With emotional intelligence to success and happiness

The speaker external page Isabell Dittmar is a certified trainer for the interactive 4-week program external page Search Inside Yourself (SIY). SIY was developed at Google with the collaboration of leading experts in neuroscience, mindfulness and emotional intelligence. The programme is used by major corporations worldwide to develop leaders and teams. For the two-hour online workshop with ETH Alumni and Alumnae, she conducted a concentrated version.

More efficiency and joy through increased focus

After a short welcome and introduction, Isabell let us out into virtual side rooms to discuss the following question as a warm-up: How should people be guided in times of corona, fear and uncertainty? Back in the plenum, the participants noted in the chat which aspects they considered essential: Living values, setting priorities, listening, keeping calm, being empathic, clear and early communication, solidarity, honesty and much more.

Emotional intelligence is not innate, but can be learned through regular training. This insight is the basis for the SIY method. Likewise, reliable information about our brain activity and the possible control of our thoughts play a fundamental role. An external page article on the website of McKinsey & Company describes in detail how we are on average 30 percent less productive and much more dissatisfied due to multitasking or the "autopilot mode". The concept of "autopilot" says that our mental presence is limited when our attention is fragmented due to too many distractions. This includes that our thoughts are always digressing, dwelling on the past or future, or even being in a reactive or evaluative mode. Automated patterns of thought and behaviour make it difficult to listen actively and thus to be present. How can we change this?

Steering the autopilot with mindfulness training

With an exercise, the so-called "Bodyscan", we tried to work on our mental presence. Isabell guided us and directed our attention to every part of the body: For example the arms, the legs, the belly, the bottom. At the same time we should consciously perceive with each breath how the air flows through the body. Via chat, the participants described how the exercise triggered warmth, security, positive energy and serenity in them. Isabell Dittmar explained that mindfulness and calmness help us to perceive the processes within ourselves. A good comparison for this is the snow globe: When it is in motion, the view becomes blurred. It is similar with our inner being. For example, tiredness can only be perceived when we pause. As long as we are restless, it is often not perceptible.

Science has proven that we can change brain waves through mindfulness and actively contribute to well-being, lightness and balance with regular training. Corresponding results have been achieved in SIY workshops: The stress level was massively reduced and instead, creativity, joy and meaning in the lives of employees increased. The quality of communication and cooperation within teams also improved.

Connectedness through active listening and common ground

external page Daniel Goleman's publication on emotional intelligence (1995) mentions that empathy is a fundamental quality for human relationships. An external page interesting video contribution by Brené Brown, Professor of Social Work at the University of Houston, explains the difference between empathy and sympathy. Empathy requires active listening and vulnerability as well as the courage to look inside oneself.

An empathy exercise that we also tried out includes the following steps: We take a deep breath and imagine a person with whom we are in conflict. We look for similarities and consciously create common grounds with the other person. Next, we take a benevolent attitude and wish the other person something good. In this way a connection can be created. This kind of mental training helps to develop empathy. Positive thoughts also have an effect on one's own mind and charisma. The face relaxes, the expression becomes more friendly.

In summary, it can be said that exercises on mindfulness and empathy do require regular training in order to achieve a long-term positive effect. However, various studies and experiences have shown that it is worthwhile. Through self-perception and mindfulness, empathy can be developed and a feeling of connection with other people can be created. These competences are in demand today more than ever in our increasingly complex and dynamic world.