Harmonizing Feelings and Function to Balance Humanness and Hustle Culture
Emotions dictate the way we live – influencing our decisions, interactions, and reactions, both positively and negatively. When we consider the workplace, emotions become an even more complex subject. Some view them as barriers to efficiency, while others see them as the essence of meaningful collaborations and heartfelt teamwork. As the contours of the professional landscape shift, the importance of comprehending and leveraging these emotions becomes paramount.
To explore this multifaceted concept, we turned to Ignatius Untung, a maestro in the interplay of brand, business, and behavioral science, to expand our understanding. An accomplished author of the enlightening “Brain & Brand”, Ignatius Untung is a marketing maestro with over 23 years of experience under his belt. Through his podcast, which boasts over 210 episodes, and his recurring column in Marketeers Magazine since 2017, Ignatius has continuously been at the forefront of sharing invaluable insights. He beautifully encapsulates the essence of his philosophy, stating, “I believe that the capability to understand people is key to whatever we do. It helps me to do my job in the business at the same time as a marketer as business always starts and ends with consumers.”
“Emotional intelligence is the flexibility and resilience of our emotions.”
IGNATIUS UNTUNG
In simpler terms, it’s the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and effectively use emotions in both ourselves and others. Emotional intelligence isn’t just about self-awareness; it’s about reshaping how we interact with the world. In our interview with Ignatius, we uncover key concept to actionable tips as well as simple ways to get started on increasing your emotional intelligence at work. Watch this video to experience the full conversation!
Practical Tips for the Workplace
One of the most pertinent questions for our audience was how one could utilize emotional intelligence in the professional sphere, especially among co-workers and employees. Ignatius outlined his top 3 essentials, which we believe can revolutionize workplace dynamics.
- Active Listening: Pay attention to what your colleagues are saying, and, more importantly, how they’re feeling. This can lead to better teamwork and conflict resolution.
- Self-awareness: Understand your emotional triggers and responses. This not only helps in managing personal stress but also in building stronger relationships at work.
- Empathy: Put yourself in the shoes of others. Whether it’s a colleague, a subordinate, or a client, understanding their perspective can lead to more effective and compassionate interactions.
- Saying “sorry” is about ownership: Acknowledgement of negative behaviours or mistakes is a way of showing up at work with accountability. Don’t be afraid to own up for your success as much as your failures
Starting Your Own Journey
As we wrapped up our insightful conversation, we sought Ignatius’ advice for those eager to integrate emotional intelligence into their professional lives. What’s the most crucial piece of wisdom he could impart? We also featured Ignatius in our socials along with captions to capture his insightful words – and we recommend that you take time to listen and absorb knowledge on why this skill could help you in your own journey!
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