Emotional Intelligence - new insights

In this podcast, Daniel Goleman talks about his new e book “The Brain and Emotional Intelligence - New Insights” which builds on recent brain research linking brain activity and emotional intelligence.

In the podcast he talks about how to increase creative thinking and also what happens when we are in FLOW. He also talks about what happens when you have interpersonal rapport with another person. The podcast ends with a tip about how to increase your emotional intelligence. He advises that if we do just one thing we should heighten our self awareness so we can be more aware of what is happening to ourselves and others.

We use the EI framework as the basis for much of our leadership and management development work. Follow this link for more information.

New talent development workshop

We have recently started work with Invensys Rail to help develop their high potential managers.  We will be running a self awareness workshop as part of their wider development programme.  The interactive workshop will help participants develop their emotional intelligence and become more confident adapting their style to meet different needs.  Professional actors will be used to recreate real situations giving  participants the opportunity to practise and receive constructive feedback. 

Supporting leaders in turbulent times

Penny de Valk (CEO of the Institute of Leadership & Management) summed things up at a recent conference when she said ‘Leadership today is about thriving in ambiguity’. 

The rate at which organisations are currently changing or being required to change is astonishing.  Driving forces include the impact of global events on national and local business, the fragmentation of organisational structures, and the revolution in communications.  These all require businesses to redefine their definition of success and evolve to operate in new and complex ways. 

Such significant change brings uncertainty and the need for even greater leadership.  So how can leaders be developed and supported through the challenges that such turbulent times bring?

Two important aspects must be addressed:

The first is attitudinal and involves helping leaders cope with the ‘fog’ that surrounds them and their organisation.  Such ‘fog’ requires leaders to be able survive (if not thrive) with considerable uncertainty and ambiguity.  Developing a mindset of collaborative working, of managing complexity, and coping with rather than necessarily solving problems is vital.  Only then will leaders be able to drive themselves and their teams forward.  Suitable development could include carefully crafted business simulations that recreate the challenges of dealing with complexity and help them become more comfortable with there being no clear rights or wrongs.   

The second is making sure leaders recognise the need to instil trust in people around them; trust is enabling (it reduces anxiety), motivating, and productive.  An annual survey by the ILM and Management Today revealed that being trustworthy is a subtle combination of being principled, honest, competent, and importantly, treating people equally.  Furthermore, the better you know your line manager, the more likely you are to trust them; relationship building is key.  Helping leaders become even more emotionally intelligent is a priority.   

The conclusion that must be drawn is that despite economic pressures, organisations need to make sure they are continuing to develop their leaders and, more importantly, developing them in the right way.

Graduate recruits - a changing profile

At the recent AGR conference we ran a survey to find out more about the changing development needs of graduate recruits.  An increasing number of recruits are taking graduate posts with internships and placements under their belts.  The survey results showed that development programs need to focus on helping them become more self-aware and emotionally intelligent in order to compliment their enhanced technical and business knowledge. 

Developing leadership behaviour

Our latest newsletter is packed with topical articles on our work developing effective leadership behaviour for a wide range of clients. Our recent work has ranged from helping graduates make the transition from university to work,supporting first line managers, to inspiring senior business leaders to go the extra mile.

You will find first-hand perspectives on how our clients have found working with us and how delegates have experienced attending our programmes.

There are also articles on:

• developing high potential leaders
• the power of coaching
• graduate induction with a difference
• ILM accreditation, and
• emotional intelligence.

Finally, if you’re trying to find a path through all the funding initiatives for training, we’ve included a useful list of websites for you to visit.

View our other newsletters and downloads here