Getting Started

Emotional Inteligence means being smart with feelings (and being smart about feelings!) Everyone has emotional intelligence - it's a core brain function that allows us to be effective as social creatures, so this capacity is key to our success (here's evidence). Emotions give us vital clues about what's happening around us, and in us, and they motivate action.

When we're using our emotional intelligence, we read those cues accurately - and we take useful actions. When we're being emotionally unintelligent, we don't (oops!). The good news / bad news is that we all have plenty of chances to practice because life is complex.

To use your emotional intelligence more effectively, here are six powerful questions...



1

What am I feeling - and what does that mean?

Explore the Emotoscope, a free online tool to "scope out" your feelings. Once you select a feeling, the Emotoscope helps you consider what it might mean... and how it's helping you. There's a Facebook version too, which lets you track your feelings over time.


2

How do I put EQ in action?

The Six Seconds Model offers a process for using emotional intelligence to make decisions that are optimal for you and others. Read about the model - or here's a video of our COO intoducing it.

At the bottom of this page you'll find the latest posts from our blogs and article libraries with more great tips.


3


How do I use EQ in day-to-day life?

Read one of our blogs to gain perspective. At the bottom of this page we've posted the latest 10 articles, and here are a few links to get started:

  • EQ Leadership - Leading with a Whole New Mind, interview with Daniel Pink
  • EQ Change - A Hope for Change, interview with Alan Deutschman
  • EQ Motivation (workplace) - The Motivation Iceberg
  • Video: What is EQ?


4

What are my current EQ skills?

Take the SEI - Six Seconds Emotional Intelligence Assessment - to measure your current level of competence and create a roadmap to reach your goals.


5

How do I really "take it up a notch" by learning these skills?

We offer two great ways to develop your emotional wisdom:

Coaching - our certified coaches provide truly outstanding support for you to set and reach your goals, professionally and personally. You'll set up a personal learning plan with specific outcomes and get results. Contact us to get started.

Certification - the EQ Certification is a transformational learning program; people walk out with clarity, stronger skills, and increased commitment. See the schedule of certification training here.


6

How can I stay up to date and get involved?

Subscribe to the VitalSigns for EQ newsletter

Subscribe to receive our blog via email (or feed on it)

Get involved!

Recent Articles & News...

Six Seconds Jordan – Emotional Intelligence in the Middle East :: Posted 27 Jul 2010 by Joshua Freedman [in Six Seconds ]
We are delighted to announce that Six Seconds has opened its seventh office in the world.  The new office is located in Amman, Jordan and will be managed by certified Six Seconds practitioners Mr. Nadeem Nahhas and Ms. Souhair Dahdaleh. Nadeem’s commitment to developing the people-side of performance began when he ... (read more)

Powerful EQ Development :: Posted 26 Jul 2010 by Six Seconds [in Six Seconds ]
Six Seconds' programs are known for an unparalleled blend of depth and practicality. Drawing on 13 years of global leadership in emotional intelligence development, these certifications are transformational -- and they equip change leaders with outstanding tools to develop others.  When it's done with this ... (read more)

Exercise or Die? Emotional Intelligence and Health :: Posted 19 Jul 2010 by Joshua Freedman [in EQ Reflections ]
For the past 20 years, my most rigorous exercise has been carrying my laptop around the world. Still, when I went to the doctor for a checkup (finally), I was surprised and dismayed by my blood pressure.  [This article was first published 12/21/2005 -- the good news:  I've come to ... (read more)

The Most Beautiful Word in the English Language :: Posted 19 Jul 2010 by Six Seconds [in EQ Planet ]
We've all worked for or with those leaders whose first priority seems to be garnering credit and praise -- so what is it that lets a rare few truly galvanize others around the mission? While the archetypal CEO is brash, even arrogant, and struggling to appear powerful, the real stars ... (read more)

Spiky or Soft – Protection and Connection :: Posted 15 Jul 2010 by Joshua Freedman [in EQ Reflections ]
Perhaps self evident:  When people are hurt or scared, we often protect ourselves by becoming spiky or hard - creating a shell or a wall.  As we shut down our feelings to prevent more distress, we shut down not just the painful feelings but all feelings.  As the spikes get ... (read more)

Discerning our path—Emotions as an internal GPS :: Posted 09 Jul 2010 by Laura Lewis-Barr [in EQ Planet ]
Despite all our technological advances, isn’t life still full of mystery?  One enigma is our emotional inconsistency.  Some days we are the essence of centeredness and calm.  Then, out of seemingly nowhere, we are quick to explode.  We may be expert at hiding our emotional eruptions.  But even if they ... (read more)

EQ Blended Learning at GAMBRO DASCO :: Posted 07 Jul 2010 by Six Seconds [in Six Seconds ]
Gambro Dasco is a planning and production firm specializing in medical dialysis devices.  To create the right conditions for continued growth, the company implemented a program to strengthen team leaders’ Emotional Intelligence. To initiate the project, Gambro Dasco’s Human Resources Manager, Sara Boldrini needed to secure funding for the effort, ... (read more)

Change the Game – Italy Conference :: Posted 07 Jul 2010 by Six Seconds [in Six Seconds ]
The Six Seconds Italia 2010 conference was a time to change the game -- to move out of "business as usual" into the possibility of the exceptional.  The third "peer to peer" emotional intelligence conference in Italy, the majority of speakers were members of the Six Seconds network in Italy.  ... (read more)

Proactive, Reactive, Inactive :: Posted 07 Jul 2010 by Joshua Freedman [in EQ Reflections ]
One of the major issues that surfaced in the 2010 Workplace Issues Report (and the 2007 report for that matter) is being proactive. You know - that state when you put out the fire before it's a raging inferno? Or maybe even take the matches and paper away from your colleague before ... (read more)

The Creators of Sesame Street Were Right!! Emotional Intelligence and Cognitive Development at the Synapse Institute :: Posted 07 Jul 2010 by barbarafatum [in Six Seconds ]
The Creators of Sesame Street Were Right!! Emotional Intelligence and Cognitive Development at the Synapse Institute By Barbara Fatum, M.Ed., Ed.D. Sesame Street is the longest running Children’s Educational program on television.  Its conception occurred in 1967 and its creators insisted that ... (read more)

More emotional intelligence articles and news from Six Seconds

Categories: Calling Change Makers | Business | Education ||| Home :: Popular: Great Newsletters | Article Library || More

Products & Services: Certification Training | EQ Tools | SEI Test | Coaching | Find Experts | Shop

For certified: Certified Intranet | SEI Intranet

All contents copyright © 1997-2010 Six Seconds. All rights reserved. Using this site indicates means you agree to the Terms of Use