What is Emotional SMARTS®?

Emotional SMARTS® is an emotional intelligence (EI, EQ) concept that relates to how we apply our smarts, intelligence, or wisdom to managing our emotions particularly during unrelenting change, uncertain times, or ongoing challenges. When we are emotionally smart we take full responsibility for our psychological or emotional wellness as we deal with our very human reactions to changes in our career, the workplace, our significant relationships, our family units, our health, wellness, and aging.

Depending on the research, studies indicate that approximately 1-20% of life success comes from our intellectual intelligence (IQ) and the other 80-99% comes from other factors. Many of these others factors relate to how emotionally and socially literate weare as we work to achieve our view of success and fullfillment.

The need to be emotionally smart is particularly important during emotionally charged times: those times when we feel fearful, frustrated, and fatigued - fearful of workplace or relationship uncertainty, frustrated at having lost our “voice” and our sphere of influence, and fatigued from dealing with unrelenting workplace, career, relationship, and wellness challenges.

In order to effectively address these situations, individuals need to know how to get and keep themselves grounded, centered, and focused so they are not overwhelmed or blindsided by what is happening to them. Further, they need to ensure they are being emotionally grounded as they conduct their affairs, relate to a broad range of people, and make decisions that will affect them far into the future.

Dr. June Donaldson’s ABCD model of emotional intelligence is called “Emotional SMARTS®” The “A” relates to five key Awareness skills necessary to keep oneself grounded, centered, and focused. The “B” relates to appropriate Behaviours demonstrated in a variety of settings. The “C” relates to important Contact or Connection skills necessary in building relationships and expanding one’s sphere of influence. The “D” relates to the ever important area of Decision Making. Dr. June believes it is necessary for people to be knowledgeable, skilled, and competent in these areas, on a consistent basis, if they are to achieve the best possible results for their time, money, energy, resources, and talent.

Very simply, terms of reference have changed about what constitutes business competence and effectiveness and people who are emotionally smart are at the very heart of successful organizations. Why? Because people who demonstrate Emotional SMARTS! are able to provide the spirit, direction, staying power, and results needed to breathe life into strategic plans and business processes. In terms of professional development and opportunity, perhaps a quote from Time Magazine said it best: When it said “IQ (intellectual intelligence) gets you hired but EQ (emotional intelligence) gets you promoted”.

Conference and corporate workshops and seminars are our specialty. Products and services are often tailored to address unique client needs, budgets, locations, and cultures. Call, fax, or e-mail us today to inquire about these educational, encouraging and enlightening sessions and to book Dr. June Donaldson for your next conference or learning event.