The Hidden Meaning in Their Summer Vacation
Part 1
by Susan Dunn
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Everyone's big on emotional intelligence now, because we've learned the hard way that a person's people skills can make or break them in the workplace. If the person is highly exceptional in their field, it can be a close call, but all things being equal, we prefer to work and socialize with people who are pleasant and know how to get along.
The person with high EQ always tunes in to how the other person thinks and feels, in order to smooth the road for communication, instruction, sales, influence, leadership, or just plain congenial interface in the workplace.
However, others tend to wear masks and not reveal too much, for protection, because they're naturally reticent, because they've been taken advantage of, because they think it's professional, or because their culture dictates blending in. Also from fear or ignorance.
So how can you find out more about someone in a non-invasive manner? Ask them about their vacation. Most people will let down their guard in this area. You might assume it's a topic most people are excited about, but -- and here begins the EQ lesson -- that isn't the case. We do everything like we do everything else, so listen and learn. Here are some things to listen for and process:
attitude
Not everyone's enthusiastic about their vacation. Some will whine and complain because:
1. Once I take it, it's gone for the year.
2. It isn't worth it. You have to do so much before you leave.
3. Two weeks isn't nearly enough for what I have to go through here.
4. US workers are cheated. The French get 6 weeks' off.
5. The reservations always get screwed up, the hotel will be lousy, it always happens to me.
6. I know I'm going to hate Montreal. We always end up going where she wants to go.
7. I can't stand my brother-in-law/mother/his kids.
Optimists will be gung-ho about every aspect. You can expect the person to approach work tasks or requests in the same manner -- optimistic, pessimistic, or as the victim.
confidence
In telling their plans, the worriers will say:
1. I don't know if I've got the right clothes.
2. It sounds like a good hotel, but I'm not sure it's the best one.
3. I hope my wife likes Cozumel.
4. I hate to leave my car at the airport, but if you call a cab there's no guarantee it will show up.
5. I don't know how I'll get everything done -- booking the kennel for the dog, getting a house-sitter, stopping the newspaper.
6. What if there's one of those virus outbreaks on the cruiseship?
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Susan Dunn, MA, Clinical Psychology, The EQ CoachT, Susan Dunn, MA, cEQc, The EQ Coach™, Susan Dunn. Bringing the power of Emotional Intelligence to YOUR life through coaching, eBooks, and distance learning. Midlife, retirement and transition coaching, career and relationships. Email for free EQ ezine. Want to be a certified EQ Coach? Email for information on this fast, affordable, comprehensive, no-residency program. Products available for licensing to build your practice. Visit the best ebook library on the Internet - EBook Library.
Susan Dunn. Susan is the author of "How to Live Your Life with Emotional Intelligence." I offer coaching around emotional intelligence for career, relationships, resilience (the skill for this decade), transitions, retirement, and personal and professional development. I train managers and coaches to teach EQ. Mailto: sdunn@susandunn.cc for FREE eZines. For free daily tips on how to develop your EQ, send blank email to: EQ4U.