Emotional Intelligence: There is Power in the Pause

I recall giving advice to someone who was nervous before going up on stage before giving a speech and I said  “there is power in the pause…” 

I recall giving advice to someone who was nervous before going up on stage before giving a speech and I said  “there is power in the pause…” 

In leadership and life, our true power lies in the pause between what triggers us and our response to that trigger. 

For example: An incredibly rude email someone decided to send to you and 'reply all' or even better 'CC' your boss on.  So, you quickly type up your equally fiery response and it feels good. But will it after you hit ‘send’?

What is Emotional Intelligence (EQ/EI)?

Empathy

 Seeing the world through others’ eyes and responding with genuine understanding

Awareness

 Understanding how the world we are navigating is impacting us. You know the saying “you never know what someone else is going through- so be kind, always”

Intention

Choosing your response, rather than reacting impulsively

Benefits to a higher Emotional Intelligence

Approach challenges with clarity and resilience

Express yourself with honesty and confidence

Cultivate deep and impactful relationships

Motivate and empower others to create positive change

Our emotions are messages and once we release them, we are no longer in control of how these messages get interpreted. Remember, impact over intention. 

Pause. Breathe, reflect, respond accordingly.

Let’s go back to that email in our earlier example. Imagine you typed that email, got the words and thoughts out, but instead of hitting send, you paused. Took a walk around the office or outside. Grabbed a cup of coffee. Closed it until the end of the day. Now, read your words back after your breather. They don’t quite hit the same after you’ve relaxed, do they?

That is the power of the pause. Delete that email and try again. Who knows what positive outcomes we can get from this pause.

Research shows that high emotional intelligence is the highest rated factor when it comes to top performers. Where do you think you’d rate yourself on an EQ scale?