Measuring Your Emotional Intelligence

Nitro supports and promotes an article by Dr. Robert A. Rohm…

Tip: You can measure your emotional intelligence.
In school, we all had to take tests.  The main purpose for those tests was to see if we were learning anything or not.  Hopefully, we all learned a little bit, even if it was just by accident!  We also had to take standardized IQ tests so that teachers could group us appropriately.  Even though all of us have heard of IQ, many of us are still working on our EQ.  Our Emotional Quotient has everything to do with our emotional intelligence.  In other words, the issue is not how smart we are academically but rather how smart we are emotionally.  There is a very simple test to discover the level of your emotional intelligence and it is to answer the question, “How easily do you get angry?”  Let’s discuss it.

I have found that a person’s anger level is directly related to their emotional intelligence.  If you are easily upset and angered by the smallest thing, your emotional intelligence is probably fairly low.  But, on the other hand, if you are able to evaluate situations and respond appropriately, rather than react inappropriately, your emotional intelligence is probably high.  If it is easy for you to get angry, then it reveals a lack of ability on your part to think things through.  Not every issue or problem should to be handled with anger.  Often, further information or a personal evaluation will help you see a situation more clearly.  Maybe a story will help.

Years ago, I had a friend who was a pastor.  He was a very wise man and had a high emotional intelligence level.  His first response to a situation or problem was to look further into the situation so that he could gain a better understanding and know the proper response.

His church supported many missionaries.  At one of the Board meetings, someone said he had heard that one of the missionaries had recently bought a Cadillac.  The individual who brought it up, thought that was inappropriate and seemed to be very angry that the missionary would take the church’s support to buy such an expensive car.  He didn’t mind the missionary having a vehicle but he just felt like it was a little abusive to buy a Cadillac.  The pastor did not react, but rather responded with something like, “That does not sound like this missionary friend that we are supporting.  I will look into it a little more closely and get back with you.  Before we cut off his support, why not let me do further investigation?”  In other words, the pastor handled the situation in a calm manner and he did not react.  That was because he had a high level of emotional intelligence.

The next day, he called his missionary friend, who was overseas, and talked to him.  As it turned out, there had been a miscommunication.  The missionary had had some difficulty with his eyesight and had to have a cataract removed from one of his eyes.  I will never forget the pastor saying, “There is a big difference between a Cadillac and a cataract!”

Now, that is a simple story but, I have never forgotten it.  The reason it means so much to me is because I want to be like that wise pastor who did not react because of the first news he heard, but rather, followed through and did a little further investigation before he made his decision on how to respond.  I think the biggest mistake that the average human being makes is to react to a situation when we do not have all the facts.  It is much better to respond to a situation after we have taken the time to do some research.  It takes a little more time, effort, and energy, but it is well worth it.

Ask yourself a question, “Am I easily angered?”  If you are, it may be a direct result of the level of your emotional intelligence.  You may read this Tip and say, “Well, I have high emotional intelligence!  I am a calm, rational, thoughtful, easy-going person.”  But, is that true?  You may want to ask some of those around you how they see you and your emotional intelligence.  If you do not see things honestly, then there is no real way you can grow in this area.

One last thought; I have noticed that the people who are closest to me seem to be able to “push my buttons” easier than total strangers.  If I have a misunderstanding with the guy at the local QuikTrip, it is no big deal.  But, when I have a mix-up with one of my co-workers or family members, it seems to affect me emotionally in a deeper way.  Therefore, I have to be on my toes to exercise extra emotional intelligence around people who are close to me.  I work diligently to stay calm in every situation because I do not want my blood pressure to go up and have a heart attack when most of the time, further investigation will offer a simple solution to whatever challenge I might be facing.

I believe our emotional intelligence can rise higher each day if we practice keeping our anger level down.  It is well worth the effort to do so.

Robert A. Rohm Ph.D.

Personality Insights, Inc.

