“Emotional intelligence is not the opposite of intelligence, it’s not the triumph of heart over head – it’s the unique intersection of both.”
– Daniel Goleman, an author and psychologist who is best known for his work on emotional intelligence
WARMEST greetings to all my cherished readers! Thank you for joining me on this journey through my ‘Life Senses’ weekly column.
Your commitment to engaging with my thoughts and experiences brings warmth to my heart, and I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to connect with each of you.
Last week, we dived into the subject of Learning Styles, exploring the diverse methods we harness to acquire knowledge and how they shape our intellectual development.
I hope those insights sparked reflections on your learning journeys! This week, we will continue this voyage into the rich landscape of our intellectual sense, but with an added layer – emotional intelligence (EI) and its crucial role in shaping rational decision-making.
Did you know that research indicates that EI accounts for nearly 58 per cent of your performance in the workplace?
Understanding our emotions is not just a concept; it is a necessity. EI is the ability to identify, understand, manage, and utilise our emotions effectively. Studies suggest that EI contributes significantly to success in personal and professional domains.
According to a study published by TalentSmart, approximately 90 per cent of top performers have high emotional intelligence, demonstrating its strong correlation with effective leadership and decision-making.
This statistic underscores the immense value of being attuned to our emotions and those of others. Additionally, a study from the Institute for Health and Human Potential found that emotionally intelligent individuals make better decisions, reducing the chances of costly mistakes.
Why am I sharing this?
The essence of our journey lies in making decisions. Stagnation often stems from overthinking or allowing negative emotions to cloud our judgment.
When we exercise rational decision-making guided by our emotional understanding, we can forge ahead toward our goals.
It’s essential to emphasise that not all decisions are created equal. Quality decision-making hinges on the intricate balance of intellect and emotional insight.
Let’s take inspiration from four powerful quotes relevant to our discussion.
First, Maya Angelou, a literary icon and civil rights activist, once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
This quote encapsulates the importance of emotions in our interactions and decisions.
Secondly, Tony Robbins, a world-renowned personal development expert and motivational strategist, proclaimed, “The quality of your life is in direct proportion to the quality of your relationships.”
Thirdly, from the brilliant philosopher Aristotle: “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” This quote reminds us that self-awareness is the cornerstone of effective decision-making.
The fourth is from management guru Peter Drucker: “What is measured improves.” When we actively assess our decisions and their outcomes, we gain valuable insights that enhance our future choices.
All quotes from above underline how understanding emotions can help us foster better connections and facilitate more rational decisions.
Examples of great leaders exemplifying wise decision-making abound throughout history. Consider the late Nelson Mandela, whose profound understanding of human emotions and social dynamics enabled him to lead South Africa through a transformative era.
Mandela’s ability to empathise with his oppressors while advocating for his people created a foundation for reconciliation and progress.
His decisions were rooted in emotional insight, proving that our emotional intelligence can fuel rational and impactful choices.
As I reflect on my entrepreneurial journey, I find myself often caught at crossroads where decisions can either propel me forward or lead to stagnation.
Building a culture of leadership has been both a privilege and a challenge. During the initial stages of my startup, I encountered various emotional currents – fear, excitement, and anxiety.
These feelings were integral to my decision-making. I learned to pause, take a deep breath, and consider not just the data presented but the emotional undercurrents influencing my team and stakeholders.
I realised that decisions made in haste, propelled by fear or frustration, often led to unintended consequences.
The small mistakes – like failing to listen to team feedback or disregarding my gut instinct – highlighted the perils of neglecting emotions in deliberation.
Building a responsive ecosystem, where emotional intelligence is woven into the fabric of leadership, has been the cornerstone of my efforts.
This has fostered a culture where team members feel valued and heard, ultimately leading to well-thought-out, rational decisions that move us closer to our goals.
On a global scale, the question arises: Can wars be stopped with wise and rational decisions? While the answer may not be straightforward, I believe there is merit in exploring the potential of emotional intelligence in conflict resolution.
Many historical conflicts have persisted due to a lack of empathy and emotional understanding. As we strive for a peaceful world, cultivating emotional intelligence at both the leadership and grassroots levels is vital.
Engaging in dialogues that prioritise empathy and understanding can pave pathways to resolution, preventing future conflicts rooted in miscommunication and emotional unrest.
Moving forward, let us discuss some strategies to enhance our emotional intelligence and improve decision-making. First, practice self-awareness.
Invest time in understanding your emotions and their triggers. Journaling can be an effective tool for reflection, helping you capture your emotional responses and their influences on your choices. Second, cultivate empathy.
Make a conscious effort to see situations from others’ perspectives. Active listening can deepen your understanding of collective emotions, helping you navigate group dynamics more effectively.
Additionally, engage in mindfulness practices. Mindfulness allows you to ground yourself in the present, aiding in clearer thinking and emotional regulation.
Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or even short walks can foster clarity amidst emotional chaos.
One more strategy that can enhance your emotional intelligence is the practice of prayer focused on intention-setting.
Taking a moment to pause and reflect on your decisions in a spiritual context can provide clarity and calmness.
Whether you express gratitude, seek guidance, or connect with a higher purpose, this practice can help you align your emotions with your values. This harmonisation can lead to wiser, more thoughtful choices.
Finally, approach decisions with a sense of curiosity rather than judgment. Ask open-ended questions, seek diverse viewpoints, and be open to feedback. This approach creates an environment where rational decisions flourish.
As we close our exploration today, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of thinking deeply – an extraordinary gift that distinguishes us from artificial intelligence (AI).
Our ability to ponder, reflect, and choose wisely shapes our lives and the world around us.
In an age where technology often rules, let us not forget the unique human capacity for empathy, intuition, and emotional insight.
Dear readers, let us embrace the power of rational decision-making enriched by emotional intelligence. As we strive for personal fulfilment and collective peace, it is the thoughtful, emotionally attuned decisions that can build bridges of understanding and foster lasting harmony in our world.
Together, let us cultivate a future where our choices resonate with empathy and insight, lighting the path to peace and prosperity.
I hope this exploration has resonated with you, encouraging a deeper reflection on how emotions impact our choices.
As we wrap up this discussion, I’m excited to invite you to join me next week. We will be diving into the grace – filled world of a growth mindset – where we view challenges as gracious opportunities for intellectual and personal growth.
Together, we’ll uncover how adopting this mindset can transform our approach to obstacles and ultimately lead to success in ways we might never have imagined. So, let’s keep the exploration and the learning momentum going and embrace the journey ahead!
Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts. May your heart guide your decisions toward a brighter tomorrow! Looking forward to our next meeting.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at lawleepoh@gmail.com.
