Is Attention the Secret to Emotional Intelligence?

Are you trying to read this article - but you are constantly checking your emails, speaking to someone (especially if you are in an office), or trying - but really trying - to FOCUS on this article?

It is something that has happened to many of us: we eagerly try to direct our attention at one thing, but then end up doing something or perhaps some things that are completely different from what we had had in mind.

Companies are looking for people who are qualified and those who make a direct connection between their skills and what the employer wants. It is still difficult (although not impossible) to transition to a new field. It is all about demonstrating that you can solve the employer’s problems and that you can 'fit' into the company’s culture.

To be successful in a job hunt, you will not only need to demonstrate an association between what the employer wants and your skills and accomplishments are, you will need to be able to tell your story in a way that makes it obvious you have the emotional intelligence/emotional quotient (EI/EQ – or soft skills) to get the job done.

With all of this research on emotional intelligence, it is time for job seekers to start paying attention. Your job search materials must competently tell your story and illustrate that you not only have the capacity to get the job done (that is, you have the specific skills, training and accomplishments), but that you have the ability to fit in and to bring that talent to the next — emotional — level.

BE the person who is willing to go the extra mile. Show, do not tell. Maybe that means you hold the door for somebody behind you on the way to the interview. Or you give a kind smile to someone cleaning the floors or simply sitting down at the reception. You may never know who these people are, and whether they might be good allies for you. 

Obviously, there’s much more to this than simply being courteous – emotional intelligence is complicated and difficult to pin down, but one aspect is being aware of other peoples’ needs. Look at your network. Do you have one? Are you a connector? Do you try to put people in touch with each other, just for the sake of doing it? If so, you are SHOWING that you care about people – that you are a team player.

What would your boss or colleagues say about you? Do they think only about your competence, or will they comment on your great attitude, how you lead by example and show everyone the same respect? Are you the one who pitches in and stays until the end, or are you running out to handle personal matters? Everything adds up, and how you behave will shape how people see you.

Courtesy of Greater Good

Nikita Pisani at Muovo

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