Smarter Decisions and Positive Change -- Sept 2024 #2

Ei Tip #1: 3 Ways to Fuse Emotional Intelligence into Decision-Making at Work?

We all know decision-making isn’t just about facts and figures—it’s about people. Whether you’re leading in an educational institution, at the office, or in the heart of a stadium on game day, the decisions you make can shape the emotional climate of your team. The good news? By applying emotional intelligence, you can make decisions that build connection, trust, and engagement. Here are 3 simple ways to bring emotional intelligence into your decision-making process:

1. Pause and Reflect (Self-Awareness)

We’ve all been there—rushed into a decision or reacted too quickly in a high-stakes moment. The key is to pause and reflect. Take a breath and assess how your emotions are influencing your thoughts. By doing this, you’ll be able to respond with clarity instead of reacting impulsively. In those moments of pressure, that pause is your superpower.

2. Consider the Emotional Impact (Empathy)

Decisions don’t exist in a vacuum. Every choice you make affects those around you—whether it’s students, employees, or fans. Anticipating how people will feel about your decisions allows you to lead with empathy. That doesn’t mean avoiding tough calls—it means making sure your delivery builds trust and connection. When you consider the emotional impact, you make decisions that people will not only understand but rally behind.

3. Involve Others (Relationship Management)

The best leaders know they don’t have to make decisions alone. Involve others in the process and watch your relationships grow stronger. Whether it’s a colleague, a team leader, a staff member, or a student, getting input shows that you value their perspective. And when people feel included, they’re more likely to support the outcome. After all, emotionally intelligent leaders recognize that collaboration is the ultimate strength.

The Bottom Line: Emotional intelligence in decision-making isn’t just a skill—it’s a game-changer. By pausing to reflect, considering the emotional impact, and involving others, you create an environment where trust, engagement, and performance thrive. Whether you’re in education, business, or fan experience, leading with emotional intelligence ensures your decisions uplift your team and drive success.

Ei Tip #2: 3 Strategies for Being a Positive Change Agent?

Change isn’t easy, but the ability to lead it effectively can transform any team or organization. Whether it’s improving team morale, driving innovation, or reshaping culture, being a positive change agent means not just reacting to change but actively shaping it. The question is: how do you do it in a way that inspires others to get on board? Here are three practical strategies to help you lead positive change and create lasting impact.

1. Lead with Optimism and Empathy

Change can be unsettling for many, but when you approach it with optimism and empathy, you turn resistance into resilience. Great change agents take the time to understand how people are feeling about the change and connect emotionally with their concerns. By showing empathy and focusing on possibilities rather than obstacles, you help create a sense of shared ownership and a vision everyone can get behind. It’s not just about leading the charge—it’s about bringing everyone along for the journey.

2. Shift the Focus to Solutions

It’s easy to get bogged down in what’s not working, but positive change agents flip the script by concentrating on solutions. By redirecting attention to what’s possible and actionable, you create momentum. Start with small wins to build confidence and demonstrate progress. Whether you’re working in education, business, or fan experience, when you help others see the path forward, challenges seem less daunting, and energy shifts from problem to possibility.

3. Empower Your Team to Drive the Change

Real change happens when people feel empowered to take action. The best change agents know that involving others in the process builds commitment and engagement. By giving your team a role in decision-making and problem-solving, you foster ownership and accountability. This shared leadership approach ensures that change is not only embraced but also sustained. Whether it’s a classroom project, a business strategy, or game-day operations, empowering others to lead creates a ripple effect that amplifies the impact of change.

What it All Comes Down To: Being a positive change agent means more than simply managing transitions—it’s about inspiring and empowering those around you to embrace and contribute to the process. By leading with optimism, focusing on solutions, and empowering your team, you can create a culture of change that thrives on growth and possibility. The result? A stronger, more engaged organization that’s ready for whatever comes next.

If you'd like to increase retention, enhance leadership,?and elevate employee engagement--or just want to learn more about the power of emotional intelligence--let's connect. Shoot me a DM, visit my website, or contact me on my cell via call or text: 715-220-7810.

I have a full menu of research-based interactive workshops and assessments that promote actions that will take your organization to the next level.

--Duane Jourdeans