How to Apply Leadership and Personal Growth Principles

3 ways I transformed my leadership through emotional intelligence I spent years engaging with people and leading teams before I truly understood the power of EQ. Most think emotional intelligence is about being "nice" or "soft." But that's far from reality. It's about developing an internal compass that guides both decisions and relationships. 1. Self-Awareness What I used to do: Push through emotions, ignoring signals from my body and mind What I do now: Pause daily to check in with myself, understand my triggers and patterns 2. Self-Regulation What I used to do: React immediately to challenges, letting emotions drive responses What I do now: Create space for stimulus and response, choosing my actions deliberately 3. Self-Trust What I used to do: Second-guess decisions, seeking constant external validation What I do now: Listen to my intuition, knowing it's built on experience and wisdom The truth is, emotional intelligence isn't a destination - it's a practice. Like learning to ride a bike, we fall. We get up. We wobble. We find balance. Each time we practice self-awareness, we build stronger neural pathways. Each time we pause before reacting, we strengthen our emotional muscles. Each time we trust our gut, we reinforce our internal guidance system. The result? Better decisions. Stronger relationships. Clearer communication. But most importantly, you need to have deep, unshakeable trust in yourself. This isn't just about being a better leader. It's about becoming a more integrated human being. Start small - Notice one emotion today without trying to change it. That's your first step toward emotional mastery. (And yes, giving yourself a mental hug counts as practice)

Yesterday, I got to facilitate a workshop at the UT Conference Center about leadership. One of the exercises the group did was to come up with a list ways leaders can continue to grow. While I have added a few things to the list, the most important item here is that as leaders we must continually look to grow in our skills and grow the skills of others. Hope you can take something from this list and add it to your toolbox. ✅ Continuous Learning: Attend leadership development courses, workshops, or seminars to stay updated on the latest management trends and practices. ✅ Mentorship and Coaching: Seek mentorship from experienced leaders or work with a coach to gain feedback and guidance on personal growth areas. ✅ Self-Reflection and Self-Assessment: Regularly evaluate strengths and areas for improvement, using tools like 360-degree feedback, personality/behavioral assessments, or journaling. ✅ Networking and Peer Groups: Join leadership forums, peer groups, or networking organizations to share experiences, gain new perspectives, and discuss challenges. Join a Mastermind group. ✅ Setting Personal Development Goals: Establish specific goals for skill improvement, such as enhancing communication, decision-making, or emotional intelligence. ✅ Reading and Research: Read books, articles, or listen to podcasts focused on leadership, industry trends, or personal development. ✅ Practicing Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Work on empathy, self-awareness, and relationship management to better understand and support team members. ✅ Embracing Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from team members and peers, and use it constructively to adjust and improve. ✅ Improving Communication Skills: Engage in public speaking, workshops, or activities that enhance communication skills, essential for effective leadership. ✅ Taking on New Challenges: Seek out stretch assignments or new projects that challenge current abilities and expand the skill set. ✅ Delegating and Empowering Others: Practice effective delegation to build trust, empower team members, and improve leadership impact. ✅ Adopting Technology and Innovation: Stay current with technology trends and innovations to lead effectively in a digital world.

"Although we often see ourselves as thinking creatures that feel, biologically, we are feeling creatures that think." - Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.d. Imagine waking up to find your left brain—the side of logic and reason—offline, leaving only your right brain, which thrives on creativity, emotion, and connection. How would you navigate life? I recently finished My Stroke of Insight by Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a neuroscientist who shared her experience of a stroke that silenced her left brain. This book was a real eye-opener. My father experienced a minor stroke a few years back, and the effects still linger. The book gave me a deeper understanding of what he went through. Dr. Taylor’s mother, G.G., played a crucial role in her recovery, teaching us two key lessons: 1) Holistic Support: G.G. created a calm, positive environment for Dr. Taylor's emotional, cognitive, and spiritual healing, focusing on practices that soothed and rebuilt her mind. 2) Endless Patience: G.G. was a constant source of patience and encouragement, helping Dr. Taylor relearn basic skills and stay motivated. After her stroke, Dr. Taylor had to relearn how to think logically, even basic math, as those neurons had died. But she made a conscious choice not to relearn some bad habits—like losing her temper or engaging with people whose values didn’t align with hers. This helped her maintain the peace she found in her right brain. It's this balance I strive for in my own leadership. As a leader, this book reminded me of three key principles: 1) The right mix of Heart and Mind:  Leadership is about balancing logic with empathy. Use your left brain to strategize but tap into your right brain to connect with your team emotionally. Success comes from combining data-driven decisions with genuine human connection. 2) Relationships and Motivation:  Understanding your team’s motivations and building strong relationships is essential. Make emotional intelligence your superpower—build trust, foster loyalty, and create a culture where people feel valued and inspired. 3) Adaptability and Mindful Leadership:  As a leader, more often than not, I am forced to use my left brain but switching from logic to emotion requires us to be Mindful. Adaptability allows you to navigate any situation with the right mix of strategy and empathy. As they say, 85% of our happiness in life comes from our relationships. So, when leading a team, don’t just think strategically—think compassionately. When we lead with our whole brain, we don’t just achieve success—we create it together. For more, check out the book here: https://a.co/d/ePWHKxK #BookSummary #MystrokeofInsight #Wholebrainthinking #leadership