Wednesday
Feb242010
What are you getting out of "Relational Intelligence"?
Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 08:43PM JOHN: Seems like in just about every group of people I'm with these days, somebody mentions the Relational Intelligence series, and things that are standing out to them. Of course, one of the best ways we learn -- and remember what we learn -- is to interact with others.
So here's a a question for you: What are you getting out of the "Relational Intelligence" series? Which topic or idea has stood out to you? Why? What has been a key point? What have you tried to "do" as a result of this series? Is there anything you've tried to implement? What was it? How'd it go?
Take a second, hit "comment" and interact! I'll start it out with one of my learnings ... (hit "comment" to see).
Reader Comments (8)
One of the things that really hit me in a big way is the whole idea of the "emotional economy" and the contagiousness of our emotions. I suddenly became very conscious of what I'm "emoting" on others -- especially my family, but also our staff. Of course the good news is that happiness is the most contagious emotion, and smiling is the most contagious "look." So I've been practicing smiling! Breathe ... smile ... breathe ... smile ...
I read some of the posts last week and they were hard for me to understand. But here's what I am trying to do that I learned during this series.
I'm trying to implement the fact: "one person's emotions can be contagious" and how "some people influence a room of people more than others", ie; nervous or laughter etc.
I agree it's true, and I want to be contagious with the peace, love and acceptance God gives, to those who are struggling with anxiety, frustration, alienation etc.... instead of the one bringing the anxiety into the setting. I'm thankful for the changes God is making in my life to help make this possible.
Read & Respond Appropriately! Great concept with tons of practicality. Definitely love one of the verses that was covered that week:
"Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart is like taking someone's coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar on a wound."
Proverbs 25.20
John Reed tells us to "read", hey, that's kinda catchy. Last night I had a longggggg talk with an old friend, and was able to implement the "read". Kinda wierd to just "listen" to her air out what's going on in her life, and in the end, she was amazingly appreciative that someone took the time to simply "listen". At times, I asked her, "is this what you're trying to say?". As an extra-curricular, applying this to "listening" to God, and asking Him, "Is this what you're trying to say" is becoming a nice addittion to our lives.
I guess God appreciates one of his own taking time to "listen", with the intent of capturing what His voice would be telling us. Way to go Terra-I-Wanna-Know-Ya for giving us tools to put into our everyday lives..
Oh Pleeze God, give us some sunshine for our celebration BBQ of what you have been doing here at Terra-I-Wanna-Know-Ya :)
Ohhh, by the way, Ani's guess on the "T" is Talk, or Teach, and she really likes Starbucks, so please adjust that "T" so Ani can enjoy her Starbucks, heeeee heeeeeee
The "help me understand" question is as good as gold. Also, a pencil to help you smile came in handy this week. Yes, I love how we have had really practical take-aways in this series!
Lyle, I appreciated that pencil-reinforced-smile! Very helpful in the moment.
A Friend Posted This Reply on My Facebook Page: I have been "asking to understand" more. At first it seemed strange to ask when obviously I already know the answer, right? Wrong. I got some answers that totally caught me off guard. This helped me then to "manage my emotions" a bit better. I found out that the behaviors that I felt rejected by had NOTHING to do with me at all. Therefore I felt less hurt and more compassionate towards the person. Just when I thought I had it all figured out I am having to stop and think through the steps we have been learning. This has been a life changing series for me and those who have to be around me.