My Personal Story:
Years ago, a leader in the consulting office where I worked, casually mentioned to me this new concept people were talking about called emotional intelligence and then suggested I should investigate it. (Cue the internal eye roll.)
At the time, I knew everything and had a much better idea about how to do everything than everyone else. Or so my 20-something ego told me. Years later, after months of family therapy to support a family member’s addiction, I had an ah-ha moment: oh, that’s what she meant. I need to turn inward to be aware of my emotions so that I can then be mindful of how my words, tone, and facial expressions affect others.
I need to slow down to tune into others’ emotions: doing my best to look for visual clues and trusting my gut when something feels off. I learned that emotional intelligence is about understanding my own emotions and tuning into others’ emotions BEFORE choosing my words thoughtfully.
From then on, I practiced one simple yet crucial skill: pause before reacting.
How? I use the “3-breath rule.” It gives me space to check in.
Am I reacting from ego, fear, or truth? That tiny pause has helped me stay aligned with who I want to be as a leader.
🧭 This week’s reflection:
What would shift for you if you paused before responding?
- Would the conversation feel more aligned?
- Would you protect a relationship, preserve your credibility, or lead with more clarity?
- The pause isn’t about being passive, it’s about creating space to respond with purpose instead of reacting from pressure.
Practice the power of pause. Try the “3-breath rule” before your next high-stakes moment.
I would love to hear how it works for you. Comment below 👇
#leadership #emotionalintelligence #personaldevelopment #management
This month’s weekly newsletters are all part of Strategy #8 for 2025: Get your emotions and reactions in check so that you stay grounded in your own personal power. (More important now than ever!)