Have you been in a training class where the facilitator used an Ambiguous illusion? These are pictures that offer a mental choice of two interpretations, but both are valid. One example is the Duck/Rabbit. We all see one image immediately but it takes a mindset shift to see the other image. I will always see the duck first and have to work a little bit to see that rabbit. This exercise demonstrates that we have the ability to see another person’s point of view by shifting the way we look at a situation. If you can go from “I’m right and you’re wrong” to “we’re both right, we just look at a situation differently” you are using Emotional Intelligence (EQ).
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is about having the ability to read the needs of a situation and adapt, so you can reach for the most effective response to whatever challenge you’re facing, even if it is out of our mindset comfort zone.
Our mindsets are the lenses through which we view various situations and interactions. Mindsets influence the responses we automatically reach for, without conscious thought, and our go-to mindsets usually serve us well. A mindset shift might be needed however when:
- Your relationships aren’t working, either in your personal or business life. Are you experiencing disagreements or lack of communication?
- You are not achieving your goals and success seems out of reach
- Your go-to mindset appears to be negatively affecting your health and well being
- Your organization is shifting its culture, requiring everyone to have mindset agility
Wiley Publishing has identified eight EQ mindsets describing different kinds of emotional intelligence. EQ is all about learning to stretch our mindsets. Some situations call for responses that may be more challenging for you—maybe stepping back from intense emotions or delivering critical feedback to a coworker.
For example, my mindset strengths are Empathizing, Dynamic and Outgoing. The mindset of Composed (reflecting before acting, moderating your responses, and exercising diplomacy) is a real stretch for me. I’m working on my mindset agility by identifying the situations where Composed is the best EQ response and shifting my focus and behavior. Similar to me trying to see the “rabbit” when I first see the “duck”, but more challenging!
We would enjoy partnering with you in 2021 to accomplish your training goals. Agile EQ is a great program for those organizations who want to develop the EQ skill of adapting to situations for their workforce. www.ManagementSkillsInc.com