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PUT YOUR WHOLE SELF IN was an easy instruction when we learned it as children in the “Hokey Pokey.” However, it is not so easy for many of us at work. We, in business aviation are masters of compartmentalization. Adept pilots, technicians, flight coordinators and customer service reps are able to deal with multiple changes and problems, separating issues and addressing as needed. Good leaders stay even keeled in good times and bad, aware of the changing nature of business cycles.
But when it comes to relating to others around us, it is indeed our WHOLE self that is required to be “put in.” Human beings need connection – even at work. Generation Z – generally more open about health, mental health, family issues etc. – and COVID, which made commonplace conversations about the uncertainty of jobs, health and life itself have made it clear that the previous norms of “keep your personal life to yourself” and “home is home; work is work” are no longer entirely applicable.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is the key to how we balance the need to compartmentalize with the need to bring our whole self to work and open the door for others to do the same. In the next few articles, we will provide some practical tips to become more self and socially aware, i.e. raise your EQ. With 80% of job success stemming from EQ vs IQ*, it is a worthwhile endeavor.
Don’t want to wait? Contact ServiceElements for workshops (in-person or live online) regarding Emotional Intelligence for your team.
*Cary Cherniss & Daniel Goleman, The Emotionally Intelligent Workplace (Jossey-Bass), 2001
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