1. Emotional Intelligence

2. What is Emotional Intelligence?
Textbook Definition: The learned ability to identify, understand, experience, and express emotions in healthy and productive ways. The learned ability to regulate emotions effectively to improve two-way communication.

3. 3 Cornerstones of Emotional Intelligence
Awareness
Being aware of all the emotions involved
Understanding
Understanding the impact on communication
Influence
Using this knowledge to influence situations

4. Awareness Self-Awareness
Body Language, Bias and Prejudice, Political View, Learning Style, Team Role, Perception/Reputation
Awareness of Others
Body Language, Political Climate, Team Dynamics, Previous Communication
Situational Awareness
Societal Issues, Previous Leadership, Previous Results

5. Open Posture
In an open posture, you might expect to see someone directly facing you with hands apart on the arms of the chair.
An open posture can be used to communicate openness or interest in someone and a readiness to listen.
Think about how you are demonstrating an open posture here in class. What about when you meet with others?
Trainer: Demonstrate various open positions and call out people in the class who are demonstrating open positions.

6. Closed Posture
Someone seated in a closed position might have his/her arms folded, legs crossed or be positioned at a slight angle from the person with whom they are interacting.
A closed posture might imply discomfort or disinterest.
When you are closed, you are saying “don’t talk to me.”
Trainer: Do NOT call anyone out, but mention how sometimes in classes we have closed body position and what that says to the trainer/facilitator. Demonstrate some closed body positions.
It is good to talk about crossing arms over chest. For some people this is a comfortable way to sit or stand and does not necessarily mean that they are “closed.” However, it is important that people do NOT cross their arms when they are making a first impression. The body language can be better interpreted when people are familiar with each other and then the crossing of arms may not be a big deal.

7. Understanding Meaning of Emotions
Expression vs. Repression vs. Communication
Acknowledging Emotions
Open and Honest Communication

8. Influence
Empathy: The ability to validate someone’s feelings; to understand and accept emotions based on personal experience
Demonstrating Empathy
Individual Motivators
Individual Personalities
Individual Treatment
Emotions have more power than words

9. Improving your Emotional Intelligence
Heightened self-awareness
Take off your ear muffs
Establish expectations (acknowledge triggers)
Seek feedback on body language
Identify emotional decision making
Provide the “why”
Be quick to listen, slow to speak
Pause before response
Ask clarifying questions

10. Questions?