As much as 80% of adult ‘success’ comes from EQ. [DANIEL GOLEMAN]
January has been a whirlwind for me, packed with a hectic work schedule and rejuvenating moments. I’m grateful for the work and the soul-refreshing week I spent in Mozambique with family and friends, which recharged my energy for the exciting year ahead.
This month, inspiration struck during a debrief session with a client, whose story I am excited to share with you, with his kind permission.
A journey of transformation
In July 2023, I conducted assessments for a senior position for a long standing client. Fast forward to today, and I found myself reassessing an initially ‘unsuccessful’ candidate. The transformation in his EQ competencies was nothing short of remarkable. Here’s what happened:
Emotional Literacy and Empathy: This candidate transformed from functional to expert, enhancing his ability to understand emotions and connect with others.
Consequential Thinking: Improved from challenged to functional, showing significant growth in decision-making.
These shifts in key competencies have resulted in a balanced, skilled EQProfile.
The turning point
After our debrief in 2023, he was initially disappointed in not being successful in his application and allowed himself a brief period of thinking that this decision was unfair on him but soon realized the opportunity for introspection. He chose to work on his self-awareness rather than blame others for his rejection. By focusing on emotional awareness and empathy, he shifted his approach from purely task-oriented to people-centered, resulting in improved communication and relationships.
He came to see EQ as a mindset, appreciating the value of connection over mere tasks. His journey led to a shift in his Brain style, enhancing his focus and ability to connect, ultimately boosting his sense of Achievement and Quality of Life scores. One of his big mindset shifts was realizing that the importance lies in ‘how’ you deliver a message rather than in the message itself.
As a result of this growth, he has a greater appreciation for life and is far more comfortable in who he is and the life he is leading. This was clear to me in my interactions with him compared to 2023. He was calmer, more content, aware of his own reactions and his impact on others and communicated in a less frantic and intense way.
Key lessons learned
The power of optimism: See opportunities even in setbacks.
EQ is a learnable skill: With practice, you can grow and develop your Emotional Intelligence.
EQ and achievement: Growth in EQ has a direct link to success outcomes, in this case, achievement and ultimately Quality of Life.
Resilience: Failure isn’t final; own it, learn from it, and keep going.
The Power of 6 Seconds psychometrics: A remarkable self-development tool.
Witnessing this transformation has been inspiring. His humility and dedication to growth are commendable, and I’m grateful for his permission to share this story—a true testament to putting EQ in Action!
Are you ready to put your EQ into action?