In yesterday’s class, I shared with my students a story about my own journey and the importance of something we don’t always talk about enough: emotional intelligence. When I was young, I was focused on academics and intelligence, just like many youngsters. I didn’t realize how crucial emotional intelligence was until I found myself in leadership positions.
Having intelligence without emotional intelligence is like having a powerful engine but no steering wheel. It’s hard to navigate challenges and inspire others. On the other hand, having great emotional intelligence but lacking the skills to execute can limit your impact.
I’ve seen this firsthand in many founders and CEOs. They’re incredibly smart, but they often make poor decisions because they let their emotions get the best of them.
As we grow older, we’ll encounter many different people and situations. These experiences will shape who we are and how they react to challenges. It’s important to remember that not everyone will understand our dreams and aspirations. Sometimes, we’ll face criticism and negativity.
So, what do you do when faced with negativity?