On the third day of the PRSSA International Conference, Heather Evans from Pivot, Inc., a professional coaching company, spoke about the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership during the session titled “Emotional Intelligence: Five Leadership Skills Communications Pros Must Know.” Evan began by introducing the five pivots of emotionally intelligent leaders.
Pivot 1: Autopilot v. Conscious Leadership
Evan described the neuroscience behind a leader on “autopilot,” or an individual who fails to challenge their tendency to become stressed and irritable when in difficult situations. This particular leader’s amygdala is often enlarged when they are in these situations hindering rational thinking, creativity and innovation. In order to ensure one is not on autopilot, they should be aware of these negative thoughts and enter the “gateway.” The practices that allow one to enter the “gateway” include self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills.
Pivot 2: Listening to Inner Critique v. Coach
PRofessionals can often be critical of themselves. Evan explained the importance of reassigning one’s inner critic and stated staying in the present can combat this. Evan said when an individual is upset, they often focus on an event that happened in the past or a fabricated future. Instead of saying, “My boss is going to hate my pitch,” a professional should stay in the moment and listen to their inner coach.
Pivot 3: Emotional Armoring v. Emotional Intelligence
Evan introduced the concept of armoring, or falling to anger or controlling-tendencies. By blaming others, being defensive, ignoring problematic individuals or being contemptuous, a professional is contributing to a toxic work environment. Evan recommends being curious by asking someone to “tell me more” and having them elaborate on the issues at hand. By asking them to explain their decisions or actions, a professional is giving themselves the opportunity to understand the other person’s perspective.
Pivot 4: Listening to Respond v. Understand
Evan then explained the importance of listening to understand what another is saying instead simply focusing on one’s own response. For example, when two individuals are in disagreement, both should ask, “I heard you say….is that correct?” This way, both are intently listening to the other individual and refraining from making assumptions about what the other is saying.
Pivot 5: Challenge v. Opportunity
When given a difficult project, it can often seem daunting or even impossible to accomplish. Evan instructed the audience to change this mindset and instead look at it as an opportunity to learn something new. This way, professionals have a new perspective and gain the ability to open themselves up to new skills and possibilities.
Evan left the audience by asking, “Are you going to be the leader that brightens up the room when you enter OR when you leave?” By living by these pivots, PRofessionals have the ability to surpass their peers and become effective leaders in the industry.