Prompt 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?

Emotions are a normal part of life both in your personal life and work life and can be positive or
negative. Emotions are often tricky and must be appropriately approached to avoid adverse
outcomes. To address emotions, a person must be emotionally intelligent (EI) and have the
ability to understand the difference between real and fake emotions and understand their feelings
and others' emotions. Being emotionally intelligent means that you are social and self-aware and
can self-manage and relationship manage (Bauer & Erdogan, 2018). EI is essential in the
workplace, especially as a leader, since this is often where a person turns off their real persona
and becomes another person. In our reading, we learned that real and fake emotions are
emotional labors and occur in three different areas, surface acting, deep acting, and genuine
acting. Depending on the profession, it will play a role in how each person will act (Bauer &
Erdogan, 2018). EI allows you to establish a more profound, emotional connection with others
that allows for a positive environment.
After completing the emotional intelligence (EI) assessment, I found that I had "good EQ" and
fell under the higher side of being emotionally intelligent. While this has taken me years to
accomplish, I am good at understanding my own emotions and identifying where there are
coming from. When I am in the heat of emotions, I like to stop and remember where they are
coming from. Did something happen out of my control? Did I do something I should not have?
Being aware of my own emotions allows me not to reflect my feelings on others. In our reading,
we learned that emotions are contagious and will spill over not only to others but into an entire
environment (Bauer & Erdogan, 2018). Having a higher EI, I also found that I can work with
others and understand where their emotions may be from or support them during more
heightened emotions. I work in animal welfare, and being EI is essential. I must be aware of how
others are feeling or may be feeling. I have learned over the years of working in animal welfare
that we all show emotion differently. While some may outwardly express it, others don't say
anything and express feelings within. Understanding this has allowed me to think before I speak,
ask questions, and connect with others to ensure they are okay.
When I asked my co-worker's opinion regarding my emotional intelligence level, they also
agreed that it was higher. I am always aware of my feelings, and I do not allow them to bleed
onto others, and I am aware of others' emotions.
Bauer, T. & Erdogan, B. (2018). Organizational Behavior: Bridging Science and Practice.
(Version 3). Flatworld.
Prompt 2:
(Radical Experiment in Empathy Video)  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?

Empathy is explained as the ability to put yourself into someone else's shoes and view their
world, thoughts, emotions, mental state, and feelings from the other person's perspective (Cherry
2020). While this seems like an easy task to accomplish, it is not. To be empathetic requires a
person to have higher emotional intelligence. When a person is emotionally intelligent, they can
understand their own emotions and others' emotions; they have social and self-awareness (Bauer
& Erdogan, 2018). To be empathetic, they must first be aware of their feelings and how their
emotions allow them to connect to others and understand others' feelings. Self-awareness is
essential because it will enable you to identify your feelings and know that your feelings may be
different from others, and that is okay. You do not have to be judgmental or become frustrated
by someone else's feelings.

In the video "A Radical Experiment in Empathy," Sam Richards discusses the importance of
viewing and understanding how others perceive things. Richards sheds light on different
scenarios, different situations and asks those watching to dive deep and ask themselves, "how
does that make you feel?" After that, Richards then really challenges you to take what you are
feeling and view the scenarios and situations from a different perspective. View people as a
person who is fighting for their freedom, a father, husband, brother, or trying to provide for their
family. Then he asks, "how does that make you feel? (Richards, 2011)"

Before watching this video, I have always considered myself as empathetic, someone who
always tries to view a person's world from their shoes. In my current role, viewing from a
different perspective is a daily thing. I have to understand that a person surrendering their pet is
not wrong and tries to understand what they may be feeling. I also try and do this in my personal
life, whether on social media or watching the news. I try to understand others' perspectives. It
wasn't until I finished watching this video that I realized that I am partially open-minded,
partially self-aware. In a way, I pick and choose how I want to see things and how I want to feel
something. It wasn't until the end of the video when Sam Richards tells viewers to view what I
am watching as a father, as a bother, as someone who is fighting for their freedom. I was
shocked! Shocked not because of what he said, surprised because this is something that I thought
I did, but discovered I only do part of the time. I was a bit disappointed in myself because I try to
understand others' views and understand what others may be going through, but I stop when it
comes to certain aspects. The Radical Experiment video in Empathy, provided me with a whole
new idea, be empathetic all of the time, not just when I want to, even if I have different thoughts
and feelings. It is okay to have other emotions and ideas, and it does not mean that I have to be
judgmental or become frustrated when someone views or feels something different.

Bauer, T. & Erdogan, B. (2018). Organizational Behavior: Bridging Science and Practice.
(Version 3). Flatworld.

Cherry, K. (2020, May 02). “What is Empathy?” Very Well Mind.

