Sometimes Challenges Don't Change

The following is adapted from the best-selling book Solving the People Problem and the Plan B Success podcast.

We’ve been working in this space for many years. And some of the challenges we saw twenty years ago are just as deeply rooted now as they were then. The world is evolving and changing. And I think we can all agree that this past year has been one for the record books. We’re more spread out, more distanced, less face-to-face. Those changes can definitely seem jarring. And they can also make it more difficult to do things the way we’ve always done them. But just as we advise stretching to accommodate those around you, we think you can stretch your understanding of how to learn, how to promote the growth of emotional intelligence, how to continue moving your goals forward.

So We’re Left to Change Ourselves

One of things that we have found is that when you're trying to drive behavior change, it's about much more than the classroom. Of course classrooms are great for creating some awareness and some understanding. But we want people experimenting with these new ideas so they can adopt them and build new habits. And what we're finding is that through working virtually, we can actually spread out our learning and connections, our touch points, encouraging more experimentation and adoption of the things we learn.

Nowhere does it say that all learning has to take place in the classroom. And at this point in the world that wouldn’t even be realistic. So how can you keep growing and stretching and learning?

Find Your Tools

Find the language and tools that fit in with your organization and promote the use of those resources and the conversations they generate. Want to learn more about the people you’re working with? Consider a personality-typing tool. Want to engage more with those around you? Find a platform that works for you and allows everyone to communicate. Want to meet with the people on your team? Look for a service that allows you to stay connected.

The world is becoming more and more digital and interconnected with each passing day. Learning how to adapt to work better with those around you, whether they’re in the office next door or on a video call halfway around the world, is going to be vital in continuing on your journey and being successful.

To find out where you currently stand regarding emotional intelligence, take the Solving The People Problem Survey.

Brett M. Cooper and Evans Kerrigan help professionals like you build work relationships that really work. Over the last twenty years, they’ve influenced thousands of people in government, non-profits, and corporate America to work together in more productive, more effective, and more human ways. Through Integris Performance Advisors—the firm they co-founded—Brett and Evans have helped clients increase employee engagement, improve efficiency, and generate hundreds of millions in financial benefit. Brett and Evans are frequent speakers on team dynamics, leadership, and operational excellence. To access more great content and resources, and to connect directly with Brett and Evans, visit SolvingThePeopleProblem.com.