Leadership Skills

EI: Self-assessment

Read each of the scenarios below and think about the emotions you would feel in these situations: (multiple feelings are allowed).

• You have made a last minute stop at the store, and there are no parking places.
• You have just walked in on a surprise birthday party for you.
• You receive a phone call from an old friend.
• In an hour you must make a formal presentation to upper management.
• It is Friday afternoon, and you were just told that you must work this weekend.
• There is only one line at the grocery store, and it is slow.
• Two days of sick pay have been mistakenly taken out of your pay check.
• You receive an unexpected bonus in your pay check.

Reflect back on some of these situations and the feelings you indicated. Ask your friends and family about those same situations, and you may find that they have different feelings and reactions. For example, some people are excited to have a surprise birthday party, while other people may be angry or embarrassed. We react differently, and we cannot expect other people to react the same way that we react.

Now consider what information you are receiving about each situation from your feelings. If you are happy, that's a positive feeling; however, if you are scared or anxious, that is a normal reaction. Think about what frightens you and how you can best cope. Our emotional reactions are telling us that the situation is okay or that we must prepare. Consider this the next time you have a strong emotional reaction to a new situation or person.

Goleman suggests that you assess yourself and your level of emotional intelligence. After taking the assessment, you will have a better understanding of the areas where you might make improvements.