You've likely encountered the concept of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in business settings or conversations with colleagues. While it may sound straightforward, there's a deeper framework behind it. EI isn't an innate level of intelligence but rather an accessible set of skills that anyone can cultivate. We call it Emotional Fluency to emphasize its accessibility.
Goleman’s Definition
Daniel Goleman introduced the concept of Emotional Intelligence in the 1990s, defining it as a capacity to recognize, understand, manage, and effectively use emotions in oneself and in interactions with others. Goleman identified four key components of EI: self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management.
Emotional Fluency with the Legacy Method
At Legacy, we use Emotional Fluency to help clients understand their emotions, reducing stress in both personal and professional contexts. Clients often report feeling clearer in their communication, more relaxed in their decision-making, and less tense overall.
Where to Begin?
Emotional Fluency starts with recognizing Six Core Emotions and associating with them in everyday situations. Although it may feel awkward initially, with time, it becomes second nature. I created the Emotional Inventory exercise as an uncomplicated way for clients to begin associating with and gaining insights from their emotions.
The Emotional Inventory Exercise
Start by reflecting on a recent event and identifying the emotion associated with it. For example, after a big sales win, you might feel joy. If a colleague irritates you, the core emotion is likely anger. Associate with one of the six core emotions, fear, anger, sadness, joy, surprise, or disgust—that best fits how you feel. Begin by naming the emotion, and then, in a second step, connect with it in your body. Notice sensations such as joy's lightness or anger's tension in your stomach, and sit with it for 30-60 seconds, observing without judgment.
This simple practice builds Emotional Fluency and, over time, creates a more grounded and insightful way of understanding your inner experience. Emotional Fluency is a skill of discipline rather than innate intelligence. Some clients use it intuitively, while others set daily reminders to complete the Emotional Inventory exercise before bed or at day's end.
Ready for a Consistent and Structured Approach?
Step into a deeper understanding of yourself with our Emotional Fluency coaching. It is a fundamental building block of the Legacy Method. Develop clarity, manage stress, and elevate your communication skills in both personal and professional spaces. Make Emotional Intelligence a natural part of your life. Schedule your strategy call with David.
Comments