Using IQ & EQ to Challenge SQ - Today

“It’s how we’ve always done it.”  “Well, that’s just how we do things here.” “It’s best that you don’t rock the boat.”

I think we can all agree that these comments will not be the norm - as a result of the exceptional times we are currently experiencing. Whether it is the new status quo or the new normal - things are definitely differently.

But even when everyone of us is faced with change - staying indoors and social distancing - change will always be met with resistance (internal or external).  Afterall, status quo is comfortable, predictable, easy and does not require any type of change or challenge. It does not require us to take risks.

Yet, when we follow the status quo, over time, our success will stall because individuals, teams, leaders, and companies will miss out on opportunities for growth, and stagnation becomes the mode of operation. 

Just because something has worked until now, does not mean that there is no need for rearrangement, review or reassessment. After all, listening to music on a record or cassette worked perfectly well until mp3s were invented.

So status quo is really a scarcity mentality.  A way of thinking in which for one person or group to win, the other side must lose (ideas, opportunities, etc.). So at its essence - the ability to challenge the status quo comes down to being able to use different types of thinking - intentionally.  And the two processes that I refer to when coaching executives is a combination of reasoning and mindfulness: intelligence quotient + emotional intelligence = change in status quo.

IQ (intelligence quotient) is a measure how well we use information and logic to answer questions or make prediction.  EQ (emotional intelligence) is the ability to understand, use, and manage our emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others and connect.  

To manage change and promote change is a concentrated focus on using our IQ (intelligence quotient) and our EQ (emotional intelligence).

So looking at the status quo in your workplace – during these unprecedented times - what would you change right now – while we are all managing change. Perhaps you have already hit on a solution to a problem that has been on your mind for some time. Or maybe you just want to start thinking more creatively, to encourage personal growth. It could be something big, like branching out and trying something new in terms of services, products or a new client base. Research shows that meaningful, creative work increases work satisfaction, and by extension, employee performance and retention.

Fortune favors the brave. But speaking up or to go against the grain – is not easy for everyone. Even when we know something should be different, we do not always have the courage to take action. And when we do, we risk our ideas falling on deaf ears, being overruled or ignored. But fortune favors the brave! Here three key steps you can use  to increase your chances of success when considering a challenge to the status quo.

1. Ask Questions (EQ): If you keep asking yourself “why” when following a process or regular course of action, then you have likely identified something that needs to be changed or improved.  If that is the case, ask yourself and other people questions, in order to fully understand why things are being done in a particular way. There may be good reasons that you’re unaware of, or maybe it is just because “that’s the way it’s always been done.”

Let people take their time in answering, and listen carefully – their answers may lead to further questions, problems or solutions that you had not considered. 

2. Prioritize Ideas (IQ): Perhaps you have a whole list of ideas that you’d like to implement. If so, it’s important to pick your battles. Being passionate about change is admirable, but sharing new ideas every day will cause people to tune out, and your best ideas may get lost among the lesser ones.

For maximum impact, pick the ones that are most relevant and likely to succeed. Choose wisely: take some time for self-reflection at the end of the day, and factor in some personal brainstorming.

3. Gather Allies (EQ): If you are planning to challenge long-standing attitudes or processes, it can help to have people on your side. And the more ingrained the status quo that you are trying to disrupt, the more and stronger allies you may need.  Multiple perspectives can really help creativity to blossom. You will not be the only person on the team with ideas, and you may inspire others to speak up with theirs. Encouraging others to think creatively and positively, will allow you to gather allies who can support you if you meet resistance, either face-on or behind your back.

4. Stay Poised & Persevere (EQ & IQ): If you hit a wall, do not feel like you are making headway as fast as you would like –  do not let exhaustion, anger or stress get the better of you. Learn from the experience and focus on turning negative emotions around. Some ideas can take a while to come to fruition. Sometimes – for numerous reasons – we may have a hard time staying persistent and motivating ourselves to stay the course. If this happens to you,  design a resilience strategy. Include distinct goals and a clear timeline that sets you up for little victories along the way that will keep you motivated.

When we put these 4 steps into place you will see results.  So ask yourself:

Have you spelled out the impact of “maintaining the status quo” and “the status quo challenge” on people?

Have you considered the emotional and the rational case for challenging  the status quo?

Who have you connected with to support and be a sounding board for your idea, recommendation or initiative?

What strategies can you use if you hit a wall?

When you answer these questions, you will be well positioned to use your IQ and EQ to change the SQ around you.

In today’s business environment, change is a constant. And a methodical approach to challenging the status quo at any level, will help organizations, teams and individuals - enhance their overall transformation capability, increase the speed of implementation, and improve the probability of success.

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Corey Atkinson, VP of Strategic Learning & Development, [email protected]. As an experienced organizational development speaker, consultant, master facilitator, coach, and author - his focuses on delivering meaningful and measurable strategies for organizations to create insightful leaders and harness team potential.