I found this really cool little video on YouTube that I wanted to share with you all on the topic of emotional control as it relates to Emotional Intelligence.  I mentioned in previous posts how Emotional Intelligence is a central theme in many of the classes I’ve taken so fa in pursuit of my M.S. in Management & Leadership and that continues this semester as well. It’s not just the stuff of great leaders though, it’s the stuff of great spouses, fathers, and friends.

What I like about this video is the simple, practical steps that he outlines for taking action. I can tell you first hand that step #5 (Name it to Tame it) is almost brain-dead simple but amazingly powerful. Most men don’t realize when they are being driven by emotion much less are able to recognize what the emotion is. Why is that so important? As he explains so concisely in the video, the simple act of naming what you are feeling can put your brain back in control. But, of course, you have to be able to distinguish between emotions as well. For example, can you tell the difference between anxiety and fear? Or frustration and ager? More on ab emotional taxonomy in a future post…

He also references some fantastic books as well, including the EI bible from Daniel Goldman. I’ve put a few of these on my reading list and you should too!