Emotional Intelligence

          A great deal has been written lately about the role of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) versus the traditional Intelligence Quotient (IQ) in effective leadership.

          The evidence strongly indicates that superior leaders share a common set of EQ characteristics, chief among them being high self-awareness and an exceptional ability to empathize.

          Long before I read the research on the role of Emotional Intelligence in effective leadership, I recognized the most successful leaders I work with embody those two characteristics.

          Managers who do not possess high self-awareness or the ability to empathize with their internal customers (staff) and external customers (advertisers) often reject the tools we offer for self-improvement.

          I think Bill Gates put it best when he said, “Welcome your unhappy customers. They can be your greatest source of learning.” 

          Self-aware, confident managers recognize there is always room to improve, and are confident enough to install mechanisms and processes to invite constructive criticism from their staff and clients.

          Empathy is defined as, ‘the capacity to participate in another’s feelings or thoughts’. Do you conduct surveys or post-campaign analysis to find out how to improve your performance from a customer’s point of view?

        Are your performance reviews and one-on-ones a one way street, identifying how your people can improve?  Or are you confident enough to engage a 360 degree process that unveils how YOU can do a better job as well?

          Do you invite your sales people to fill out a ‘Meeting Evaluation’ after every sales meeting to make your meetings more productive?

NOTE: you can download a copy of our 10-second meeting evaluation form from our website; www.wensmedia.com and click on ‘for media’, then ‘free stuff’.