Emotional Intelligence: Are you Oblivious or Self-Aware?

Have you ever had to sit through a mind-numbing powerpoint presentation or witness a sales person ramble on and on?

Oblivious (adjective): not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around you.

Simply put, oblivion is the state of being “unmindful,” not conscious, or unaware. 

Have you ever been around someone who is oblivious? I have.
Have you ever been around a salesperson or personal leader who is oblivious? Ouch! Nothing can be more frustrating or irritating than that.

On the other hand, have you observed someone with high levels of self-awareness? More than likely, they are a high-achiever or UHP (ultra-high performer).

What sets most leaders apart is their awareness of personal strengths and weakness, as well as “sweet-spots,” short comings, and strengths. These are leaders who:

  • Accurately interpret their own emotions
  • Manage disruptive emotions and redirect them
  • Can tell you their core competencies and are transparent about their weaknesses
  • Practice a 60/40 in communication: 60% listening, 40% speaking/responding
  • Understand their moods and emotions can be transferred and influence others
Self-awareness is the dynamic game changer to ultra-high performance. Don’t kid yourself, it takes work (a lot of work) and coaching to develop high levels of self-awareness.

We each carry our own self-serving bias to protect our fragile ego and self-concept. As a coach, I’m privileged to work one-on-one with executive leaders and sales professionals.

I’ve found six keys that are critical to self-awareness, change, growth, development, and greater influence:

1. Partner with a coach and receive honest assessments
2. Outline clear strengths and weaknesses
3. Go on a “360° Listening Tour” of peers, direct reports, and your boss
4. Document three goals of focus and improvement
5. Receive coaching and training in emotional intelligence strategies
6. Keep a journal of potential blind spots and write down reminders and reflections of improvements

Final challenge: never stop learning and growing. Ask for help, remember active listening is your friend, and action plans with clear, precise goals is the path to growth.

Here’s to your self-awareness!

— Steve

As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.

To book Steve today, contact Michelle Joyce!
(For information on keynote presentations, team workshops, and one on one coaching.)

“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”

About the Author

Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a Seattle-based leadership development company. Steve is a dynamic, highly-sought-after speaker who has delivered more than 2,500 presentations to a list of clients including Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Pandora Radio, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Corporation, the Ritz Carlton group, and the U.S. Social Security Administration. He recently was voted #1 by the readership of Huffington Post as the Most Inspirational Leader on Social Media.

A published author on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve resides near Seattle with his wife Julie where they enjoy time with their three adult children and six grandchildren.