Leadership Thought #15

Leaders cherish their visions and their dreams; for they know that these are the children of their souls. – Napoleon Hill

Leadership Thought #14

Leaders aren’t born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that’s the price we’ll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal. – Vince Lombardi

Leadership Thought #13

“Prepare to win; then, prepare to dazzle!” – Harvey MacKay

Carb Cutting Plus Slimmetry for Effective Weight Reduction (III)

Well readers, it’s been about 2 months since my last post on weight loss, particularly my personal weight loss experience. Since January 23rd, I’ve lost about 34lbs via dietary modification, nutritional supplementation and a progressive increase in exercise, cardiovascular and weight (resistive) training. It may or may not seem significant to some of you but according to weight management experts, a loss of 2 to 3 lbs weekly is quite healthy. So in about a 12 week time period, 34lbs is right on track. And just to gain perspective and appreciation of this amount of weight loss, just place three 10lb weights and 1 or 2 text books into a book bag and carry it on your back, you’ll begin to understand what I mean. 360lbs to 326lbs…I’m happy so far. My suits and dress shirts now need to be altered and my energy is soaring!

I attribute this early success to several specifics listed in each category listed above. For the sake of brevity, I’ll keep the details to a minimum. In terms of dietary modification, I significantly reduced my carbohydrate intake to under 200 grams daily for the first three weeks. At the same time, I upped my water/fluid intake and stayed consistent in my vitamin supplementation including the perfect health pack, liquid glucosamine, blood pressure health and Slimmetry. In my personal opinion based on my experience, these products have been vital in maintaining my good health in lieu of significant carb cutting and a CEO schedule. Over the last 6 weeks, I’ve sharply increased my cardio via 30-40 minutes on the ellipse which for me burns between 500 and 750 calories per session. About 2 weeks ago, I began a consistent 3 day/week total body resistive program with several good friends and associates. Working out with them is a great way to stay motivated and accountable to my goals.

Suffice it to say, I actually feel very good. But I still have a long road to travel to reach my initial goal of 275lbs, like in my college football days. I do have my “cheat” days but no signs of burnout. And the post exercise muscle soreness (DOMS) hasn’t been a deterrent even though it has been quite intense over the last 2 weeks. I do intake a morning feeding (breakfast) and I do intake a snack or meal 4-5 times daily. I wasn’t consistent with this in the past.

In my next update, I’ll share some exciting changes in my blood pressure and body fat composition as well as total weight lost. I’ll also highlight some new protein drinks and energy bars that have just become available which I just started taking.

Here’s to your health!!!

Nitro

Leadership Thought #12

The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.

– Ray Kroc

Leadership Thought #11: Overcoming To Become!

Here’s a classic inspirational story that deserves to be told again in today’s post. The message applies to everyone but is specifically dedicated to those of us in leadership and to those up and coming in leadership. And enjoy song by Mariah Carey (Shake It Off)…check out the lyrics.

Shake It Off

A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule.

The mule fell into the farmer’s well. The farmer heard the mule ‘braying’ -or- whatever mules do when they fall into wells.

After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving.

Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery. Initially, the old mule was hysterical.

But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back He should shake it off and step up.

This he did, blow after blow. “Shake it off and step up, shake it off and step up, shake it off and step up,” He repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought panic and just kept right on Shaking it off and stepping up.

It wasn’t long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well. What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.

That’s life. If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity.

The adversities that come along to bury us usually have within them the potential to benefit and bless us.

Remember that Forgiveness, Faith, Prayer, Praise and Hope all are excellent ways to Shake it off and step up out of the wells in which we find ourselves.

