Coaching is all about Emotional Intelligence
Coaching is all about Emotional Intelligence
There are many different versions of emotional intelligence, along with varying definitions and attributes.In short, emotional intelligence is a combination of self-awareness and self-regulation that affects motivation, social skills and empathy.
When it comes to coaching, emotional intelligence is essential. When both parties have a high degree of self-awareness and self-regulation, communication flows smoothly, allowing coaching to be facilitated successfully.
On the other hand, low emotional intelligence can serve as an inhibitor to those receiving coaching if they lack self-awareness or are highly resistant and disruptive.
The purpose of this article is to provide a framework of how it can be developed and used to improve coaching and coaching conversations.
Emotional Intelligence And Self-Awareness
First, it’s imperative we understand one fundamental thing when we’re coaching people. There is a receiver (person being coached), and there is a giver (the coach). Both parties in a coaching relationship play important roles, and emotional intelligence development can serve both parties well.
First, the coach who demonstrates a high degree of emotional intelligence will be received extremely well. Second, the person being coached will be more likely to develop emotional intelligence and improve performance and behaviors.
Emotional intelligence starts with self-awareness. Very few people walk into the boss’s office and share that they are resistant or adverse to change or are a bad teammate.
They may know this deep down, but that is not in their awareness yet. The number one job in coaching is to help them build awareness so they can ultimately take action.
Often, managers will give feedback. And often, that feedback seems to fall on deaf ears for one fundamental reason: The person being coached has not fully looked in the mirror.
Emotional Intelligence And Self-Regulation
The second area of emotional intelligence usually serves as the barrier, and that is self-regulation. Self-regulation is the ability to control and manage disruptive impulses and moods; it’s the ability to suspend judgment and to think before acting.
