Leading with Emotional Intelligence: Hands-On ... - always yours

TEAMWORK AND COLLABORATION TOOLS AND STRATEGIES 157
comment on what they remembered happening in past meetings.
Members stammered through their responses, and most felt and
behaved anxious or uncomfortable.
Frank’s boss talked to him numerous times about his temper
and how it affected others, but Frank refused to apologize. Things
would usually settle down, until the next blowup a few months
later. Frank didn’t realize how devastating these blowups were to his
credibility and trustworthiness as a leader. He was unpredictable.
Everyone wondered if he or she would be next to feel his wrath.
How would you deal with Frank if you were his boss? If you are
Frank, it is important to realize the fear you are instilling in others
and the harm you are doing to yourself. Take time to reflect and
then apply some of the practical tools in the section.
QUESTIONS AND ACTION APPLICATIONS
• Did you see yourself portrayed on any level in Frank’s story?
• How aware are you of your impact on others in meetings,
1-10, where 10 is totally aware?
• How would you rate your impact on others in meetings, 1-10,
where 10 is very valuable and effective in meetings?
• Would you be willing to ask others about your impact?
• Did you see someone else you work with reflected in Frank’s
story? If so, would it be beneficial to talk to him or her
about it? How might you approach this person (e.g., take the
person aside and tell him or her about the impact of his or
her behavior and give suggestions for alternatives)?
• Read the following Snapshots, which you may be creating,
and the actions you can take.
• Take the Meeting Menace Checklist on pages 160-161 and
establish actions to work on.