I hope that doesn’t make you uncomfortable. For some of us, the word “intelligence” causes us to think back to our school days, and those thoughts can zero in on a failed test or a failed class. Rarely do we think of our best experiences in school. Or…is that just me?

The latest buzz words today are “artificial intelligence.” My colleague Kyle Gilbert is often stepping into my office to share with me the latest application of AI in writing, graphics, photographs, and more. (By the way…this is really me writing this Monday MEMO…not AI. I am not a robot!)

Another phrase gaining popularity is emotional intelligence. Here is a good definition:

…the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as recognize and influence the emotions of those around you.

Psychologist Daniel Goleman talks of the five areas of emotional intelligence:

  • Empathy
  • Effective communication or social skills
  • Self-awareness
  • Self-regulation
  • Motivation

Many people in our organizations are looking for leaders who exhibit these qualities.

Our MEDIAlliance friend Steve Gutzler is something of an authority on managing emotional intelligence for leadership purposes. He has some ways to build up your emotional intelligence for effective leadership.

  1. Be mindful of setting your emotional tone early in the morning. Be positive and grateful.
  2. Rather than being a self-critic, be a self-coach who builds your self-confidence.
  3. Channel your energy into something productive and joyful each day.
  4. Focus on one percent improvement each day.
  5. Maintain a healthy diet and ensure a good night’s rest.

There is much more to emotional intelligence, but these steps can be good starting points.

As I share these suggestions, I remember the Apostle Paul’s admonition to the Philippian church on setting our emotional tone.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8 NLT

Try that…and see what a difference it can make in the team around you.

God’s best,