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

246 LEADING WITH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
thetic give-and-take. A speaker reads the emotional cues expressed
by the listener and meets the listener by fi ne-tuning his message.
For communication to be effective, the message has to be received
with the intent intact, just as the sender had planned. Difficult situations
and delivering bad news are not easy communications, but a
Star Performer knows how to express information diplomatically
and directly by creating a free flow and exchange that goes back
and forth, until there is mutual understanding of each person’s
perspective. 1
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE RESEARCH EXAMPLES
The biggest single complaint of Americans in the job force is
poor communication with their managers. Two-thirds of those interviewed
believe this problem actually prevents them from doing their
best work. Another study of 130 executives and managers shows that
people prefer working with and relating to others who know how to
successfully handle and communicate their emotions and requests. 2
What makes a good communicator? There are five basic skills
that determine whether a co-worker is an effective communicator:
listening skills, such as asking good questions; being openminded;
understanding the other; not interrupting; and asking for
suggestions. 3
Are You a Star Performer in communication or just average? Do you
regularly and consistently (at least 80% of the time) have an effective
give-and-take with others, continually fine-tuning your delivery?
STAR PROFILE: JOHN DAVIES, CEO AND FOUNDER,
DAVIES PUBLIC RELATIONS
In 1985 John Davies founded Davies Public Relations, one of the
most successful strategic communications firms in the country. The
company has won over 250 awards for excellence in advertising,
design, and communications and is the third-largest public relations
firm in the state and the top 20 in the nation.