Using Emotional Intelligence for a Competitive Edge

Knowledge is power.

ARE YOU "HEART SMART?"

We've all met someone who was "smart as a whip" but lacked certain social graces or was "clueless" when it comes to understanding how his words or behavior impacts others.
You know: the scholarly neighbor who bombs out at cocktail parties due to off-color remarks or jokes told in poor taste, to the alienation of others.

Or the successful business executive who publicly berates his restaurant waiter for his order, not recognizing that what he could potentially be "served" once his plate is returned from the back kitchen might be even less appetizing.

Or the writer whose published blog rant comes across as immature, irrational and irrelevant to his readership.

Truth is, although Emotional Intelligence is a very important type of "aptitude" it's sorely lacking in far too many folks. Which is why learning to cultivate it can give writers a competitive edge and help to make "smarter" career choices.

WHAT IS EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE?

The concept was introduced by psychologists Jack Mayer and Peter Salovey in the early 1990's.
Essentially it involves, "recognizing, understanding, and influencing the emotion of others."
It also entails recognizing and governing our own individual emotions.

The English Oxford Living Dictionary Defines it as : “The capacity to be aware of, control, and express one's emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically:
emotional intelligence is the key to both personal and professional success.”
Whether we realize it or not Emotional Intelligence impacts many areas of our work and ultimately our bottom line.

With clients

With editors

With readers

With buyers and customers

 In fact, research from Harvard Business School demonstrated that EQ counts for twice as much as IQ and Technical Skills in determining who will be successful!

INTELLIGENT FORMS OF LIFE...

Based upon my professional experience and myriad roles in the creative arena, (columnist, former senior editor of a regional magazine, long-time blogger, board director of a prominent arts organization, and community based arts organization founder), here are some characteristics and common practices of  Emotionally Intelligent people, I strongly believe.

SIGNS OF EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT WRITERS

• Emotionally intelligent people realize that karma can contribute to success as much as talent.
• They balance "Freedom of speech" with cultural sensitivity, fairness, sound judgment, and a sense of responsibility.
•  They think before they speak; whether it's verbally, in a blog post rant, or via social media.
• They use proper discretion.
• They are receptive to learning from others.
• They understand the dynamics of reciprocity.
• They don't make pre-judgments based upon race, religion, age, creed or status.
• They can empathize with others.
• They "know" without being told. Call it intuition or common sense.  
• They don't burn professional bridges unnecessarily.
• EI people recognize the importance of good manners. Like saying thank you and please, or responding to emails from fellow writers and bloggers. 

HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES AND SITUATIONS WHERE EI IMPACTS CREATIVE RELATIONSHIPS:

WHO: CLIENTS 
HOW:
Knowing your client's bottom line objectives, how to appeal to their core needs in your language, tone and approach. Understanding what motivates them to buy, and demonstrating your understanding of their particular "pain points". According to Michael LeBoeuf, Ph.D., author of "How to Win Customers and Keep Them for Life: "Despite all of the untold millions of products and services for sale in today's market place, customers will exchange their hard-earned money for only two things:
good feelings and solutions to problems."

WHO: SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS
HOW:
Choosing your battles wisely, not engaging in word wars with others, being perceived as a credible resource, demonstrating an awareness of proper protocol in public forums, not "oversharing."

WHO: BLOG READERS
HOW:
Understanding why people visit your site (i.e. for inspiration, to be empowered, to be informed or entertained) and creating quality content that addresses their needs and interests. Creating a community of inclusiveness in your content and comments.

WHO: EDITORS
HOW:
By not personalizing rejection, by striving to take criticism constructively, and asking the right questions to improve future performance and dealings.

ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE...?

Curious about your Emotional Intelligence level? Interested in improving?

Here are a few quick quizzes to help you assess:

http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/ei_quiz/#20

https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/ei-quiz.htm

(I was happy to discover that I scored "above average.")


IN CLOSING...
If your objective is to take your career to new heights in 2017, increase your Emotional I.Q. to increase your fan base and your bottom line.

Thoughts? Agree or disagree?


PLEASE NOTE:
Pen and Prosper will be on break for the holiday until December 2nd.
Join me then for more opportunities, markets, and fun ideas to explore.

Have a safe, blessed, bountiful Thanksgiving! 


   Image Credit: Man with chest Freedigitalphotos.net