Men’s Fashion Mistakes For Entrepreneurs

1. Backpacks
   OK, maybe this is just a misdemeanor, but you’re trying to climb the corporate ladder, not hike up a mountain. Carry a briefcase or messenger bag — and if you need something for your gym clothes — invest in a nice-looking gym bag.
2. Too Much Cologne
   If you must wear cologne, get a quality brand. Beware of mixing too many smells at once. Remember, if you wear an antiperspirant or aftershave, the scents can mingle for an unpleasant effect. And don’t be too liberal in your application. The safest bet is to avoid wearing cologne altogether and let the clean smell of soap do the talking.
3. Comb-Overs
   Comb-overs. Draping or otherwise “arranging” those nine hairs on top of your head into an elaborate comb-over doesn’t actually work for Donald Trump. He only gets away with it because he’s the boss. If you are follicly-challenged, embrace it. Keep your hair cropped short, or shave it all a la Michael Jordan, Andre Agassi or Howie Mandel.
4. Funky Facial Hair
   If you’re going to do facial hair, do it right. Keep any mustache or beard trimmed. Don’t wear a soul patch (that little rectangle of unshaven hair beneath your lower lip) or unibrow (try waxing or laser hair removal). If you’re prone to stray nose or ear hairs, please invest in a special trimmer.
5. Wacky Ties
   It’s okay to express your individuality through color or pattern, but stick with the classic width of about three-and-one-quarter inches and make sure the colors and patterns complement the shirt you are wearing.
6. Clothes That Don’t Fit
   Too tight — or too baggy — isn’t a good look. Even if you’re sure of your size, always try on pants before buying them. Jeans can be worn to the bottom of your heel, but your khakis or dress pants should end at the top of the heel. Make sure they don’t reveal any sock as you walk — or more than a couple of inches of sock when you sit.
7. Too Much Jewelry
   A simple watch is all you need outside of a wedding band or class ring, if appropriate. Save the gold neck chains, bracelets, pinky rings and facial piercings for after hours.
8. Ponytail
   You’re neither a wizard nor a rock star. And even if you were, admit it, doesn’t Michael Bolton look much better now that he’s cut his hair? If you must keep your hair long, make sure it’s neat and clean and doesn’t fall past the base of your neck.
9. Stained Clothing
   Don’t be that guy who’s unwittingly walking around with red sauce on his shirt. Make it part of your daily routine to inspect your clothes when you take them off and when they come out of the wash to make sure you don’t miss a spot. Watch for yellow circles under the armpits, soiled collars or cuffs.
10. Clashing Colors
    Unless you’re a model, it’s probably best to stick with the basics. Stick to complementary colors (those opposite from each other on the color wheel) or colors from the same palette. Match pale clothes with light-colored shoes and dark clothes with dark shoes.

Source: CNN

Leadership Thought #10: The Significance of a Battle Cry

As leaders, we must utilize every tool available to us for maximized results, especially when motivating our organizations. I recently saw a movie called “Tora! Tora! Tora!” which depicted the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. It reminded me of the kamikaze warcry “Banzai!” as they plunged into the American warships ensuring their perilous end. In other older forms of military warfare, the troops yelled, “Charge!!” At many sporting events, most teams have a form of battle cry like, “1,2,3-GO KNIGHTS!” Traditionally, the battle cry was used to intimidate the opposition, boost morale and unity and even to communicate with each other. Additionally, the battle cry was used to invoke a spiritual sense of respect and renewal of the leader or godlike entity.

And what exactly is a battle cry. Here’s Roget’s thesaurus explanation:

a rallying cry

or

a motto is a short phrase that usually expresses a moral aim or purpose; a slogan is a catch phrase used by a political party or other organization in advertising or promotion

And there’s a scientific reason why a battle cry can be very effective. Studies have shown that a battle scream can favorably affect performance and outcome. Check this out…

From this video, we can see that the scream or “battle cry” improved the performance and the result. Mentally and physically, there is a surge or convergence within the body to achieve the ultimate focus point. Although most of us won’t have to utilize this in battle or high level sports, we can extract many of the positive attributes for improving morale and team identity among our people. So experiment with this motivational tool by pulling your team leaders together to develop a “battle cry/yell” to maximize your organizations’ performance and outcomes.

Leadership Thought #9

As leaders, we need to “know the way, go the way and show the way”. — John Maxwell