Episode Summary
In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver addresses a practical and common leadership challenge: how to deal with individuals who demonstrate low emotional intelligence.
Mike explains that the first step is to identify the specific area in which emotional intelligence is lacking—whether it is self-awareness or social awareness. He stresses the importance of providing feedback in a kind, honest manner, emphasizing the principle of “speaking the truth in love.” By sharing insights or anecdotes, Mike Staver illustrates how you can help someone become more aware of their behavior without being harsh or critical.
He also demonstrates how to approach situations where individuals may not realize the impact of their actions in group settings, advocating for gentle, direct communication tailored to the context of the emotional intelligence gap.
Key Takeaways
- Identify the specific type of emotional intelligence deficit (e.g., self-awareness or social awareness) before addressing it.
- Provide feedback in a kind and constructive manner; “speak the truth in love.”
- Offer clear, specific observations rather than general criticisms.
- For self-awareness issues, gently share observations or anecdotes to foster understanding.
- For social awareness gaps, explain how their behavior impacts others, especially in group dynamics.
- Address issues directly but avoid being overly critical; focus on helping individuals grow.
Notable Quotes
- “If they lack self awareness, you can make them aware in a kind way.”
- “Speak the truth in love. Don’t beat people down.”
- “First you figure out the area where they lack emotional intelligence or where it’s diluted and then you address that specific area.”
Mike Staver is the CEO and Founder of The Staver Group, a proven leadership development firm dedicated to improving organizational performance by closing the gap between intentions and execution. To learn more about working with Mike and The Staver Group, email info@mikestaver.com.
Do you have a burning question for Mike to answer on another episode of Mondays with Mike? Submit the form below!
