Emotional intelligence is something that’s foundational to being able to function in the working world. It involves self-awareness, the ability to regulate your own emotions, to “read the room” and understand what you need to do to maintain healthy relationships. Emotional intelligence is HUGE to your personal and professional effectiveness.
That’s why I was happy to sit with Robin Hills, Founder of Ei4Change, to discuss tools and strategies that we all can use to approach difficult conversations.
We talked about issues of race, politics, and family drama. Yes, we went there! Join us, and learn how you too can master reading the room and knowing how to behave once you’re in it.
In this episode of Lead with Levity, Dr. Heather Walker dives into emotional intelligence (EI) with Robin Hills, the CEO of Ei4Change and a global expert in emotional intelligence training. Robin’s work spans over 185 countries, helping individuals and organizations build authentic relationships, improve self-awareness, and navigate complex conversations.
What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence, as Robin explains, is the ability to:
- Understand and regulate your own emotions.
- Empathize with and respond to the emotions of others.
- Utilize social skills to build relationships and make sound decisions.
Fundamental to EI is the recognition that everyone has value. By addressing personal biases, beliefs, and prejudices, you can engage more authentically with those around you.
Why Emotional Intelligence Matters
Emotional intelligence is foundational in today’s interconnected and diverse world. Whether in the workplace or at home, developing EI can:
- Improve communication.
- Strengthen relationships.
- Help navigate emotionally charged situations with grace.
Key Takeaways from Robin Hills
- EI is Not Always Easy
- Emotional intelligence is a skill that requires ongoing practice.
- Even seasoned practitioners like Robin admit to occasional lapses, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and accountability.
- Ask Questions, Stay Curious
- When faced with differing opinions, ask open-ended questions like:
- “What drew you to this perspective?”
- “What experiences shaped your views?”
- Avoid trying to “win” an argument. Instead, aim for understanding.
- When faced with differing opinions, ask open-ended questions like:
- The Power of Empathy
- Empathy is about seeing the world through another person’s eyes, even when their perspective is vastly different from your own.
- Building authentic relationships begins with accepting others as they are.
- Self-Regulation is Key
- Recognize your triggers and biases.
- Pause and reflect before reacting, especially in heated situations.
Navigating Polarized Conversations
Robin shared strategies for bridging divides, such as between family members with opposing political views:
- Focus on Connection, Not Conversion
- Shift the goal from changing someone’s mind to understanding their perspective.
- Set Boundaries
- If the conversation becomes unproductive, agree to disagree and move on to a less contentious topic.
- Stay Present
- Practice active listening and acknowledge the other person’s feelings without judgment.
Practical Applications of Emotional Intelligence
- At Work
- Use EI to improve team dynamics, manage stress, and enhance decision-making.
- Recognize individual strengths and contributions to create a more inclusive environment.
- At Home
- Apply EI to navigate family conflicts and build deeper connections with loved ones.
- Teach emotional regulation and empathy to children.
- In Society
- Address cultural and racial biases with curiosity and respect.
- Acknowledge historical context while fostering open, honest dialogue.
How to Develop Your EI Skills
Robin offers a range of online courses covering:
- Self-awareness.
- Empathy.
- Stress management.
- Decision-making.
- Interpersonal relationships.
Explore Ei4Change to find a course tailored to your needs.
Final Thought from Robin
“The world is not built around one person—it’s about understanding others. By practicing empathy and self-regulation, we create stronger, more meaningful connections.”
About Robin Hills
Robin Hills is an emotional intelligence coach, trainer, and facilitator with over 35 years’ business and commercial experience.
With more than 250,000 learners in 190 countries, Ei4Change are the leaders in emotional intelligence coaching and we provide a wide range of emotional intelligence courses and free resources. Our online courses are widely available and are being accessed internationally by businesses, groups and individuals all looking to make a change.
- ei4Change
- robin@ei4change.com
About the Lead with Levity Podcast
The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
