Senior leaders have the greatest strategic impact on the operation of their organizations and should not forget to develop their emotional skills. Unfortunately, they have a disadvantage due to the fact that their position often prevents others from sharing honest feedback with them. Managing emotions better, however, demonstrably improves performance and leadership effectiveness, and effects the entire company's results. How do you increase a leader's emotional quotient? Practical tips were recently published on clomedia.com.
1. Learn to understand your emotions
Search for your emotional triggers, the emotional states which cause a loss of control over your behavior. Try to determine in what situations your emotions take control. Simply write down the situations that preceded the emotions. Only then can you start working on regaining your control.
2. Practice problem situations
Imagine a specific emotionally difficult situation in your mind. However, instead of responding like you usually do, imagine a more appropriate solution. Create a scenario of how you should behave.
3. Give your brain a problem to solve
Another way to regain control over your behavior in an emotionally challenging situation is to give your brain a problem to solve. Try, for example, to calculate the product of two two-digit numbers. Your brain will start to deal with mathematics causing your stress level to drop. The traditional counting to ten is not as effective because it is too simple for the brain.
4. Recall pleasant memories
If you can't remember any mathematical tasks, think of something nice from your past. You can also sing your favorite song in your mind. The resulting effect will be the same as counting you will engage the brain and calm down.
5. Check what you write
If you are feeling an acute emotion, such as anger, do not send any mails. Wait at least half an hour and then think very carefully about what you are writing. Written communication often leads to misinterpretations even when emotions are not involved. Always consider how the other person may interpret your message.
6. Do not try to solve everything immediately
Most things can be dealt with later, after you calm down. Feel free to use a sentence like: "Give me a little time to come up with my answer." This strategy is not an escape, but a healthy and productive solution.
7. Remain polite
Actively work on not blowing up in uncontrolled emotions in intense situations. Practice appropriate choice of words in your mind so that you can respond calmly and respectfully.
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