EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE MASTERCLASS PART 2:
SELF-MANAGEMENT
Leaders know when to DISPLAY emotions and when to DELAY emotions.
My father-in-law, Chuck, was the kind of man who made an impression. A blend of Clint Eastwood’s grit and John Wayne’s quiet strength, he carried himself with a calm demeanor that rarely wavered.
One early morning, not long after Julie and I were married, Chuck and I went fishing. We arrived at the boat launch before most, eager to hit the water. Just as we were about to launch, a man in a small pickup truck cut in front of us, taking the ramp.
Chuck, who was patient and kind 95% of the time, showed me what the other 5% looked like. Without raising his voice or losing control, he let the man know—clearly and firmly—that his actions weren’t acceptable. The man quickly moved, and we continued on our way.
That moment has stayed with me, not because Chuck got upset but because it revealed something important: how we handle ourselves in challenging moments defines who we are as leaders.
Research shows that 83% of the time, we are able to effectively manage our relationships and tasks. But it’s in the remaining 17%—when things get tough, emotions run high, and challenges seem overwhelming—that our true leadership and reputation are built.
This is the essence of Emotional Intelligence. It’s about managing yourself and your reactions when it matters most, ensuring that your values guide your actions, even in the heat of the moment.
Now that you’ve assessed yourself in these six key areas, let me guide you through simple steps to help you navigate those 17% moments:
Next week, we’ll explore the importance of Social Awareness in Part 3 of this series, diving deeper into how you can enhance your leadership by understanding and connecting with others.
Here’s to mastering your self-management and leading with purpose—even in the 17%!
—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 premier leadership development company based in Scottsdale. As a dynamic and highly sought-after speaker, Steve has delivered over 2,500 impactful presentations to renowned organizations such as Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Spotify, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
A published author and thought leader on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve lives near Scottsdale with his wife, Julie. Together, they cherish time spent with their three adult children and six grandchildren.
