1.

Reflect on what you learned about the concept of emotional intelligence based on
what you read in your textbook and online.  Based on your results with the EI surveys,
what would you consider to be your strengths and weaknesses with respect to
emotional intelligence?  Discuss the concept with a loved one, friend, or trusted
colleague.  What are their perceptions with respect to your self-appraisal?

I am not an emotional person, therefore I thought I would have a low emotional

intelligence. I was surprised to learn that this was not the case. According to both the EI Quiz
and the Body Language Quiz, I have a high emotional intelligence when it comes to evaluating
other people. Because of this, I don’t believe being an emotional person will have a direct effect
on how you perceive other’s emotions. It is clear to me when someone is upset, happy,
surprised, or angry and just because I don’t express these emotions to the extent of others does
not mean I find them to be invalid.
My biggest strength in relation to EI is the ability to notice how others are feeling and
use this knowledge to ensure they understand that how they are feeling is completely adequate
and okay. I hope to be able to use this ability to help shape my peer’s views on emotions. My
biggest weakness is definitely my inability to fully address how I am feeling myself. It is difficult
for me to open up to another person and admit when I am feeling anything other than content.
When discussing these thoughts and appraisals with a trusted coworker, she was
surprised to hear of my inability to open up because she believed to have seen me share
emotions. She said it is clear when I am upset or stressed at work, as well as happy or pleased.
She also agreed that I am quick to notice when someone is upset, and she told me she
appreciates how quickly I react to each situation when dealing with emotions in the workplace.
It was comforting hearing this from my coworker, but I do believe there is more I can do to
strengthen my emotional intelligence, especially in unprecedented or uncomfortable situations.

2. What did you think of the video? Were you able to “step outside of your thoughts and
behavioral patterns” and reserve a part of your mental capacity to “listen” to and
monitor your internal reactions as a means of gaining a deeper insight into the nature
of yourself?  What’s your perspective on this notion of “self-awareness” in the present
moment as a tool to learn more about yourself?  Was this “radical experiment” an
effective one in terms of helping you understand the concept of empathy?

Make some connections between the “Radical Experiment in Empathy” TED Talk and
the ideas you have been reading and learning about this week.  Be sure to describe
your connections carefully and use in-text cites as applicable.

Recently, I earned a management position at my current job and it has changed my

perceptions in many aspects. I have gained a newfound respect for others in these
management positions and have discovered how difficult it is occasionally to see another side’s
view prior to being in their position. Thanks to this new job, I have also gained an empathetic
approach to my leadership techniques. I know what it feels like to be at the bottom of the
totem pole at my job, and because of that, I know how to lead and ensure those in these
bottom positions feel appreciated and acknowledged.
Richards did open my eyes on how difficult it may be to have empathy for others when
you have never been in their position or cannot relate to the situation or person on an
emotional level. I was able to easily monitor my own reactions to see how I felt regarding the
scenarios and developed a deeper understanding of my own weaknesses involving empathy. I
enjoyed this video because, although it challenged my current understanding of my views, it
broadened my knowledge of how to be a more empathetic human.
Although I struggle to display my own emotions, I strive to be incredibly self-aware.
However, I do not believe it is impossible to become completely aware of all assumptions or
stereotypes we hold. I do believe I can benefit from striving to learn more of how those who
are different than myself tend to think and act. Empathy begins with gaining a deeper
understanding of why someone may think the way they do.
There were many connections between the video and readings this week. The first being
the importance of emotional intelligence (EI). Like empathy, EI touches a deeper level of
emotions and asks the important question, “why?” (Bauer and Erdogan, Ch. 7). Another
connection made is from the perceptions of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. In Plato’s story, the
slave who leaves clearly shows empathy for those still in the cave and returns help set them
free to see the world. He is empathetic because he has been in their situation. The others who
are still trapped do not show empathy towards the man who escaped the cave because they
have never been in the situation the outsider has and it is much more difficult to have empathy
when you cannot relate (Plato).
I have understood the concept of empathy for quite a while and understand the
difficulties I have when displaying an empathetic approach. For example, growing up, I never
wanted to see the bad guys in movies be hurt and did my best to understand why they would
act in such a way. I have never enjoyed seeing harm be done to anyone, good or bad, and I do
wish to become more aware and understanding of my own perceptions to be able to be fully
empathetic in every situation. Although I found the “Radical Experiment in Empathy” a bit
aggressive and confusing, I do believe I understand the point Richards was trying to make
involving maintaining empathy and understanding the power in knowing your assumptions and
perceptions will be different than someone else’s and these assumptions can hinder your ability
to be empathetic.
 Reference

Bauer, T., & Erdogan, B. (2019). Essentials of Organizational Behavior: Bridging Science and

Practice Version 3.0 [E-book]. FlatWorld.