Tool 26/30 - EI Model

 

The objectives of this short ten minute exercise -

1. To learn a management tool that will be helpful in work life 
2. To apply the learning

1. To start a great day using this morning ritual

Step 1 - the warm up

Keep your journal and pen at hand

Sit in a relaxed position with an intent to go into a ‘flow state’ to learn something new

Take three deep, powerful breaths to lock in your focus and start the next step

Step 2 - the learning

About EI Model

The Emotional Intelligence (EI) Model, introduced by psychologists Peter Salovey and John Mayer in 1990, emphasizes the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and influence emotions in oneself and others. It is used in business to enhance leadership, communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution by improving emotional awareness and regulation.

Situations (examples) where this tool can be best used

• Leading a company-wide digital transformation
• Managing conflicts between teams
• Managing underperformance in a key employee

The top three mental muscles (competencies) developed by practicing this tool

• Emotional Intelligence - Understanding and managing emotions to connect with others
• Empathy - Recognizing and valuing the perspectives and feelings of others
• Self-Awareness - Recognizing personal strengths and areas for improvement

A corporate story to understand the usage of this tool

The Oprah Winfrey story

Oprah Winfrey, a media mogul and founder of the OWN Network, exemplifies Emotional Intelligence (EI) in her leadership and influence.

Self-awareness -  Oprah recognizes her personal struggles, including childhood adversity, and channels them into authentic storytelling. Her deep understanding of her own emotions allows her to connect genuinely with audiences and inspire millions.

Self-regulation - Despite facing racism, criticism, and business failures, she remains composed and resilient. When her OWN Network struggled initially, she adapted her leadership style, took responsibility, and restructured the business for success.

Motivation - Driven by purpose rather than profit, Oprah consistently uses her platform to uplift others. Whether launching "Oprah’s Book Club" or advocating for education through the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, she remains committed to positive impact.

Empathy - Her ability to listen deeply and understand human emotions made The Oprah Winfrey Show one of the most influential talk shows. She creates a safe space for vulnerable conversations, empowering others to share their stories.

Social Skills - Oprah builds strong relationships across industries, collaborating with world leaders, celebrities, and activists. Her networking skills have enabled her to influence global conversations on mental health, diversity, and leadership.

Outcome - By mastering EI, Oprah transformed from a talk show host into a globally respected leader, inspiring change across media, education, and philanthropy.

A story from the World Wars

My personal story

Context

When I went to the UK for a product transition, my job was to take the product knowledge and start operating from India. The difficult part was to make the UK people redundant after the knowledge transfer.

Self-Awareness - I was uncomfortable because my role included sacking of people

Self-Regulation - I had to develop a feeling of detachment

Motivation - My motivation was to find a job for them

Empathy - The UK team could sense that I was invested in their well-being

Social Skills - I had to get the local and India HR functions involved

Outcome - I could redeploy some members in the Product marketing team, I managed to bring three members to work from India and the others found their jobs on their own. I think I did my best in the interest of my colleagues.

Step 3 - the reflection

Sit back, go down memory lane, think of various events in your work life where you could have used this learning.

If nothing comes to mind, think of a situation that would help you answer any one of these interview questions.

1. “Can you describe a time when you received constructive criticism? How did you react, and what did you learn from it?” - This question is to assess your self awareness. Answer this question using your strengths 
2. “What drives you to perform at your best, even in difficult situations? Can you share an example?” - This question is to assess your intrinsic motivations. Share your reflections about what motivates you
3. “Describe a time when you had to support a colleague or team member who was struggling. How did you approach it?” - This question is to assess your ability to navigate relationships and build collaboration and also about your empathy

Step 4 - the practice

Apply your learning to the situation you selected above.

• Self-awareness
• Self-regulation
• Motivation
• Empathy
• Social Skills

Step 5 - the victory lap

Celebrate your achievement for a minute. Maybe a quick victory lap doing some energizing exercise?

**

To those who felt, “There aren’t clear, relatable examples of benefits, of using management tools, in dollar terms.” - Do you feel that the last ten minutes were worth the effort?

These two companies stand out for integrated the EI model into their management training programmes - American Express, FEDEX 

This exercise is not only about management tools. It’s about building a neural pathway. And it’s about my mantra for creating small daily acts of feeling successful and happy. 

Don’t forget to carry this image 👇 in your mind. There could be a great situation where you may want to use the tool. Keep a log of all such situations. This practice will help you when you want to train someone.

My congratulations for your first dose of the day of success and happiness. Have a great day ahead.