Getting the Whole Person to Work

Feedback from the Emotionally Intelligent

Workplace Pilots

Thursday 08 December 2011 John Foster

A Review of Progress

• Almost 50 council staff members participated

• 5 Councils ( Armagh, Ballymoney, Banbridge, Lisburn, Strabane)

• 1 Purpose- to learn about Emotional Intelligence

Strengths

• Potential to educate people how to “get on “ together in the workplace

• Focus on the “whole” person in a constructive manner

• Helped develop self- awareness• The importance of listening to

yourself and others

Limitations

• The pilot title/name was off-putting• Course could be condensed to two

days• Temptation to use aspects of EI

without full knowledge • How to get the right people to

attend

Possible Changes

• Needs to be organisation or department-wide

• All levels of management to be engaged in EI training

• Reinforcement of the benefits and outcomes

• Follow up opportunities to develop EI

Reflective Feedback

Emotional Intelligence as a resource to:1. Build trust and positive attitudes

leading to integrity in the workplace2. Reduction in negativity and stress

related absences3. Influence people by modelling EI4. Start small and build EI up

Reflective Feedback

• Is Emotional Intelligence the Final Frontier in building better workplace relations?

• Space and pace to achieve emotionally intelligent workplaces and individuals

Happy Christmas