In our last post, we looked at the subject of Emotional Intelligence by defining it, and showing how businesses have started developing and measuring Emotional Intelligence (EQ) skills in key positions in their workforce. We also gave some examples of the business results organizations realize when they emphasize EQ skills.
In this post we want to describe for you a project we recently completed with a Fortune 120 Pharmaceutical firm that involved the use of assessments, executive coaching, and customized training.
The project centered on key positions involved in the clinical trial pipeline, and touched over 80 individuals. The objective was three-fold; to build a greater awareness of the importance of EQ skills; provide an understanding of where each individual had strengths and gaps related to their skills; and provide development opportunities for individuals to grow skills and acquire new ones in managing their emotions and managing their relationships with other people. Our client was committed to the idea that EQ behaviors were integral to the success of this important team, and that increasing skill would also increase productivity and results.
The project consisted of four phases:
1. Attendance at a Foundations of EQ class that explains fundamental concepts and explores core behaviors of EQ success
2. An EQ360 assessment where the individual rated their skills, as well as their manager, colleagues and direct reports providing an assessment as well
3. Individual coaching to each participant based on their assessment results
4. Customized training based on the overall strengths and skill gaps discovered in the assessment results
From launch to completion took 6 months for all 80 people and each of the four phases. Within a month of completion of the project, each individual was asked to participate in an evaluation of the project. The results show the participants are convinced this program will make a difference in their business lives, and interestingly, in their personal lives as well.
• 87% agreed they gained knowledge and skills they can use on their job
• 85% agreed they will use this knowledge and skill in their personal lives
• 85% said it was the best combination of training and development they had received at their organization, or from any other organization
• 87% were satisfied or very satisfied with the investment of time and effort as compared to the results of the training.
What is the main lesson to be gained from this information? Soft skills matter. In fact, as people grow in their careers and responsibility, soft skills overwhelmingly become the criteria for organizational and personal success. Our ability to influence people in a positive way is what separates the winners from the also-rans. As your business competes in a slow-growth economic recovery, how skilled are your people in Emotional Intelligence?
