

One of our favorite phrases at The Junto Institute is, "It doesn't matter how emotionally intelligent you are. What matters is how emotionally intelligent you can be."

Studies have shown that emotional intelligence is learnable and that our capacity to become more emotionally intelligent is unlimited.

Therefore, if you believe you're not very emotionally intelligent, it's ok; you can indeed get better. And if you believe you are emotionally intelligent (a self-limiting belief in itself), you have the capacity to grow even further.

emotional intelligence tips

1. Seek feedback from others to build an accurate self-image. Use questions like, "What feedback do you have for me?" and "How am I perceived?" and "What would you like me to start/stop/continue doing?" Yes, it's hard, uncomfortable, and time-intensive...and worth it.
2. To build a stronger achievement orientation:?create weekly time blocks not just daily ones; follow your heart when it's telling you that you need help; practice the concept of "deep work"; and take 5-10 minute breaks every hour of doing your most intense work.
3. To communicate empathy to other people, use the phrase, "I understand" with sincerity and healthy eye contact. And then stop. There's no need to tell them you can relate, to share your experience, or talk any further. Just "I understand."

featured building blocks + more tips

confidence. Your self-confidence is influenced by a healthy state of mind and a consistent feeling of optimism. TIP: to improve and maintain these, take a DOSE of "happy chemicals" each day by doing things, consuming foods, and being with people that help generate Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and

Endorphins for you.?

integrity. Your personal integrity is defined by how well you practice your values and purpose. TIP: write down your personal values and purpose statements, share them with your closest relationships for accountability, and then "walk your talk."?

attention. As long as you are not clinically diagnosed with a disorder, your attention is your brain's boss: where it goes, the rest of your brain follows. TIP: to pay better attention, reduce the likelihood of both internal distractions (thoughts, emotions, etc.) and external distractions (sensory stimuli).?

harmony. In relationships, harmony is built through a combination of effective conflict management and psychological safety. TIP: to better deal with conflict, use diplomacy and tact, start conversations only when emotions have de-escalated, and work towards a win-win resolution.?

Why are the four levels of emotionally intelligent leadership (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship management) in the order they are in the graphic above? Because it's essential to increase your ability to lead yourself before leading others.

your brain + body

Did you know there are approximately 100 billion neurons in your brain? These brain cells send and receive receive signals that help you think, move, feel, and otherwise be human.?

Well, there are also approximately 100 million neurons - brain cells - in your gut.?

They, too, send and receive signals that help you think, move, feel, and be human. In fact, many of these signals are sent to and from your brain via the vagus nerve, the longest nerve in your body which has a significant impact on your overall sense of well-being and your emotions.?

The quality of those signals and those outcomes are affected by many factors, including what you consume. This is why healthy eating matters: when you put good things into your body, they go through your gut, help build healthier neurons that send healthier signals to your brain, and help you feel better.

got a question?

If you have a burning question about emotionally intelligent leadership, or how to make leaders (including yourself) better at who they are and what they do, ask us! We'll do our best to answer it in an upcoming newsletter.