Nada Nasserdeen

Do you know what Emotional Intelligence is, really? Today EQ is thrown around like another buzz word gaining an increasingly shallow definition and understanding. The biggest challenge we see is that most people don't really know what EQ is and how it can support their team, culture, and organizational development. The most successful companies and individuals are the ones that adapt their culture and communication around the key elements of Emotional Intelligence (EI). Many experts contend that EI is more important than the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and actually accounts for 80% of professional success. According to Daniel Goleman, the preeminent expert of EI, Emotional Intelligence is categorized into four quadrants, and it helps build and maintain healthy personal and professional thoughts, actions, and relationships. Workplaces and companies across the nation have now identified EI as a defining factor in company culture, productivity, and increased results. Today, companies around the world are incorporating the idea of Emotional Intelligence into their professional perspective and strategic outlook. According to David L. Van Rooy Ph.D, the Senior Director of Global Leader Development for Walmart, and author of Trajectory: 7 Career Strategies to Take You From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, A correlation between EI and improved performance, and the validity of EI has held constant across the different performance domains, from the workplace to academic.”

Even today in the 21st century, there is a particular crisis when it comes to confidence both professionally and personally. Men and women around the world have expressed their frustrations and struggles as they attempt to climb the career ladder or achieve next-level results in their personal and professional lives. With years of coaching men and women on career confidence and leadership strategies, the Rise Up For You Team has recognized the top four challenges for professionals. Imposter Syndrome- Not feeling good enough or afraid that you don't bring enough value to the table. Self-Promotion- Struggling with the idea of advocating for and asserting yourself when needed for work promotions, networking, and new opportunities. Climbing the Career Ladder- Feeling unsure how to climb the ladder and get to the next step in your career often includes feelings of being unseen and unheard. Taking Risk- Finding it difficult to take risks at appropriate times, potentially missing out on advances for you and your career. The great news is confidence can be developed through proven science-based strategies, which means that we can close the confidence gap especially among underrepresented communities in the workforce. Becoming more confident in your professional abilities allows for more productivity, creativity, and diverse leadership.