How to Harness Emotional Intelligence
I’ve always been fascinated by emotional quotient (EQ), which is one’s emotional intelligence. I think it stems from my childhood, growing up as a kid who didn’t earn all A’s but was curious about the world. I realized I could learn a lot while delivering newspapers (my first job), talking to farmers and paying attention to the inner workings of small-town life.
Our finely tuned executive coaching draws heavily from EQ. I plan to share tidbits with you throughout 2024.
I’ll start with this example. Back in 2015, when Howard Schultz was CEO of Starbucks, he sent out a company-wide email in response to “the Great Fall of China,” when more than $1 trillion was rapidly wiped from the Asian markets. Schultz wrote to all his employees reminding them that many people would be coming into Starbucks that day having just lost a ton of money.
“Let’s be very sensitive to the pressures our customers may be feeling,” he wrote. Treat them gently. Exceed their expectations.
That’s EQ in action: intelligent content communicated well. It’s what we do.
Greg
President & CEO
greg@dardiscommunications.com
312.285.1073
Craig Ferguson’s 3-Question Rule
An emotionally intelligent person knows how to communicate—and when. Dardis clients master this delicate art. It’s an area where EQ dips into psychology, understanding what makes people tick and speaking accordingly.
Our clients learn how to make every word count. Speaking well, they learn, sometimes means speaking less.
The comedian Craig Ferguson once offered a guideline. Before you speak, he says, ask yourself three questions:
- Does this need to be said?
- Does this need to be said by me?
- Does this need to be said by me right now?
Notice how each rule adds nuance, adjusting for crucial factors like timing. Sometimes we aren’t the right person to make a point—or it isn’t the right time to make that point. There are other channels to communicate information that might stick better. A savvy communicator considers this.
Great speakers are disciplined, which enhances their professional and personal lives. Craig Ferguson jokes that it took him three marriages to learn the three-question rule.
You’ll notice it play out at board meetings. The most intelligent person is rarely the person who speaks the most, but rather, the one who speaks with purpose. Sometimes it’s the person who listens, listens, waits, listens some more, then asks the best question. Their question may prod the group to address an important, sometimes unpleasant topic. It may challenge the group to reconsider the status quo. It often helps the group focus their thinking or home in on their priorities.
Reach out today if you’d like to learn more about applying EQ to daily communication!
Recommended Reading
Having a high EQ is more important than ever in this era of social media attacks, political tension and endless distraction. Justin Bariso demonstrates the power of EQ in action through scientific research and memorable stories (like Steve Jobs’s exit and return to Apple). An eye-opening read!
Client Testimonial
“I use the skills that you [Tyson] and Angie taught during that one-credit Saturday course at Creighton EVERY day! It has been the most impactful course I have taken and I believe it should be mandatory for any MBA candidate. Thank you!!!”
–James Joyner, Team Director at Chipotle Mexican Grill
2024 Public Schedule
IN-PERSON
Leadership Presentation & Image Skills
April 2 & 3 – Davenport
June 4 & 5 – Des Moines
August 14 & 15 – Des Moines
VIRTUAL
April 15–18
July 15–18