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Leading with Emotional Intelligence E-Zine - Issue No. 8/ October 2006

Dear Reader,

An increasing number of existing and potential clients we talk to begin to realize the importance of developing a strong and healthy corporate culture. A critical aspect of corporate culture is the question of alignment between corporate and personal values.

This question raises a number of issues:

• Do the stated values truly support our overall direction (vision / mission / strategy)?
• What is the status quo of expected and actually lived values?
• How do we promote corporate values and assure highest possible buy-in?
• How do we translate values into meaningful behaviors?
• What does it mean for the recruitment process knowing that it's a rather difficult task to change personal values?

As Sebastien's article (see below) states, there is sufficient evidence that people with high levels of emotional intelligence have higher chances to succeed in their careers. One of the reasons might be that emotionally intelligent people more easily grasp the importance of values and adjust their behaviors accordingly.

What do values mean to you and your company? We are always curious to discuss these kind of issues with you.

Let's keep progressing!

Charlie Lang
Executive Coach and Founder of Progress-U Ltd.
Author of The Groupness Factor

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It's the 'People' Person Who Goes Places
published in SCMP Classified Post on October 07, 2006

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by Sebastien Henry

ONE RELATIVELY untapped but effective way to advance your career is by developing your emotional intelligence. This is the ability to identify and "read" emotions - your own and other people's - and use this awareness to handle situations better and build strong relationships.

There has been much research on the subject in the past 10 years, and one common conclusion is that managers with a high level of emotional intelligence had a better chance of making it to the top in the business world.

Increasingly, companies are using 360-degree assessments for their executives, with bosses, peers and subordinates providing feedback on personality and behaviour.

Some employers also require managers above a certain grade to take in-depth personal development courses, lasting six to 12 days. These explore emotional patterns, inner motivation, values and personal vision.

The rationale is that managers who know themselves and have developed their emotional intelligence tend to be better leaders. In general, they are more centred and stable, minimise sources of conflict in their teams, inspire their staff and create a high level of engagement.

There are three basic ways to develop greater emotional intelligence in the workplace. You can "do it yourself" with the help of the many books now available on the subject.

The books can vary in quality, but most will provide useful points to consider and ideas to apply.

However, it is in writing about yourself that you can learn the most. It requires an effort, but recording and analysing your own impressions about difficult situations does create a greater self-awareness.

The problem with the solo approach is that you do not get the benefit of other people's perspectives. Besides, the day-to-day workload and various urgent matters often mean that you end up doing things sporadically or without real dedication.

Alternatively, you can ask your company to provide a professional coach who can point out problem areas and blind spots and come up with an action plan for improvement. The benefit of this approach is that each session is well prepared, thoroughly conducted and clearly interpreted.

Finally, you can join a personal development programme where you work in a group and get feedback from different people. Some of this may challenge your preconceptions and compel you to find new ways to relate to people.

Ask around about the various programmes available and choose one that suits you. Also, ask former participants to give you an idea of what they learned about themselves and how these programmes helped them to change.

The most compelling argument for exploring your emotional intelligence is the feeling of personal growth that comes from discovering something new about yourself. This can be a unique, deeply rewarding experience.

Contributed by Sebastien Henry, certified NLP trainer and emotional intelligence (EI) expert at Progress-U Limited, an innovative training and coaching company whose mission is to develop first-class leaders in the Asia-Pacific region

Feel free to contact me if you wish to discuss the content of this article. I am passionate about this issue and always enjoy sharing views and ideas.

For more information related to Progress-U Leadership Training and Coaching, please click here.

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Copyright 2006 by Progress-U Limited