Emotions don’t belong in the workplace – or do they? Depends on who you ask! If you ask catabolic leaders, they’re likely to agree. But anabolic leaders have a different point of view – they understand that emotions can’t be left at the office door. Our comparison between anabolic and catabolic leaders continues with an exploration of how aware they are of their own and others’ emotions, how they express their emotions, and how they manage or control them in the work environment.

Awareness, expression, and management of emotion are the three main aspects of emotional intelligence. In the Energy Leadership Development System™, emotional intelligence is defined as the ability to distinguish, understand, and have an awareness of how thoughts and feelings connect with outward displays and behaviors, as well as the ability to manage and express appropriate emotions and help others do the same.

Let’s look at each of the components of EI and see how they are different in catabolic and anabolic leaders.

Awareness

Catabolic – Not only are these leaders unaware of their own emotions, but they are unaware of other people’s emotions as well. They’re also unaware of the effect they have on others.

Anabolic – These leaders are not only aware of their and other’s emotions, but they’re able to step back and recognize that their emotions are not automatic (emotions arise from interpretations). They also look for clues in their emotions, asking questions such as “Why did I have this response, and what can I learn from this?”

Expression

Catabolic – Many catabolic leaders have a limiting belief that expressing emotions should not be done in the workplace. They don’t want people to see their emotions, and don’t want to deal with the emotions of others. When they do express emotions, they often express them inappropriately, for example, by yelling or rolling their eyes.

Anabolic – Anabolic leaders understand that emotions are a part of each of us, and that they can’t be “turned off” at will. They know how to appropriately express their emotions, at the appropriate time. By sharing, acknowledging, and validating, they create an environment in which their co-workers and staff feel valued and understood.

Management

Catabolic – Catabolic leaders can’t manage their own emotions, and therefore, the people around them don’t look to them in times of crisis for guidance and support. They tend to be frustrated, angry, and resentful, and this is apparent to everyone.

Anabolic – Anabolic leaders have the ability to manage their own moods and to help other people shift to more positive moods. They also are able to control their own emotions, even during stressful situations. They respond, instead of react, and their generally calm attitude promotes a positive work environment.

Emotional intelligence is directly related to interpersonal effectiveness. The higher your emotional intelligence, the more effective leader and communicator you will be. For a further discussion of how the two are related, see the report on EI=IE, available at www.iPECcoaching.com/energyleadershipbonuses. In addition, the Energy Leadership Development System contains an entire section on Emotional Intelligence, and gives useful and easily implemented strategies for increasing EI.

LeAnne is offering The Energy Leadership Development System including the module on Emotional Intelligence as a program to the Los Alamos community this spring. Please reach out for more information!

From my anabolic heart to yours, I wish you and your families a March to Remember. A Month of forward movement and sustainable change, a month of a renewed sense of Core Wellbeing.

The best is yet to come!

Until next time,  Be Well and Live Your Legacy!

LeAnne Parsons CPC, ELI-MP, CWD Specialist is The Walk Your Talk Coach at Legacy Now Lived. Parsons is a CORE Wellbeing/Leadership and Relationship Restoration Coach, Trust Based Relational Intervention Practitioner, Radio Host, Speaker, and Conscious Adoption Advocate. She lives in Los Alamos and offers group, individual, virtual and in person sessions as well as workshops, seminars and retreats. She can be reached at 505.412.1817 or please visit http://www.thewalkyourtalkcoach.com