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In the article Self Development with Theory X and Theory Y we highlight the importance of your own behavior in the workplace and how it has a much greater influence on everyone else than you may have ever understood. In the article Emotional Intelligence we then explain what EQ (emotional quotient) is and suggest a couple of ways that you may find out about your own EQ. The appeal of EQ is the benefit of understanding oneself which can, and should, then lead onto development. Contrary to the IQ, the EQ can be improved. Decades of research demonstrate that people can change their behaviour and develop the set of competencies that lead to outstanding job performance. This article will give you guidance on how to do it. First and foremost you have to recognise what you want to change and then be motivated to do it. Please see the Emotional Intelligence article referred to above for the 'what'. (Insight into your real self can be achieved from others.) The motivation must come from within. You must want to learn. Think about what you want to change and the benefits that will arise. Also think about aspect of your real self that you would like to keep. In the article Self Development we highlight the importance of developing your core skills and strengths. Note it all down. Keep referring to the notes and keep updating with your progress. The changes that you identify will be changes in aspects of who you are and/or who you want to be. These notes should help you keep motivated through the process of self directed change. Your behaviour may seem to be stuck at times, even for long periods, but then a change may appear quite suddenly. Reflect this in your notes. To understand who you want to be try to visualise your ideal self. These days I think that most of us know the power of positive imaging - although this could be the subject of another article. It is used a lot in sports psychology. (Unfortunately I tend to visualise my golf ball going into the water - and in it goes.) We can access and engage deep emotional commitment and energy through visualisation. Be realistic but not restrictive. Concentrate on the person you could be. Now for the next bit I am already hearing a few groans but try to read through - there is an idea that you may not have heard before. It has been shown (Weatherhead School of Management, Leonard (1996)) that MBAs who set goals desiring to change on certain competencies, changed significantly on those competencies as compared to other MBAs. So, having identified what needs to change and having the motivation to do it we now suggest that you create your personal development plan with goals on it. (Goal setting is another topic that we will cover in another article.) I know - you are busy and cannot find the time. Here is a very simple idea that starts the change process straight away. Think about what you are currently doing and identify what you can stop in order to have time for the goal setting and planning process. No ifs or buts - do it. When developing your plan do not be afraid of stepping outside your comfort zone or taking on an activity that involves learning styles that are not your preferred ones. At the same time be aware that you may become de-motivated if success is harder to achieve. Please see:
