Yearly Archives: 2024

Apparently, it’s easy to find fault with your boss. Executive coaches at LEADx routinely hear about micromanagement, lack of support, lack of recognition, poor communication, infrequent one-on-ones, rude behavior, and so on.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) has an ever-growing body of research showing that it’s one of the most important skills in the workplace. EQ training has been connected to increased employee engagement, improved sales, improved customer satisfaction, and even to earning a higher salary. 

Self-doubt is like an invasive vine: It creeps in subtly and, if left unchecked, entangles every branch of your life.

Emotional specificity matters—a lot. Research shows that the more specific you get about your emotions, the better you can manage them. 

Since we are hardwired to think in stories, the ability to recognize stories and use them to communicate is invaluable. Research links storytelling to being more engaging, being more persuasive, and feeling happier and less stressed. 

As leadership development expert Jack Zenger writes in his Harvard Business Review article, the average age of a new leader is 30.

Steve Jobs famously spoke these final words as he lay on his deathbed: “Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow.” Jobs’ sister, Mona Simpson, was there beside him and wrote in her eulogy about this moment saying, “With that will, that work ethic, that strength, there was also sweet Steve's capacity for wonderment.” Above fear, anxiety, sadness, and a whole slew of other emotions, Jobs expressed curiosity. 

There is no shortage of articles and advice on how to control your anger. “Take a deep breath, count to ten, exercise, limit your caffeine intake, meditate,” and so on. But, imagine if you could use anger to your advantage. What if you could channel your anger to improve your performance?

One of the greatest myths of emotional intelligence is the notion that certain emotions are inherently “good” while others are “bad.” This misconception leads people to think they should ignore or suppress “bad” emotions and only embrace “good” ones.