Workers Gone Wild!: Errors in Judgment vs. Emotional Intelligence (Part 1 of 2)

Joe Wynne is a versatile Project Manager experienced in delivering medium-scope projects in large organizations that improve workforce performance and business processes. He has a proven track record of delivering effective, technology-savvy solutions in a variety of industries and a unique combination of strengths in both process management and workforce management.

 

The quandary: Go through some small talk now and ruin the momentum on the discussion, or plow ahead with the discussion and risk making this individual feel like an outsider.

What would you do?

In recent years, a lot has been made of "emotional intelligence," an important ability which allows you to "read" people and understand them, persuade them more effectively, lead them more easily, etc. That's all good stuff. Unfortunately, the proponents typically ask us to defer to the feelings of others. They tell us to make great efforts to maintain the self-esteem of those around us. Speak so that we do not offend. Act so that everyone feels a part.

I beg to differ.

Project managers are often surprised by unexpected emotional reactions to their words or actions. What's worse, HR specialists--in the project manager's own company no less--misuse emotional…

Please log in or sign up below to read the rest of the article.