How to Build Your Career with Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
1. EQ starts with self-awareness. Know your strengths.
Take the StrengthsFinder(tm) profile and find out what your
innate abilities are so you can build your career around them.
This assessment is available when you buy "Now, Discover Your
Strengths," by Buckingham and Clifton.
2. Evolve optimism.
This EQ competency facilitates all the others and accounts more
for your success and happiness than any other. Optimistic people
live longer, healthier lives, enjoy their successes more, and
are more likely to fulfill their potential (Martin Seligman,
Ph.D.). You can learn optimism.
3. Develop your flexibility.
Many excellent and satisfying goals are reached while you're on
the way to something else.
4. Use your interpersonal skills.
It isn't what you know so much as who you know. Develop strong
bonds and other people will help you get where you want to go.
5. Build your resilience.
There will be ups and downs on your way to your goals. How you
react to setbacks, failures and losses determines the trajectory
of your career. Bolster your resilience. Take a course in
building resilience and get some coaching. Don't wait til you
need it to find out why you need it.
. Use your intuition.
It's your best guide.
7. Be a valuable team player.
Most work today is done in project teams and cooperation is
essential. Learn how to handle constructive discontent, motivate
others, and get along.
8. Practice primal leadership.
This means resonating with those around you and tuning in to
their feelings.
9. Be pleasant to be around.
When expertise, education and experience are equal, wouldn't you
choose the person who's easiest to work with?
Be willing to share information and resources. Help others get
what they want. Be empathic to their needs. Focus on their
strengths, not their weaknesses. Facilitate their goals and
express your appreciation for their accomplishments.
10. Get an EQ coach.