Reacting Vs. Responding
Reacting is when we unconsciously experience an emotional trigger and unconsciously express or relieve that emotion.
However, when we respond, we notice how we are feeling, and we consciously decide how we will respond.
MORE IDEAS FROM THE ARTICLE
- Identify your emotional triggers and learn to manage your reactions.
- Learn and pay attention to the subtle warning signs your body gives when you're starting to react rather than respond.
- Grit your teeth and count to 10 before you respond, it might not look stylish but words spoken can never take back. They maybe are forgiven, but they are never forgotten.
Research indicates that Emotional Quotient EQ is what determines how successful you will be as a leader. Most leaders get hired because of their IQ, but promoted or fired because of their EQ.
The good EQ allows you to manage your emotions. It enables you to understand your feelings, manage them and then take time to make the right decision.
Leaders set the tone for the organization, and excessive reactions can create a stressful environment. One where people choose not to pass on information or bad news because they fear that it will be the messenger who will get shot.
When we disrupt the information flow, it creates all kinds of issues, it can lead to you not being up to date or informed about what's going on, it can mean that you miss the opportunity to address a critical situation before it becomes a catastrophe.
RELATED IDEAS
Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to perceive, control, and evaluate emotions. some researchers suggest that emotional intelligence can be learned and strengthened, while others claim it's an inborn characteristic.
The ability to express and control emotions is essential, but so is the ability to understand, interpret, and respond to the emotions of others. Imagine a world in which you could not understand when a friend was feeling sad or when a co-worker was angry.
Assertive communication allows us to take responsibility for ourselves and our actions without judging or blaming other people.
Emotionally intelligent people know how to communicate their opinions and needs in a direct way while still respecting others.
EQ is the ability to be able to recognize and regulate your own emotions, while also empathizing with others and maintaining an awareness of their reactions.
EQ can be developed with practice.