Photo credit: www.cnbc.com
Since joining Starface World in 2021, president Kara Brothers has engaged with numerous candidates for various positions, focusing particularly on one crucial soft skill: emotional intelligence.
Emotional intelligence, which encompasses the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions as well as the emotions of others, has long been identified as a key indicator of professional success. Yet, assessing this quality can be challenging. Unlike measurable skills or extensive experience, emotional intelligence is rooted in subjective traits such as empathy and self-awareness that are not easily reflected on a resume.
In her interviews, Brothers employs insightful and probing questions aimed at teasing out candidates’ emotional intelligence. One question that frequently causes hesitation is:
“In your last workplace, what really held you back?”
This inquiry aims to reveal an individual’s level of adaptability and willingness to accept constructive feedback. Brothers notes, “We all possess an ego, but the critical factor is whether your ego obstructs your effectiveness in a team environment.” She emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses in a professional context.
Candidates often grapple with this question as they naturally wish to present themselves in the best light, which can lead to difficulty acknowledging their shortcomings. According to Brothers, the ideal answers find a middle ground between transparency and responsibility.
Take, for example, a candidate who reflects, “I found that I struggled during Monday morning strategy meetings, so I sought feedback and replaced the meetings with a weekly email update that worked better for the team.” This response demonstrates a comprehensive self-awareness and an understanding of the influence of one’s actions on colleagues.
This degree of self-reflection is invaluable in effectively managing workplace dynamics and partnering with a variety of personalities.
Strategies for Enhancing Self-Awareness
Individuals do not need to wait for a job interview to begin cultivating self-awareness.
According to Juliette Han, a neuroscientist with ties to Harvard, there is a straightforward three-step method to enhance this capability, as she shared with CNBC Make It:
- Reflect on personal interests and skill sets to clarify your strengths and identify job functions that resonate with you. Ask yourself, what are your competencies? What activities do you enjoy?
- Solicit feedback from peers and supervisors. Understanding how others perceive you can provide crucial insights into your professional persona.
- Utilize the insights gained to determine which abilities you wish to develop further or incorporate into your current role.
While developing self-awareness is a gradual process, its benefits can be significant. Han asserts that, “Possessing skills and charm does not guarantee success if you lack awareness of your own impact on others. This awareness is essential for cultivating meaningful relationships and advancing your career.”
Source
www.cnbc.com