Co-author of the best-selling ‘Emotional Intelligence 2.0,’ Travis Bradberry, Ph.D., chats exclusively with EB—and reveals why emotional intelligence is more critical to your success than IQ
Do you know what EQ is?
“It’s the other kind of smart,” says Travis Bradberry, Ph.D., co-founder and president of TalentSmart, a provider of emotional intelligence tests and training to more than 75% of Fortune 500 companies.
“Emotional intelligence (EQ) is your ability to recognize and understand emotions in yourself and others,” explains Bradberry. Additionally, he says it is “your ability to use this awareness to manage your behavior and relationships.”
Co-author of the No. 1 best-selling book “Emotional Intelligence 2.0,” Bradberry says, “Research points to EQ as the critical factor that sets star performers apart from the rest.”
Here Bradberry checks in with Eyecare Business to point to three easy ways you can raise your own emotional intelligence to connect better at work—and with patients.
Why is this so important? Because “EQ is responsible for 58% of your job performance,” he says.
TIP #1
Look Beyond IQ
IQ is what it is—it is a fixed point for everyone. On the other hand, EQ can be developed and affects how we manage behavior, navigate workplace complexities, and make business decisions.
MAKE THE CONNECTION
Emotional intelligence is made up of core skills that fall under two primary competencies—personal and social. Personal competence is your ability to stay aware of your emotions and manage your behavior and tendencies. Social competence is your ability to understand other people’s moods, behavior, and motives in order to improve relationships. All can be developed to put you in better touch with yourself and others.
TIP #2
Actions, Not Words
Great bosses believe in their people, and this belief drives them to create an environment where people thrive. They inspire trust through actions, not just words.
MAKE THE CONNECTION
Let’s explore a couple of characteristics that set great bosses apart and that can be developed by increasing your EQ.
TIP #3
Keep Calm
The ability to manage emotions and remain calm under pressure has a direct link to job performance. TalentSmart has found that 90% of top performers are skilled at managing their emotions in times of stress.
MAKE THE CONNECTION
The University of California, Berkeley, found that the onset of stress entices the brain into growing new cells responsible for improved memory. However, this is seen only when stress is intermittent. As soon as it continues beyond a few moments, it suppresses the brain’s ability to develop new cells.
Fortunately, unless a lion is chasing you, the bulk of your stress is subjective and under your control. Here are a couple of strategies successful people use that can be developed.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EQ?
Check out the Optical Women’s Association’s (OWA) Connection Series event at Vision Expo West, where EB Editor-in-Chief Erinn Morgan will moderate a panel of industry experts to discuss the highly engaging topic of EQ. These industry professionals know what EQ is—and they know how to use it for recruitment, staff management, and as leaders in their organizations.
Everyone is welcome! The event, sponsored by ABB Optical Group, will be held Thursday, Sept. 14, from noon-1:30 p.m. in the Sands Expo Las Vegas, Room 303 and will include lunch. $35 for OWA members/$40 for nonmembers.
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