4 minute read
Do you DO EQ?
Most people know Emotional Intelligence is important – we have all heard that it can matter more than IQ. But the challenge is, many of us aren’t quite sure how to operationalise it, how to actually DO EQ. And that is why I started the EQ4 Africa Conference.
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Economists say we’ve started the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” where we are changing ourselves with nearly magical technology: The question then is - what is required for us to use this capacity for the greatest good, more particularly across the African continent?
Most people first heard the term “Emotional Intelligence” around 1995 with the publication of Daniel Goleman’s best-selling book ‘Emotional Intelligence, Why it Can Matter More Than IQ.’ In that work, Goleman laid out a powerful case asserting that factors such as self-awareness, self-discipline, and empathy determine personal and professional success. He drew on the work of numerous leading scientists and authors who were working to define and measure the skills of Emotional Intelligence
The Harvard Business Review has hailed Emotional Intelligence as “a ground-breaking, paradigmshattering idea,” one of the most influential business ideas of the decade. Often, such claims in the business world prove to be just a fad, with no real underlying substance. But the science of Emotional Intelligence has been explored by researchers across the globe, ensuring that it’s application is grounded in solid data. Andrew Coleman defines Emotional intelligence (EQ) as ‘the capability of individuals to recognize their own emotions and those of others, discern between different feelings and label them appropriately, use emotional information to guide thinking and behaviour, and manage and/ or adjust emotions to adapt to environments or achieve one’s goal(s)’
At Six Seconds, we have a simple definition of EQ – being smarter with feelings.
Our research shows that EQ is strongly linked to increased performance outcome scores of Effectiveness, Relationships, Wellbeing & Quality of Life. That’s one reason the World Economic Forum identifies Emotional Intelligence as one of the essential skills for the future.
Gerald Mount puts it this way – Emotional Intelligence has twice the power of IQ to predict performance. EQ is also a better predictor than employee skill, knowledge, or expertise.
But how does one DO EQ?
To provide a practical and simple way to learn and practice emotional intelligence, Six Seconds developed a three-part model in 1997 as a process – an action plan for using EQ in daily life.
EQ-In-Action
What am I feeling and doing?
What options do I have?
What do you truly want?
© Six Seconds
This Six Seconds model of EQin-Action begins with three important pursuits – to be more aware (noticing what you do), more intentional (doing what you mean), and more purposeful (doing it for a reason).
At the core, Emotional Intelligence is something to BE
By being more emotionally intelligent, smarter with feelings, individuals are more accurately able to recognize their emotions and the emotions of others.
The exciting thing about Emotional Intelligence is that it is a learnable skill. That means that wherever you are on the EQ scale, you can develop – you can strengthen your ‘EQ muscle’ and leverage what is an essential skill.
I started the EQ4Africa conference to create a platform for knowledge sharing, experiential learning & networking – where participants can share insights, develop practical skills & gain best practice tips on how to leverage Emotional Intelligence to thrive in the constantly evolving environment.
EQ4Africa conference is an annual conference that brings together leading global minds in Emotional Intelligence to drive transformation across Africa in homes, businesses & communities.
Now in it’s 2nd year, the EQ4Africa Conference is the only such platform of its kind in East & Central Africa.
The EQ4Africa Conference takes place this year amidst the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, at a time where individuals are trying to figure out how to maintain balance and find the emotional & mental strength to navigate the uncertain road ahead.
If Emotional Intelligence ever was a nice-to-have (and I don’t believe that it ever was), it has clearly become a ‘must-have’ in the face of all the challenges (and opportunities) that await us as we pivot to the ‘new normal’ – whatever that looks like. The EQ4Africa is a timely event, giving space to a necessary conversation.
In times of crisis, how do you ensure that leverage your emotions as a strategic resource to propel you forward, rather than suffer the consequences of them weighing you down like a ball & chain?
It’s a brave new world out there – and those that will thrive will need to be armed with, amongst everything else, the ability to “DO” EQ!
Mucha Mlingo, Founder & Lead Changemaker, PTS Africa
