I wanted to pass along this very interesting article that reinforces what I have always said about the importance of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. I think most of us inherently know this is true – but it is nice to read an article that can articulate what makes a person “employable”. Even more important isn’t getting employed but staying employed!
The Hogan Assessment is truly very powerful. Please reach out to me if you are interested in learning more about how you can use this assessment tool in your organization.
To create “balcony time”….when is that last time you had time to sit back (on the balcony) and ponder the strategic future of your company, your function or even yourself as a leader or individual? Rarely do executives have the time built in to their schedules to think on their own about their future, and maybe more importantly to reflect on where they have come from, and what they have learned. Some say allowing the time for “blue sky” thinking is critical to the longevity and success of both leaders and organizations.
Is it lonely up there? If you are a senior leader chances are you aren’t getting the honest and open feedback that you need for ongoing personal and professional development. Honest and open advice and guidance are tough to find when you are at a high level. Having a coach who can provide you a fresh and honest perspective can be life changing.
An investment in yourself. Time spent with a coach is really an investment in a great resource. Leaders tend to think of watering all of the flowers around them but forget to focus at all on their own needs. While it is great to be generous with your team it is also critical to ensure you are growing and learning along the way. An in-person coaching session allows for reflection and feedback that you just can’t get from a book.
To say all those things you are thinking about. As people, we are constrained all the time by what should be spoken out loud or how others would expect us to act and think. Giving yourself the freedom to think and speak, without any fear of upsetting others, can unlock powerful and life-changing ideas. A coach listens without judgement and encourages you to think with constraint.
To keep things in perspective and create balance. We all have good intentions to leave work on time or exercise more – right? Frequently though our work (and home) routine gets in the way and we rely on “willpower” to drive us to do things that we know are important. Your time spent in a coaching session can provide that quiet space away from stress. The sessions will also enable you to work with a partner to motivate and strengthen your commitment to practicing those things that you enjoy and help your positive emotions flourish.
