Question 1

Emotional Intelligence Instruments

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 tools, 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?
Your Answer:

From childhood I have always had high emotional intelligence and empathy. I was in 4th
grade when the Northridge Earthquake hit 40 miles from my home. My mom has told
me I cried in the following days/week, worried for all the affected families and that they
had no homes to stay in. I think my strength has always been my high emotional
intelligence. It is a great gift to have, as a manager of customer service I was able to
tread my customers and employees, and better coach the employees to reflect and
anticipate needs as they see customers body language, language, or general
demeanor. 

As I reflect on weaknesses in this area, I think sometimes being too empathetic and
attuned to others needs can cloud my business judgement. Where I see a big picture,
and that employees are struggling financially and we are wasting food by throwing it
away, I would shy away from policy of taking home food. In my thoughts, it was going
into the dumpster, so why not let the employees take it home and let it not go to waste?
As a manager, this was not the best way to approach and uphold policy, but as a human
I always felt justified in allowing this behavior. 

I spoke to my mom and my boyfriend separately about my outcome, my mom reminded

me of the Earthquake era me, and that I have always been attuned to her emotions and
always tried to support and encourage her. My boyfriend also agreed with my self-
appraisal, noting how I anticipate my sons needs always (which I think is just natural as
Mom) but also that even when I'm frustrated with coworkers, or him, I always can see
their side. Though that doesn't take away my frustration but lends to it because they are
not seeing/considering effects on others/me. 
 
Question 2
Radical Experiment in Empathy

What did you think of the "Radical Experiment in Empathy"  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.
Your Answer:

I really loved this video and was really surprised. We do really hear just one side of the
narrative and having been in high school through the 911 attacks, I know that narrative
has been all about the threat others pose to us. This was really eye opening to think of,
or step in the shoes of, those on the other side of these international relations that have
been going on for decades. 

I have been fortunate to always have felt empathy for others and can see from their side
for the most part and see where they're coming from. But, if you don't get to see their
side accurately, you never have that opportunity to even try. This was a great lesson that
maybe I need to step out of my little bubble here in California and listen to what other's
may see and feel in other parts of the country and the world. Learn the whole story and
you are better able to help aid in support and change. 

The biggest concept of empathy that this video has helped me with is as I mentioned,
getting out of my own community to hear others’ perspectives. In the terminal values
worksheet I realized how, while I understand we all have different values, our values are
shaped not only culturally, but I learned how impactful our geographical location and
political/national environment are. I worried about earthquakes growing up. Others have
had to worry about availability of food, bombs dropping, or riots breaking out. We all
really have so much to gain by listening to, and really stepping into, each other's stories.