Barnabas File

Effective coaches are on a journey—not only to improve their skills but to understand themselves.     In so doing, they can increase the quality of coaching they offer to their clients.    One way to do this is to identify and strengthen their own level of social and emotional intelligence.   The connection between coaching and social and emotional intelligence (SEIP) is profound and multifaceted. Emotional intelligence is not just a desirable trait for a coach; it's a fundamental skill that underpins effective coaching and drives positive outcomes for clients.   Social and Emotional Intelligence provides a strong foundation for effective coaching in several ways. Building Trust and Rapport: SEIP, particularly empathy and social skills, allows coaches to create a safe, open, and trusting environment where clients feel understood and comfortable sharing their vulnerabilities. This rapport is crucial for a successful coaching relationship. Unde...

Through the work of Daniel Goleman, most of us have been exposed to the concept of personal emotional intelligence (EQ) and its components—self-awareness, self-management, other awareness, and relationship management.  Understanding our own EQ contributes to our mental health, resiliency, and allows us to relate to others effectively.   The authors of Team Emotional Intelligence 2.0 have applied this approach to teams with the goal of developing high-performing teams.  They identify the four skill sets involved as emotional awareness, emotional management, internal relationships and external relationships.     Under each set, they offer strategies to enhance the awareness, health, and effectiveness of a team and give concrete examples of successful application as well as planning ideas.  The approach is very practical.  The primary concern is that the leader or group facilitator not become overwhelmed but focus on a few key st...

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have talked and written a lot about what characteristics are needed to lead in a crisis.    Our present situation has called forth the best in leaders but also has identified gaps that might not have been apparent or crucial before.   As I listened to one of the speakers at the 2020 Global Leadership Conference, I realized that the characteristics for successful leadership in a crisis are the same that are needed for leadership at any time.     Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic teaches at University College London and Columbia University and is also the Chief Talent Scientist at ManPowerGroup.  He and his team have done extensive research on resilience during the pandemic, but their findings are applicable at any time.  Here are the characteristics or traits they identified of a successful leader.   Intelligence--the ability to learn quickly. Curiosity--knowing what you don’t know. Humility--willing to listen,...