The Clifton Strengths And Emotional Intelligence And Mindful

The Clifton Strengths And Emotional Intelligence And Mindfulness Asses

The assessments of Clifton Strengths, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness offered me valuable insights into my personal and professional development. By identifying my strengths and areas for improvement through these assessments, I have gained greater self-awareness which is essential for achieving my goals, including earning a master's degree, advancing in my career, and overall self-improvement. Understanding my emotional intelligence enables me to communicate more effectively, manage my emotions, and empathize with others, fostering better relationships both personally and professionally.

Both assessments have highlighted the importance of self-awareness as a foundational element in personal growth. Self-awareness involves recognizing one's emotions, strengths, and weaknesses, which paves the way for meaningful improvement. For example, Perry (2022) emphasizes that self-awareness is critical in managing emotions in various contexts, especially in the workplace. According to Perry, "Self-awareness helps us manage our emotions everywhere we go. Our emotional intelligence relies on our self-awareness to be aware of how we feel and clearly express our emotions. It also shows us how to practice 'self-acceptance' and acknowledge our emotions rather than push them away" (Perry, 2022). This understanding encourages me to accept my emotions rather than suppress them, fostering a healthier emotional state and better decisions.

Enhancing Self-awareness and Emotional Intelligence

My plan to improve my self-awareness and emotional intelligence involves seeking honest feedback from trusted friends, family members, and colleagues. This feedback can shed light on how my actions and emotions are perceived by others, which is vital for growth. As Perry (2022) points out, feedback from others helps us recognize blind spots and develop a more accurate understanding of ourselves. Engaging in reflective practices such as journaling, meditation, and mindfulness exercises can also deepen my awareness of my emotional states and thought patterns.

Mindfulness plays a key role in this journey by helping me stay present and attentive to my emotional responses throughout daily activities. Studies indicate that mindfulness enhances self-regulation, reduces impulsivity, and increases emotional resilience (Brown & Ryan, 2003). Incorporating mindfulness into my routine allows me to observe my feelings without immediate judgment, leading to more thoughtful and considerate reactions. Moreover, practicing mindfulness can improve my capacity for empathy, which is a core component of emotional intelligence, allowing me to better understand and connect with others.

Practical Strategies for Development

To develop my emotional intelligence further, I plan to participate in workshops and training sessions focused on emotional regulation, empathy, and communication skills. Engaging with literature such as Goleman’s (1995) work on emotional intelligence provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how emotional skills influence success in personal and professional contexts. Specifically, Goleman emphasizes that emotional intelligence consists of self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills, each of which can be cultivated through deliberate practice.

Additionally, I aim to strengthen my strengths identified by the Clifton assessment, such as positivity, adaptability, and strategic thinking, by intentionally applying them in challenging situations. For instance, leveraging my positivity to motivate colleagues and foster a positive team environment, or utilizing strategic thinking to navigate complex problems. Recognizing these strengths not only builds confidence but also enhances my emotional toolkit for handling diverse circumstances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the combined insights from the Clifton Strengths, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness assessments form a solid foundation for ongoing growth. By actively seeking feedback, practicing mindfulness, and studying emotional intelligence principles, I can enhance my self-awareness and emotional regulation. These improvements are crucial for achieving my educational aspirations, advancing my career, and enriching my personal relationships. The journey toward greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence is continuous, demanding intentional effort and reflection, but the benefits—improved decision-making, stronger relationships, and personal fulfillment—are well worth the effort.

References

• Brown, K. W., & Ryan, R. M. (2003). The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(4), 822-848.
• Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.
• Perry, E. (2022, September 19). How self-knowledge builds success: Self-awareness in the workplace. Harvard Business Review.
• Schneider, W., & Gong, J. (2019). Mindfulness in the workplace: A review of research and implications for practice. Journal of Organizational Psychology, 19(2), 25-39.
• Salovey, P., & Mayer, J. D. (1990). Emotional intelligence. Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 9(3), 185-211.
• Goleman, D., Boyatzis, R., & McKee, A. (2013). Primal Leadership: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence. Harvard Business Review Press.
• Côté, S., & Miners, C. T. H. (2006). Emotional intelligence, cognitive intelligence, and hiring decisions. International Journal of Selection and Assessment, 14(2), 93–105.
• Kotsou, I., et al. (2011). Emotional awareness, empathy, and self-regulation: Their relationship to mindfulness and emotional intelligence. Frontiers in Psychology, 2, 74.
• Niven, L. (2015). "Emotional Intelligence in Practice: Building Better Relationships at Work and Beyond." Harvard Business Review, 93(4), 124-131.
• Zhou, J., & George, J. M. (2001). When job dissatisfaction leads to creativity: Encouraging the expression of voice. Academy of Management Journal, 44(4), 682–696.