Emotional Intelligence

A fascinating topic about social behavior and the functions of our mind. The video by Dan Pink was my favorite especially the part regarding the engagement and how to maximize the output of the individuals around us. He listed three main factors people need to become engaged. Autonomy, mastery, and purpose are all powerful ways of elevating the intelligence of our minds. When we find purpose in life we become productive. I have found myself to work extra hard when you work with a purpose in mind especially when it lines up with your own values. I have put in time that I didn't think I had because I was contributing to something that I believed in. Another key to engagement is mastery. When you are good at something you are willing to teach others how to become better at it or you yourself will work harder to become better. So many times we avoid these three simple but important areas. Being autonomous gives us a sense of ownership. We will work twice as hard when we have the feeling that it is our innovation and not someone else that is in control. It is ironic to think that we will spend more time doing something on our own time than something we are paid to do as mentioned in the video.
The article on Social Intelligence and Social Behavior talked about how our mind mimics the action of others. I think a key element that a leader must possess is the willingness to work alongside employees instead of just being their boss. I have found this to be extremely effective with my current position as a manager at FedEx. Employees are more open to putting forth extra effort when they seem me stepping in and helping out when needed. It may just be for a few minutes to help them get caught up or while they need to step out of the trailer for a minute. A few minutes of my time becomes far more valuable then the advice I try to provide in the morning or throughout the sort. Our minds are extremely powerful. There are more cells firing at one time then the entire grid that lights up the city of New York which is a fascinating perspective.