In this issue: Beyond the Screen: The Quiet Power of Emotional Intelligence in a Digital World / Some Good News / Embracing the Future of Healthcare with Coaching: The case for coaching in the changing global healthcare landscape / Want to Thrive? First, Learn to Fail / The Lighter Side of EQ
Why you’re getting this:
I'm Andrea J. Miller and this is my “On Leading Well” Newsletter. I send this to people in my networks, people I’ve met recently, and friends I want to keep in touch with. You can unsubscribe (SEE THE VERY BOTTOM OF THE EMAIL) anytime, I won’t be offended.
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Whether it’s the first time, or if it’s just been a while, let’s connect and get to know each other (better) as humans.
1. If we’re not connected yet, connect with me on LinkedIn. I post some useful stuff there, as well :); and/or
2. Put 30 minutes on my calendar to chat. No strings attached, whatsoever.
Of course, if there’s something I can help you with, just ask and I’ll do whatever I can to help.
I look forward to connecting!
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Some Good News
I’m thrilled to share my recent article in Choice Coaching Magazine's Healthcare edition (link below) with you. It highlights how coaching (backed by data), can greatly enhance provider wellbeing and effectiveness, and related patient care.
I worked in healthcare for many years, but as many of you already know, it was my experiences as both a patient and caregiver that opened my eyes to its challenges. While I worked in the digital health field and believe in the value it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. At its core, healthcare is very much a human endeavor, which requires a blend of both tech and personal touch, which I hope this article captures.
I hope you find value in the article and if you do, I ask that you please share it.
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Beyond the Screen: The Quiet Power of Emotional Intelligence in a Digital World
We live in an era of unprecedented tech innovation.
From AI chatbots to instant messaging platforms to sophisticated collaboration tools, our digital tech and the distortion that comes with it keeps growing.
Yet, as the boundaries between our personal and professional worlds blur with remote work, one thing remains constant for organizational success: Emotional Intelligence (EI).
Picture this: A team dispersed across continents, climates, and cultures, seamlessly interlinked by a unified digital platform.
There's Alex, catching the early sunrise with her coffee in hand, Jamie on the other side of the world wrapping his work after a day of back-to-back video calls, while Sam struggles to balance work hours with her family commitments.
Different time zones, unique routines, and a shared mission.
Beyond the algorithms and networks that make this possible, there's a deeper, intrinsic connection: how we relate to one another as human beings.
At its heart, Emotional Intelligence encapsulates a keen awareness of our emotions and those of others.
It’s recognizing that behind every interaction — digital or IRL — lies a person with feelings, aspirations, and unique challenges.
Across their varied experiences of remote and hybrid work where typed words may substitute face-to-face interactions, EI emerges as the guide for interpersonal dynamics.
While remote work has its perks, it can also, at times, feel lonely and confusing.
Emotional intelligence can help us understand and respond to those emotions in our online interactions.
It also gives us the ability to understand, manage, and effectively express our feelings, as well as navigate interpersonal relationships carefully and empathetically.
Swiss Dreams and Cross-Cultural Nightmares
When I moved to Geneva, some 20 years ago it was a (very) uncomfortable transition.
Sure, it’s a beautiful place, but despite my graduate work in intercultural communications and my childhood in New York (which can feel like a mini United Nations), I was unprepared for expat life.
At that point in my life, I wasn’t self-reflective enough to understand my own emotions, let alone those of the people around me who were often speaking in another language.
Over time, I learned to navigate and thrive in the real UN, but still often felt like I was missing a step or two.
I resisted.
And it persisted (as the saying goes).
It wasn’t until I left and went through challenges beyond anything that I could’ve imagined that I realized how wrong I’d been in my approach.
At the time I didn’t realize, that this was part of the problem and, the very heart of the human condition.
We often don’t know what we don’t know…
Of course, in hindsight, it’s all so very clear :).
