Emotional Intelligence And The Search For Meaning And Purpose

The linear thinking and skill-set that drove the Information Age seems to be offering a diminishing return when we look to the future and the skill-sets required to be successful, according to Daniel Pink author of A Whole New Mind. Pink suggests that the “soft” skills such as empathy, creativity, sensitivity to others and more are not typically valued by the mentality of the Information Age for professional and personal success.

The logical, linear, computer-like thinking of the Information Age enabled people in other countries (such as India) to more cost-effectively perform jobs. And as long as companies are required to answer to the bottom line these kinds of tasks and jobs will probably be outsourced were the labor is cheaper. But people in other countries are not as likely to be able to replicate the soft skills such as consultative, interpersonal, influential or creative skills.

The Information Age brought two extremes: prosperity to some as well as a lower standard of living to others. Whatever the level, people are looking for purpose and meaning in both their work and home lives. In an endeavor to respond to these needs, companies have been offering meditation, yoga, emotional intelligence and spiritual intelligence programs.

Practices such as meditation and yoga tend to focus on calming the mind. These practices help to reduce the emotional static brought on by the stress we experience in our work. Similarly, the development of emotional intelligence skills helps people to become aware of their feelings and transform negative energy in-the-moment into positive, productive feelings and behaviors. When we minimize or eliminate the negative emotions, we are more capable of thinking creatively, making better decisions, communicating clearly and managing well under pressure.

Of course, from an organizational perspective it is much more cost and time effective to help employees enhance emotional intelligence skills to learn to transform disruptive emotions in-the-moment as opposed to investing in 20 to 30 minutes a day per employee to attend meditation or yoga sessions. Being able to handle daily demands as they arise rather than waiting for a class is much more desirable.

Both the business and the individual benefit when people enhance their emotional intelligence skills. Our participants have reported results ranging from 20% to 30% improvements in such areas as Personal Productivity, Decision Making, Influencing Others and Personal Creativity.

By: Byron Stock

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Byron Stock, a former director of corporate education, helps individuals enhance their emotional intelligence. For almost 2 decades, Byron has offered emotional Intelligence training programs as well as speaking, coaching and testing services that focus on results. Visit byronstock.com to download a free excerpt of his book, Smart Emotions.