By Debra Cannarella, VP of Operations
High Performing Systems, Inc.
A technical manager felt like his career advancement had stalled, and he came to High Performing Systems, Inc. (HPS), for coaching. He had applied for a promotion and was turned down twice. When he asked a trusted mentor for suggestions, his mentor advised, “At the higher organizational levels, your technical skills will only get you so far. If you want to continue to move up, you need to consider the value of relationship building and polishing your people skills—Emotional Intelligence.”
In the context of the EQ-i and Emotional Intelligence (EI), interpersonal skills are critical. EI is a “person’s ability to perceive and manage his/her own emotions in a manner that results in successful interactions with the environment,” according to Dr. Dick Thompson, President and CEO of HPS, Inc. The second part of the definition of EI is where interpersonal relationships come in: “and if others are present, to also perceive and manage their emotions in a manner that results in successful interpersonal interactions.” The ability to build and maintain successful interactions with other people is what interpersonal relationships are all about. At the executive role levels, networking and collaboration are critical to leadership success. Our client learned that if he wanted to be more successful, he had to work with and through others.
After the HPS coach talked with him, the manager acknowledged that networking and relationship building were not strengths of his. He wanted to learn techniques for establishing and maintaining relationships. The first step was that his manager wanted him to be more visible in his industry. Our client was a member of various industry-related professional organizations and networking groups. From a coaching perspective his task was clear cut: go to meetings, participate. He had to get to know key players and make himself known in his industry. Networking was a way for him to build relationships and practice interpersonal skills outside his company.
Networking also allowed our client to hone his basic interpersonal skills. By increasing his interactions with others, he was able to practice communication skills and conflict resolution techniques. He became a better listener, practiced negotiation techniques and applied conflict resolution strategies. When his peers began to see his improved interpersonal skills, they were more receptive to working with him. His enhanced EI helped him land the promotion the next time he applied.
In many organizations, technical skills will help a leader be successful to a certain point. As leaders move up to higher role levels, they often discover that IQ and technical ability will only take them so far. Building and maintaining relationships with others will have a significant impact on success at senior manager and executive role levels.
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Debra Cannarella is theVP of Operations at
High Performing Systems, Inc. (HPS), a consulting
company that provides assessments, consulting
and training solutions to
help organizations excel.
HPS conducts certification training on the EQ-i 2.0
assessment and provides
individual, leader and executive coaching to clients.
High Performing Systems is an award-winning world leader in EQ-i 2.0® certification (since 2005), EI training and implementation, leader coaching and success profiles. Call 706-769-5836 to talk with an experienced EI practitioner about your organization's specific needs.
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