Are You Being True To Yourself?

I am a massive believer in developing Emotional Intelligence in Leaders, whether that’s leading self, leading others, parenting, being someone who inspires others, I recognise all the benefits it offers in both our personal and professional lives.

There are mountains of research that support my belief, so it is most definitely not unfounded.

EQ has been tested in over one million people through a recent study completed by Talent Smart, the study found that 58% of success in all job types is a result of high EQ.

In fact, they found people with high EQ earn on average over 20K more per year than those with low EQ. I find this new research pretty satisfying given I spend most of my time helping people understand that IQ is not the only predictor of success and focusing on GRIT & EI is where we should be spending our time.

A single point increase in EQ can add over 1k to an annual salary! Not to mention the impact this has on how it ‘feels’ to be around people with high EQ.

As the results show spending time and effort on developing EQ is time well spent and can offer you and those around you fantastic results….

HOWEVER…being ‘high in EQ’ is only a benefit if you are being real about it …

Are you being true to yourself?

If you are not, people will see through you and you will ‘feel’ pretty rubbish too. You see the same study found that leaders that are true to themselves are far more effective because they inspire trust and admiration through their actions, not just their words.

In my experience working with many people across the globe, there is an obsessive desire to ‘appear’ to be high in EQ… however ‘saying’ I am high in EQ just won’t cut it!

It’s time to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. Why? Because to be truly authentic, to be true to yourself and therefore the best version of you, does require the courage to show some vulnerability and transparency.

Here are a few habits for you to start working on straight away

1. Stop trying to make people like you – Some people will like you, and some people will like you less, that doesn’t mean you should change to satisfy them. Imagine trying to change your personality for every interaction you have! How could anyone ever see you as being real and authentic? and how exhausting would that be? Be you every day and be okay with who you are … your tribe will follow you.

2. Treat everyone with respect – Whether you’re with the CEO or the person in the bistro taking your lunch order, be genuinely polite and respectful. All humans are equal and leaders who recognise that will attract trust and respect from all those around them. People who are true to themselves believe they’re no better or worse than anyone else.

3. Be Open – Welcome everyone in and be willing to share your thoughts, ideas and resources. Don’t be afraid that someone is going to steal your ideas and remember ‘if you are to be successful, it will be because you stood on the shoulders of the giant’ – you’ll work it out.

And finally …

4. Do not fixate on material possessions – If you are being true to yourself you will know that happiness, trust and authenticity comes from within. You don’t NEED fancy, shiny, expensive new stuff to make you happy. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong in anyway to have a nice car or shop in nice shops, but you don’t ‘NEED’ to do this to be happy and fulfilled. The simple things in life make you warm and happy from the inside out, being with friends, family and having a clear sense of purpose.

Be comfortable with who you are, be present in this moment, be true to yourself, change the story and achieve results beyond belief!

Kay x

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