In the drive for results, sometimes we don’t focus enough on our work relationships. This is one facet of emotional intelligence (EQ): how we manage ourselves and interact with others. We know that once you have the skills and knowledge to perform your job, EQ is a key to business success. Are you the hard-driving analytical type, very intelligent and well-educated, who does not connect well with your employees? Or has your reaction to constant stress at work and home hurt your work relationships? There are many factors that affect how we manage ourselves and interact with others. Stop and take an inventory of your work relationships. If you think they can be better, read on.
The first step is focusing on being conscious: slowing down rather than accelerating. But how do you do that with all of the pressure on you for results, NOW, and all of your responsibilities, with so little time?
The Buddhists call it “Mindfulness”. Tolle referred to it as staying in the “Now”, being presently focused. Meditation of some sort is often recommended in these books. Yoga and Tai Chi are also recommended as ways to connect the body and the mind. Some people opt for prayer and the reading of scripture, or other religious texts. Some people journal.
Your first reaction is probably, “But with all of my responsibilities, are you crazy?” I know. I’ve been there. But I also know that I perform better, are more in tune with my clients and make fewer careless mistakes when I make the effort to take care of myself physically, emotionally and spiritually. And that means slowing down and being more conscious. It means pacing yourself and seeing life as a marathon rather than consecutive one mile sprints with no finish line.
You do not need a lot of extra time, maybe 15 minutes in the morning and late in the day. I challenge you to find some time.
“For fast acting relief, try slowing down.”
Lily Tomlin
“There is more to life than increasing its speed.”
Mahatma Gandhi
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About the Author:
Deborah Brown (Debbie) founded Atlanta based D&B Consulting, Inc. in 1993 to provide executive career and leadership coaching, and executive career transitions and outplacement services to organizations and individuals. She is a Master Practitioner of the MBTI personality assessment and a Certified Social + Emotional Intelligence Coach® through the Institute of Social + Emotional Intelligence® of Denver, Colorado. Debbie earned the SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) certification.