Now, returning to my former home, after personal tragedies and years of emotional intelligence and neuroscience studies, I have a fresh perspective.
A Less Painful Solution
The ability to let go of our pre-judgments of the people and places around us can be difficult, particularly if we often don’t even recognize we have them.
For some, like myself, it takes something significant to effect change.
And some never get there.
That’s just a reality we need to manage.
The question then becomes how you can find your way to greater clarity and emotional intelligence without getting hit by a car (clearly I was a bit more resistant than most :).
Embracing emotional intelligence in our hyper-digital world can require even greater imagination.
Language comes in different forms.
For instance, emojis have become our universal language for emotion in texts and emails. When in doubt about a message's tone? Throw in an emoji. It can help clarify what you actually meant from what the recipient thinks you did.
Relatedly, whether you’re sending a tweet, an email, or a DM, remember that once you press send those digital words stay out there. So, if in doubt, take a moment or several.
More often than not, a few hours delay provides much-needed clarity and can save a relationship, if not a career.
But digital communication isn't just about the words we type. It's about connection.
Active listening takes on a whole new meaning in our digital world.
Beyond just reading, it's about understanding.
Every message carries some emotion. It's our obligation to decipher, feel, and respond to it appropriately.
On video calls, embrace the pause.
It's not wasted time; it's a moment of reflection, an acknowledgment that there's a real human on the other side of that screen.
Those pauses can serve as an affirmation of our shared humanity.
And lastly, as our worlds become increasingly digital continue to educate yourself.
There’s a ton of great content on Emotional Intelligence and cross-cultural communication.
This study is a commitment, not just to your personal growth, but to creating greater understanding with those around you, no matter where in the world they may be.
Your Emotional Evolution
1. Daily Check-ins: Emotional Intelligence begins with self-understanding. If you don’t realize what’s behind your emotions and response to others it’s hard to understand others, particularly in a digital world. Ask yourself how you're feeling. Write it down. Recognize patterns and triggers.
2. The Power of Empathy Walks: Try to look at the situation from another's perspective…take a moment to “walk in their shoes”. Imagine their day, their feelings, and their challenges.
3. Feedback Matters: Ask trusted colleagues and friends for honest feedback about how you come across in digital interactions. We can fail to see ourselves as we really are, which is why an outside opinion can make a world of difference.
4. Meditation & Mindfulness: Even if it's just 5 minutes a day, our ability to enhance our self-awareness and regulation of emotions can make a huge difference, particularly in our digital world. Remember, when in doubt, pause.
5. The Same but Different: Finally, remember that every person you interact with has a story, has feelings, and faces challenges you might not be aware of. Try to approach each interaction with kindness and curiosity.
We all occasionally need a reboot to function at our best, and relatedly our understanding and practice of emotional intelligence need regular refreshing too.
While the digital world is and will continue to be ever-evolving, our human need for understanding and connection remains the same… it’s important to invest wisely in both.
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RECOMMENDED LISTENS, READS And Other Interesting Things
Embracing the Future of Healthcare with Coaching
I’m excited to share this with you and would love it if you could like and/or comment on the article if you get any value from reading it!
Want to Thrive? First, Learn to Fail
Mistakes are inevitable, but we should embrace them, experts say.
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The Lighter Side of Mis-Communication
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Love hearing from you :)!
If you enjoyed this newsletter, please forward to a friend (or 5 :) or someone you feel would benefit from reading it!
Andrea J. Miller
+1 (646) 556-5401 (Whatsapp)
Thanks for reading!—
Are there any other subjects you want me to cover? Hit “Reply” and tell me!
I love hearing from you :)!
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If you enjoyed this newsletter, please forward to a friend (or 5 :) or someone you feel would benefit from reading it!
Andrea J. Miller
+1 (646) 556-5401 (Whatsapp)
Thanks for reading!
10 things only emotionally intelligent people notice about others
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sardire_10-things-only-emotionally-intelligent-people-activity-7089678978747101184-IsH7?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop