Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace

When working in a team, we are operating either a Jackal mindset or a Giraffe mindset. When we are operating as a Jackal, we are focused on either protecting or advancing ourselves without regarding for our impact on others. As a Giraffe, we hold ourselves accountable for our impact on others.

Here are some habitual patterns that are indicative of a Giraffe Mindset:

1. Catching yourself making assumptions about others.

2. Instead of taking things personally, being curious to understand the needs, objectives and challenges that are driving other people’s actions.

3. Making the time to connect with others to better understand what their current needs, objectives and challenges are.

4. Asking for KISS Feedback from colleagues: What should I KEEP doing, what needs IMPROVING, what do I need to STOP and what could I START doing to help you with their needs, objectives and challenges?

5. Helping others understand your needs, objectives and challenges in a non-defensive way.

6. When something goes wrong, taking a pause to assess your mindset before looking for solutions.

7. Helping reframe judgments from others into underlying observation, feelings, needs and requests. When someone complains, using phrases like When ___, do you feel ___ because it is important for you that ___. Would you like ___?

8. Aligning yourself with the needs, objectives and challenges of the whole team.