I’ve found that knowing your business and yourself can help you to know when to follow your instincts, so you can find the courage to move ahead. Richard Branson
Performance improvement plans often focus on what people need to “do” to be successful. While this is important, as individuals, it is also vital to consider how to “be” in your chosen role; understanding how the way you think and behave contributes to success (or failure).
It’s about being curious. Why do we behave the way we do; why is it that we get along with some people and not with others; why do people hear of read something completely different than what you intended and why do you say you want something and then sabotage yourself in achieving it?
Developing awareness and understanding of why people (you and others) think, feel and act the way they do forms the building blocks for how to optimise potential and performance and build effective relationships.
The MAT Consultancy works with individuals, teams or at an organisational level, to help people unlock their potential by developing an awareness of and ability to manage themselves and others.
Emotional Intelligence
Self-Awareness
Emotional self-awareness
Accurate self-assessment
Self-confidence
Social Awareness
Empathy
Ability to “read” other people
Organisational awareness
Self-Management
Emotional self control
Adaptability
Positive outlook
Relationship Management
Inspirational leadership
Developing others
Change catalyst
Influence
Conflict management
Teamwork & collaboration
In 1995 Daniel Goelman wrote the best-selling book, Emotional Intelligence. He wrote that the ability to express and control our own emotions and our ability to understand, interpret, and respond to the emotions of others (EQ) is as important as our cognitive skills (IQ).
If your emotional abilities aren’t in hand, if you don’t have self-awareness, if you are not able to manage your distressing emotions, if you can’t have empathy and have effective relationships, then no matter how smart you are, you are not going to get very far. Daniel Goleman
These characteristics are sometimes referred to as “soft skills”, and some query their relevance to business. Increasingly IQ and technical ability are seen as basic requirements for a leadership role and truly effective ledership comes down to a person’s EQ. Goleman identified measurable business benefits from developing these emotional competincies, including:
- Increased self-confidence
- Trustworthiness and integrity
- Openness to and ability to lead change
- Strong drive and organizational commitment
- Ability to build, retain and lead teams
- Cross cultural sensitivity
