One thing I’ve learned along my journey is that even though we may speak the same language, many people don’t communicate the same way.  I think the underlying cause of this problem is usually a difference in personality style.  Style differences create changes in values, perceptions, motivation, and work approach.  These differences sometimes make it impossible to understand why people do what they do, why they avoid certain tasks, and why some people seem better suited to certain tasks and jobs.  I believe that when you are more aware of your own personality style and work habits then efforts can be funneled toward completing the goals and mission of any job in a more rewarding way for all involved.  So what do we need?  We need Emotional Intelligence. First I want to say that all emotions are very much needed because some view them as negative especially in the workplace.  Emotions are awesome because they guide us when facing situations and issues.  And that’s important to being your authentic self.  What’s key is the way we react to them that can make a positive difference in the outcome.  Emotional Intelligence helps us understand the following as they relate to the work environment as developed by Daniel Goleman:

·         Self-awareness—knowing one’s emotions, recognizing feelings as they occur, and discriminating between them.

·         Mood management—handling feelings so they're relevant to the current situation and you react appropriately.

·         Self-motivation—recognizing one’s feelings and directing oneself towards a goal, despite self-doubt, inertia, and impulsiveness.

·         Empathy—recognizing feelings in others and tuning into their verbal and nonverbal cues.

·         Managing relationships—handling interpersonal interaction, conflict resolution, and negotiations.

So how do you see your emotional intelligence to be at the present time?  Are there things you’ve mastered over the years or things you are still working on?  These skills and the way we see ourselves have crucial implications for us as employees, leaders, and ultimately team success.  Some of our biggest teachers in life are the people that trigger our emotional intelligence.  Look to them as a gift for they are giving you a chance to grow and they are showing you contrast.