Best Decision I Ever Made
I went to work today. I didn’t think about it. I set my alarm and packed my lunch. As a result of these moves, I got to help some people. Going to work was a smart decision.
Eating lunch, I checked a notification that popped up on my phone. I didn’t think about it. Next thing you know, I was scrolling through Facebook for 15 minutes. I could have used that time for more important things. Spending 15 minutes on Facebook was NOT a smart decision.
We make hundreds of decisions every day, big and small. What to eat, where to go, what to say (and what NOT to say).
Am I going to go to work today?
Am I really going to “show up” when I get there?
Did I ever really leave?
photo credit: Andrew Neel/Unsplash
Most of these moves just seem like automatic responses. Even impulsive decisions have consequences, though.
When you have a hard decision to make, you slow down to look at all the facts and consider the impact.
As a professional, your decisions impact people.
From paying a bill to taking on a new client, you DECIDE how other people will get things, or won't.
You don’t always have time to make an intentional, conscious decision. But you do want to have a positive impact.
In my experience, smart decisions require more than IQ. Professionals with higher Emotional Intelligence tend to make decisions with more humanity and empathy.
What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is different from book smarts or IQ. Your EQ reflects how well you...
recognize emotions in others and yourself
manage your emotions
account for human factors like emotion in your decision-making
Why does EQ matter in making decisions? Because connections and relationships are more valuable in our new economy than knowledge or status. Your EQ will help you understand what others are doing and thinking and feeling. In the Connection Economy, your future wealth will depend on your EQ.
If you want to learn how to integrate your EQ into your decision-making, come join us for a Free Intro Talk to the upcoming program “Build Your Support Team.”
I hope to see you there!
Registration for the Intro Talk is free but space is limited. Register here.
P.S. The best decision I ever made was marrying Betsy. Not only have we raised two kick-ass kids together and seen each other through some MAJOR ups and downs. She is the one I look forward to spending the rest of my life waking up next to.