Tune up your EQ

A participant in the recent Emotional Intelligence, A Better You, A Better Organisation Learning Programme asked this great question:

How would you describe Emotional Intelligence. Is it a set of tools?

My answer? Emotional Intelligence is a set of golf clubs.

Great Golfers Use The Best Tools

Wise golfers use the full range of their clubs. They use the right one in the right situation at the right time in the right way. Borrowing an old rusty set from a friend with a few clubs missing is a risky option. A golfer who does this can expect to spend most of their round in the rough.

Even The Greatest Golfers Seek Advice

The caddy performs a key role. Heaven help the golfer who chooses a putter when the caddy recommends a nine iron.

Discipline Is The Foundation of Great Golf

The great golfers make outstanding performance appear effortless. Relaxed grace, smooth swing and their state of “flow” are the result of intense focussed practice and preparation. Mental and physical rehearsal takes place far away from the prying eyes of the public.

Golfers Follow An Ethical Code

There are opportunities to shift the lie of the ball when others aren’t looking. The golfers’ principles determine whether s/he yields to this temptation.

Great Golfers Don’t Give Up

Even the best golfers can lose their form. When this happens, they don’t quit. They persevere. Even if they don’t climb back to the top, they show their character when they hit tough times.

The Golfer’s Nirvana

Have you ever seen a golfer frown or scowl after achieving a hole in one? The golfer’s ultimate goal is to play the perfect road round.

The emotionally intelligent person aims to live a life of purpose, passion and positive impact. Armed with the right clubs and the right habits, the emotionally intelligent person demonstrates that EQ is a powerful way of being.

Thanks and all the best to everyone who participated in the programme and thanks to Andrew for his question.

This article is part of the Emotional Intelligence series. Read more articles about the fundamentals of EQ.

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Every week, I write 3 original articles that help you improve your Emotional Intelligence. If you're new here, feel free to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

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Would you take free acting lessons from Sidney Poitier? Have a look at this clip and enjoy a bucketload of free Emotional Intelligence lessons as well

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