Emotional Intelligence as a Tool of Professional Image and Objectives

Kristin Galloway / Business Development Manager / Visit Modesto

I recently sat in a meeting which felt like a frustrating version of professional ‘Groundhog Day’. Not much productivity seemed to be on the horizon, if any, and the other attendees seemed to be getting exceedingly frustrated with each other and the meeting’s subject. As blood pressures rose around the table, I silently reminded myself that the image you project has a ton of weight for those you interact with. I took a deep breath, steadied my internal thoughts, and focused on the objective of the meeting.

Things took a turn. Admittedly, I was in the company of some well-meaning and brilliant people with far more professional clout than I had to leverage. But I wanted to stop having inefficient and awkward gatherings like this. So, I heard myself ground the group in our goals. I methodically relayed the points which rooted us all in our collective aim. Then I carefully highlighted the disparity between what was and what could be between all of us. After the meeting, I recounted how relatable that uncomfortable, unproductive earlier portion of the meeting was for business practices and my professional aim.

Since that encounter, I reflect regularly on how emotional intelligence helps convey an open mind and an invitation to others. Are my messages conveyed in a productive, open-minded manner?

Are my disagreements relayed in a professional manner? Do my counterpoints have constructive merit or am I just fanning unnecessary flames? Is my communication respectful and welcoming? It is important to be inviting in the travel and tourism industry, after all. But this lesson extrapolates out seamlessly into the businesses of Modesto and beyond.

Learn from my prickly exchange. Are you and your organization conveying an inviting, respectful, professional image? We are always on display to someone, after all. Whether your customers, vendors, or stakeholders are sitting at the table in each meeting or not, your efforts and messaging make a difference.

Pause and make sure your communications are productive and helpful to your goals, both internally and externally.