compliments of
FutureVisionsSM
creating sustainable results in growth and performance
In order to
perform at our best, we must access pleasant and positive emotions: the
experience of enjoyment, challenge, adventure and opportunity.
Creating a
rhythmic balance between energy expenditure and energy recovery is more
complex emotionally than it is physically, but no less critical to optimal
performance and full engagement. The delicate dance of a healthy friendship,
for example, can be a powerful source both of positive energy and of
renewal. Gallup found that one of the key factors in sustained performance
is having at least one good friend at work.
The pulse of a
strong relationship involves a rhythmic movement between giving and taking,
talking and listening, valuing the other person and feeling commensurately
valued in return. A relationship in which you do most of the giving and
receive very little in return ultimately prompts a sense of deficit and
emptiness. A self-absorbed relationship isn't really much of a relationship
at all.
Sometimes the
issue is lack of any kind of connections, feeling isolated and
unappreciated. Other times there is a lack of depth in relationships because
we give them so little time and energy. In the former, find ways to make
friends and outside interests. Joining a class or an interest group can
provide both. Setting aside specific and regular dates with spouse, friends
and family builds a series of rituals around investing more time and energy
in the key people in your life.
A primary
barrier in the workplace is difficulty getting along with bosses and
colleagues. One of the key challenges is creating positive relationships
with peers, superiors and subordinates. Emotional intelligence is a skill.
Like playing the piano, some of us are more talented than others but, with
practice and repetition, all of us can learn to play well enough. It is the
same with raising your level of EQ (emotional equivalent of IQ).
A good place to
start is systematically building the capacity to listen attentively and to
connect more personally with colleagues. This may open, perhaps for the
first time, the depth, richness and excitement of other points of view.
The key muscles fueling positive emotional energy are
self-confidence, self-control, interpersonal effectiveness and empathy.
Negative emotions serve survival but they are very costly and energy
inefficient in the context of performance. The ability to summon positive
emotions during periods of intense stress lies at the heart of Solutions.
Access to the emotional muscles that serve performance
depends on creating a balance between exercising them regularly and
intermittently seeking recovery. Emotional muscles such as patience, empathy
and confidence can be strengthened in the same way that we strengthen the
bicep or a tricep: pushing past our current limits followed by recovery.
