The foundation of EQ

Emotional intelligence (EQ) plays a large role in our professional – and personal – success. We might have the technical skills and knowledge to be good at our jobs, but we also need the “people” skills to understand others, work well with different people, and communicate effectively. Having solid sets of both hard and soft skills is what gets you to the top.

I’ve written frequently about the importance of EQ and how to gauge your proficiency in it. It can be challenging to put it into action, and it often requires intentional effort to convey it to your employees. Especially when there are a million other things going on. But it helps build trust, respect, and loyalty.

My father-in-law Earle Keirstead knows that EQ is one of my favorite things to talk about and sent me an article from Inc. that really hits the nail on the head. It’s insights from a conversation with Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, during which he says the message he’d put on a billboard is:

“Be kind; everyone is on their own journey.”

 

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