Emotional Intelligance - What is your EQ?

What is your Emotional Intelligence (EQ)? That was the thought-provoking question posed at the latest in a series of business seminars organised by Worldwide Financial Planning for businesses in Cornwall.

The seminar on Thursday (22 May) was led by Richard Smale, life coach, counsellor and originator and developer of ‘From IQ to EQ’, who informed the audience that their EQ is a better predictor of future success and happiness than their IQ.

Peter McGahan, Wordwide’s managing director, said: “Richard highlighted to us all the EQ skills that are essential for the work place.

“EQ is about understanding human beings, which involves recognizing our own feelings and those of others.

“Being emotionally intelligent involves having the self-discipline not to over-react to people or situations, this requires positive thinking and the adoption of a win-win mindset, which ensures you deal with things in the right way.

“In other words, the brains of emotionally intelligent people are less likely to become dominated by emotional and irrational impulses.

“But positive thinking requires good self esteem, so knowing how to motivate yourself and your staff is essential.

“Also taking the time to recognize others and their skills and working as a team, ensures your staff remain happy.”

The session also discussed the topic of criticism, advising team leaders to regard it as feedback and the importance of delivering it to staff in a positive manner.

“Pointing the finger when something goes wrong is not necessary” added Peter, “instead offer staff training to avoid the situation from happening again.”

During times of pressure, delegates were told self-management of behavior is vital in order to control how they interact with others. 

“Winston Churchill was regarded as a great leader, because, despite people knowing he couldn’t stop the invasion, the public knew he would stand by their side,” added Peter, “a fine example of an emotionally intelligent person.

“EQ is about self-report, self-management and people skills, which, combined together, help that emotionally intelligent person progress in life.”

The seminar, which was run in association with Cornwall Brand, was Worldwide’s fifth in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The firm of independent financial advisors have further business sessions planned throughout 2008.

For further information about the Worldwide Financial Planning business seminar series, please contact Jess Bartlett on 01208 816667 or email jbartlett@wwfp.net.