Basic Emotional Quotient skills are:
1. Self Awareness (Know yourself)
2. Social Awareness (Empathy is very important, Political awareness etc.)
3. Self Management (Self Control, flexible, initiative etc.)
4. Relationship Skills (leadership, influence, communication etc.0
These are all basic Behavioral skills that City Managers should develop, in addition to “hard” skills. This makes a lot of sense to me, since life (including organizational life) includes feelings/emotions etc. as well as hard facts.
I have seen too many Managers (City Manager and otherwise) be excellent at “hard skills”, but simply don’t have the “feeling” side developed. Unfortunately (in my opinion) for the residents and staff, they frequently are considered “successful” because the technique of hard skills with no feeling side can work in both the short and long term.
To me, the key to having to develop your emotional intelligence (or at least be aware of your strengths and weaknesses in this area) are that persons view the world through both emotions/feelings and “facts”. We simply must be aware and develop our emotional intelligence to do the best we can for our residents and governing body. It is becoming more flexible and considering the other side and changing accordingly if warranted.
-LISTEN
-Self Relationship is the # 1 relationship
Emotional Intelligence is demonstrated in:
-Understanding yourself
-Governing Yourself
-Understanding others
-Managing your relationships with others.
This says the same thing as before, but is defined in different terms.
The importance of Emotional Intelligence is demonstrated by studies showing that “as much as 90% of the difference between outstanding and average leaders is linked to their emotional intelligence”. Failure among leaders are most often the result of “poor relationships” and “rigidity” (being unable to adapt their style to changes in the organization or external world.
I realize “success” has to be defined also, but this seems to make sense based on what I learned in this session.
Our (City Manager) job relationship with the City Commission is our most important relationship, but it is only one of many relationships for the Council.
At the Local Government level, it is NOT ABSTRACT-it is MY ISSUE! (zoning, etc., very personal ) EMPATHY is the most important aspect.
Emotional Intelligence is braking old habits and creating new habits. Developing Emotional Intelligence includes:
-Determination-not easy
-Passion-Change w/dreams for the future
-Vision: Vision of self and how vision is defined.
Take the Self-Assessment-
-Choose something I’d like to change
-Improve it/correc weakness
-Ask, “what will help me get better?”
-Go back through assessment, give credit for good areas!
-Practice, and then check again and then practice again
-Relationships are everything. Board of Commissioners MUST TRUST you if you are to be an effective City Manager.
Governing Body has a tough job, defined by vague task definition, no hierarchy, no specialization, little feedback (especially positive) and open meetings. It takes a skilled manager (both factual and emotional) to help the governing body to be effective.
“Flight or Fight” reaction “hijacks” the decision process. (You immediately respond to the sudden threat-all others are secondary). THIS IS WHERE EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IS SO IMPORTANT.
“Emotional Hijacking” consequences are:
-Out of control emotions-suddenly “become dumb”
-Consequences are negative and lasting
-Ripple effects-affect the performance of everyone
This is an important behavioral skill level I need to review more and gradually try to improve my EQ. I plan on taking the EQ Test, noting my weak areas and trying to work on these areas. Also, I plan on taking some of the views on elected officials (not all noted here, but they are in the handout) and really try to consider that in working with elected officials.
Competencies of EQ:
Self-Awareness:
1. Emotional self-awareness (know thyself) Goal is to have guiding awareness of his values and goals that direct action
2. Accurate self-assessment-know strengths and limits
3. Self-confidence-Strong sense of self worth and capabilities
Self Governing
4. Self Control (grace under pressure)
5. Trustworthy
6. Conscientiousness-Responsibility in managing yourself
7. Adaptability
8. Achievement/Drive
9. Initiative and Optimism
Social Awareness
10. Empathy
11. Competency-leveraging diversity
12. Big Picture Awareness
13. Stewardship Orientation (recognize and meet citizens and customers needs)
14. Developing others
15. Leadership-inspiring and guiding groups and people
16. Influence
17. Communication-sending clear and convincing messages
18. Change Catalyst-initiating or managing change
19. Conflict Management-resolving disagreements
20. Networking and building bonds
21. Teamwork and Collaboration
It will talk some time to review and improve both my and the organizational EQ, but I think it will be well worth it. My first step is to take the self-assessment and then proceed off of that to improve EQ.
