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PEER TO PEER: THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF ILTA | WINTER 2016
Perhaps they blow their stack when things don't go their way, or they dominate
conversations in both formal and informal meetings. Or maybe they were like a freight
train moving quickly through their own agenda with no care or concern about others'
opinions or feelings. They have no clue how others are reacting.
This could also be the person who believes work is no place for friendships. They are
paid to do a job, not develop relationships. They don't care to waste any time building rapport
or to get to know their fellow team members beer.
Yet countless studies have shown that successful leaders are in tune with their followers
and have empathy and compassion for others. They are mindfully and skillfully self-aware
of their own emotions and have learned how to manage them in times of extreme stress and
burnout. They listen to the thoughts, opinions and viewpoints of others. And, while they don't
always agree, they show kindness, compassion and empathy when they disagree. They have a
high emotional intelligence quotient (EIQ).
Have you ever worked for or hired someone that "looked good on
paper" but turned out to be a disaster on the team? They had the right
qualifications, skills and experience, but they failed.
by Char Niemi
What's Your
Emotional IQ?