Emotional Intelligence & Social Style
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Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is a concept focused on how effectively people work with others. These EQ skills are unique from a person’s technical skills and cognitive abilities. Multiple studies have shown that EQ competencies often account for the difference between star performers and average performers, particularly in positions of leadership.
There is both a logical connection and a measurable link between Emotional Intelligence and TRACOM’s SOCIAL STYLE. Consider the EQ model developed by Daniel Goleman and others which identifies:
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Read Talent Management article on EQ
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Free Emotional Intelligence Webinar - March 18, 2010 - Join our live webinar on March 18 and learn how EQ improves leadership, recruiting and sales performance.
Click here to register now.
Four Components of Emotional Intelligence
- Self Awareness
- Self Management
- Social Awareness
- Relationship Management
Self Awareness means having a clear understanding of one’s emotions, strengths, weaknesses, drives and capabilities. On the surface there’s really nothing new about this concept – it’s been touted for thousands of years. But it’s a critical skill and it’s overlooked by many people. In the SOCIAL STYLE Model and Style training programs, Self-Awareness is taught as “Know Yourself.” Participating in Style training and completing a SOCIAL STYLE Profile develop Self-Awareness.
Self Management is what author Goleman says frees us from being prisoners to our emotions. Without understanding what we’re feeling, we can’t control our feelings and this leaves us at the mercy of our emotions. SOCIAL STYLE programs teach participants to “Control Yourself”, identifying specific ways to manage Style-influenced behaviors.
Social Awareness is mostly about empathy. It’s the ability to read another person’s facial expressions, voice and other non-verbal signals in order to understand that person’s emotions. This is especially important for leaders because by staying attuned to how people are feeling, they can say and do what is most appropriate. The foundation of SOCIAL STYLE is the ability to recognize verbal and non-verbal behaviors of others and understand what they tell you about that person. In fact, independent research has shown that SOCIAL STYLE is easier to learn and apply than other interpersonal skills models.
Relationship Management is where these three previous skills all come together. This is the most visible aspect of a person, and in particular leaders. This is where you see skills like conflict management, team building, and influencing others. Leaders with good skills in the first three areas of Emotional Intelligence will usually be effective at managing relationships because they’re attuned to their own emotions and this means that they’ll approach relationships from a position of authenticity. It’s not just being friendly, but it’s what Goleman calls “friendliness with a purpose”: motivating people in the direction you desire. These people are very good at developing networks, not necessarily because they’re highly sociable, but rather because they understand that nothing gets done alone and they’re skilled at being able to work with others.
SOCIAL STYLE teaches this concept as “Do Something For Others” and provides clear recommendations to better manage relationships with people of different Styles in a variety of common workplace situations.
Researchers at Colorado State University recently completed a study that compared the Versatility component of TRACOM's SOCIAL STYLE Model to two distinct measures of Emotional Intelligence. The research showed a significant relationship between SOCIAL STYLE and EQ. The takeaway from this research is that by developing Versatility and SOCIAL STYLE skills, people can increase Emotional Intelligence.
Read a new November 2009 Talent Management Magazine article about Emotional Intelligence.
TRACOM offers a whitepaper on Emotional Intelligence and an on-demand EQ-webinar via these links.
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