What will I be when i grow up?
Having spent over ten years in the classroom I have been asked countless questions. One question, in particular, resonated as an educator;
“Sir, what do you think is the most important thing we will learn in school that we can use in the real world?”
On reflection, I decided to pose this question to my students. The responses varied from some saying maths, others saying a language, science and the list goes on. My own perspective was that;
“Your ability to form personal relationships and being positive around people”
Now apply this question to a business setting. What would your response be if I asked you as a business owner, What do you think is the most important skill a student will learn that will benefit them in the long term?
One of the most important things to be successful in business is the personal relationships we develop. How we interact with our colleagues and engage with customers is at the core of our success or failure. Negative interaction with either group will firstly affect performance, then the working environment and eventually it will trickle to your bottom line.
When a customer is made to feel appreciated and valued that transaction then becomes a positive experience which may turn into a repeat customer. When a member of staff receives a compliment for a job well done, from a customer or a member of management, they then feel positively reinforced and become happier in their role within the company.
What do I think children learn in our current education system that will benefit them throughout their lifetime?
Generally, I think the most beneficial skill students have the opportunity to learn while in education is networking. Learning how to navigate through life and cope in what may seem like impossible situations.
In the world of business, IQ will get you hired but EQ will get you promoted.
The cornerstone of my business is emotional intelligence. Emotional Intelligence (EI) or emotional quotient (EQ) is a set of skills that help us better perceive, understand and manage emotions in ourselves and others. Collectively they help us make intelligent responses to, and use of, emotions.?These skills are as important?as your intellect (IQ) in determining success in work and life.
?A key principle of emotional intelligence (EQ) is “how we show up” and how we interact and deal with the people around us.
Emotional intelligence ?(EQ) is seen throughout the workplace. For those who many have never heard of EQ, EQ is all around us. It manifests through all of our encounters and exchanges. Chatting with colleagues at the water cooler, having discussions at home with your partner, even in a restaurant discussing your week with friends. Our emotional intelligence is what allows us to have these everyday exchanges.
There is evidence that highlights the link between emotional intelligence and career success,?improved performance at work, and stronger mental health.?The links for these articles are included at the end of this article. The benefits of EQ to HR professionals and managers and leaders are also seen. ?Managers and leaders will need to communicate and motivate people effectively. An individual who demonstrates a high level of emotional intelligence will not just see benefits in the workplace setting – it can have a positive impact on many aspects of your life. Being able to understand and manage emotions can lead to an overall better outlook on life and leave you feeling more positive about yourself and situations that may arise.?
Benefits of emotional intelligence in the workplace
Positive interactions
At work, you are likely to find yourself?communicating with coworkers, supervisors, stakeholders, and potential customers. This leaves a lot of room for interactions where emotions are involved, and emotional intelligence can be the difference-maker in these interactions being positive.?
Creating connections
EQ creates possibilities to make strong connections through positive interactions. It allows for a greater understanding of individuals and undertaking interactions with a more positive attitude thus increasing your likelihood of making meaningful connections.
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Motivating others?
When you have an understanding and a grasp of your own emotions and can influence those around you. You can motivate your coworkers to become more productive and be their best selves. This skill is important for those who are in leadership roles.
Career prospects
In the world of business, IQ will get you hired but EQ will get you promoted. Individuals with high levels of EQ are desired by employers especially seeing as it is linked to job performance. Naturally, employers will want people who perform at a high level and building EQ into your current skill-set can set up apart from the competition.
Navigating high-pressure situations
Dealing with conflict.
In high-pressure situations understanding your emotions and controlling your emotions will be key in dealing with arguments or general conflict. With an understanding of the spectrum of emotions and what they mean, you could set about diffusing the situation.
?Dealing with Criticism?
?An emotionally intelligent individual will deal with constructive criticism in a positive manner. Dealing with constructive criticism can be a sensitive issue for many people and can result in a ?response of negative emotions. Those with high levels of EQ will reflect on the situation and turn it into a positive outcome and take it as a learning experience.
?Supporting coworkers
Recognising when a coworker is having a bad day or feeling overwhelmed and understanding this is key. Demonstrating this understanding can lead to an increase in their positive emotions which can lead to a happier workplace. In this instance, empathy comes into play here. Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes will let you engage with them and make a difference.
Productivity at work
An open and inclusive environment where people are encouraged to think about their emotions instead of reacting can improve productivity. Stronger relationships are built, people are motivated to work harder, and there is less likely to be conflict in the way of work.
?Conclusion
What did I learn in school that I have used in my adult life? I learned that every voice counts and everyone's feelings are important. I also figured out that education and success are not the same things. People have their own strengths, and learning how to recognise them and utilise them is the real gift. I believe in life we have to take the good with the bad. When I reflect on my successes, they vary from my personal life to my professional one, I pay attention to my own growth and personal development. In every situation in my life I am certain I have benefitted in some way from each experience. Now, I will not say I always got it right, but I have always tried to reflect on life and take learnings from each situation. Once I was told that people either “love you or hate you” and I agreed. I was na?ve to the importance of individual interactions and how we can take success from most situations.?