A few months ago, I read several parts from Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence book and immersed myself
with the interesting points he stated. In fact, he popularized the term
Emotional Quotient (EQ), which is the ability of people to recognize their own
and other people’s emotions. Based
on his in depth research, he explicitly emphasized that EQ accounts for 80
percent for one’s life success while IQ contributes the remaining 20 percent.
Although the accurate proportion remains to be debated, experts have proven
how EQ matters significantly.
I was first drawn to this topic when my dad offered me to join the “Emotional Quality Management”
workshop last holiday. My parents encouraged me to join as they felt the importance of it for my future. In between a pleasant vacation and a
wonderful internship experience, curiosity had driven me to learn other things
as well. So I decided to buy the book to catch a glimpse about what was going
to be discussed. The workshop itself was amazing and it exceeded my expectations. The materials were
comprehendible throughout the three-day workshop. They were relevant and relatable, filled with real stories and experiences,
supported by a theoretical basis.
However, there’s always a
first time for everything. Unlike any other workshops I’ve ever joined, this
was a whole new experience. I had been warned since the day I registered that I
might feel a bit uncomfortable with the upcoming situation. It took me several emails to convince them that I wouldn't drop my decision because of it. Easier said than done, it turned out that I didn't anticipate about what was going to happen.
The minute I walked out the lift, I froze myself feeling mortified. As the door opened, everyone went in and I was out of my comfort zone being in the middle of professionals from various industries. It felt like being in the middle of my parents’ colleagues and friends with a twist that they were going to be my peers for the next three days at least. As soon as the first day went by, I realized that the chance to “practice” was just in front of me. After all, it was a worthy experience.
The minute I walked out the lift, I froze myself feeling mortified. As the door opened, everyone went in and I was out of my comfort zone being in the middle of professionals from various industries. It felt like being in the middle of my parents’ colleagues and friends with a twist that they were going to be my peers for the next three days at least. As soon as the first day went by, I realized that the chance to “practice” was just in front of me. After all, it was a worthy experience.
In brief, what I learned
about EQ and IQ made sense. Things can’t be logical all the time and it’s more
than just learning the theory of EQ itself. At that point, I was anxious that I
would be disconnected from everybody and be an awkward outsider instead- while camouflaging myself to stay cool and calm on the outside.
Time went by and things were easing. I had an enjoyable time talking and learning from such strong individuals. They were nice and friendly especially in responding my wonderings in a lot of aspects; work, life, work-life, parenting, etc.
Looking back, it occurred to me: Were I a 20-year old me, would things had gone differently? Would I still seek the answers to my wonderings or keep it to myself instead?
Time went by and things were easing. I had an enjoyable time talking and learning from such strong individuals. They were nice and friendly especially in responding my wonderings in a lot of aspects; work, life, work-life, parenting, etc.
Looking back, it occurred to me: Were I a 20-year old me, would things had gone differently? Would I still seek the answers to my wonderings or keep it to myself instead?
I’ve always wanted to grow as a person and be prepared for what's about to come- to fight fear and doubts for hope and trust, to lose, and win. But I soon realized that practice takes time, I’m still young and I should just enjoy the ride instead of rushing everything and expect perfection. Well, even when I'm no longer young, I still want to believe that there’s a first time in everything. I guess it’s okay to be wrong when you strive for great things and learn from it. Nevertheless, everyone can be learner or a teacher in some ways. Some might be both at the same time.