Retrieved from, https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-empathy-2795562

Richards, S. (2011). “A Radical Experiment in Empathy.” [Video] YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUEGHdQO7WA

Prompt 3: 
(Stress: Portrait of a Killer Documentary)   Contrast your textbook’s discussion of stress with
National Geographic’s documentary “Stress: Portrait of a Killer.”  What, specifically, was most
interesting to you with respect to the film?  What kinds of connections can you make between
stress, personality, and human behavior in the workplace? (Be explicit) 

Our readings define stress as how our body reacts to an emotional demand that changes your
physical, mental, or emotional response. It can create psychological and physiological issues
such as high blood pressure or burnout (Bauer & Erdogan, 2019). Stress is a severe issue if left
untreated! Much like our reading, the video "Stress: Portrait of a Killer Documentary" also
points out how severe stress is and can have serious health risks to a person if left untreated.
Stress can create negative emotions, poor work performance, absenteeism, forgetfulness, weight
gain, high blood pressure, poor circulation, and more. When watching the documentary on stress,
I found the most interesting how much we can learn from animals. For example, the study with
Baboons and how Baboons handle stress. When it comes to stress, I understand that depending
on where you are in your hierarchy; you will play a part in dealing with stress. Much like the
baboons, those dominant have less stress than subordinates; the same is said for a leader and a
follower. What I also found to be interesting was how behaviors changed in times of stress with
the Baboons. When one was upset, they would take it out on another; they would act out on
emotion, fight, gain weight, and have health issues. These behaviors are similar to how humans
can react in times of stress. During times of stress, human emotions are at an all-time. We, too,
may become angry and taking our feelings out on others; we struggle with the same health
issues, high blood pressure, weight gain, and even become sick and become absent from work.
Our work productivity lessens, creating more stress on others and lashing out at other team
members. Much like the baboons, once the source of stress is removed, everyone can relax!

Stress is a part of everyone's life; whether it is a lot to a minimal amount, it happens to us all.
Some experiences of stress in my life occurs when I walk my dogs. My stress didn't occur until
recently when I was walking my three dogs. While walking my dogs, a dog was running loose.
In an attempt to walk away so the dog would not come towards me, the dog spotted us and
started running towards us. Being that I work in animal welfare, I know what they can, especially
when they are under stress. Well, they ran towards us, and while I was trying to get the dog
away, I dropped one of my dog's leash. Not knowing what would happen, I watched the stray
dog stare at my dog, and it kept tormenting my dog. I was so worried the dog was going to
attack. I was screaming for help! There was nothing I could do, especially since I was trying to
hold on to my other two dogs. My heart was pounding; I was shaking, I was emotionless, I was
lost. Luckily, there were people outside that came and helped me, and nothing happened to my
dog. I still walk my dogs despite this, but it doesn't mean I am not stressed that something like
this will happen again. Unfortunately, dogs run loose in my area regularly, and I never know
what will happen next time. I have learned to take deep breathes before walking, I now carry
three different types of protection to protect my dogs and myself, and I pray. Stress is not
suitable for me when walking my dogs because my dogs also become stressed.

Another stressful time occurred when I began college two years ago. I signed up for too
many classes and was also working a full-time job. I found myself under a lot of pressure to
complete assignments; my work/school/life balance was not right, I was having difficulty
remembering what I was learning, I was tired and emotional. I learned from this one not to sign
up for too many classes, but the importance of time management, scheduling, and creating lists.
Once I got into the routine and managed my time, I found myself to be less stressed and was able
to have somewhat of a work/school/life balance.

The way I respond to stress has evolved over the years. At one point in my life, I could not deal
with stress and would become stressed even more because of stress—I would stress over stress.
My stomach would hurt, I would feel sick, I was tired, I would be forgetful, I couldn't
concentrate, and my emotions would be all over the place. It wasn't until I recognized that I
didn't want to feel this way anymore and I would study how to handle stress. Managing stress is
difficult, and it has taken me years to address it. To manage stress, I have learned that taking care
of my body is the first time managing stress. I like to work out regularly and will adjust my
exercises based on how I am feeling. You see, as I have aged, my body has decided to manifest
stress in my neck, jaw, and shoulders. To counter this, I like to do body relaxing exercises such
as yoga or pilates. I also make sure that I am eating well regularly and can identify how stress
will play a part in my life based on my eating habits. If I am eating unhealthy foods, it throws
everything off balance; if I'm eating healthy, I feel good, and I feel balanced. I have recognized
that time management, taking time for self, talking, and asking for help has been a fantastic
attribute to managing stress.
After watching "Stress, the Portrait of a Killer" and "How to Make Stress Your Friend," I have
gained some new ideas for managing stress. I liked how Dr. Kelly McGonigal makes mention of
changing the way we think of stress. In times of stress, I can view it as I am not stressed; I am
overworked. I can also breathe more straightforward and comprehend things better, and I can
determine the next step. I also learned to disconnect from electronics, phones, and emails. In
today's society, especially since working from home, the work-life balance gets in the way, and
we don't know to shut it off. I need this in my life! I love my job, but I'm not too fond of it with
me all the time, and when it is with me all time, I don't stop, and I eventually become stressed.

Bauer, T. & Erdogan, B. (2018). Organizational Behavior: Bridging Science and Practice.
(Version 3). Flatworld.

McGonigal, K. (2013, September 4). “How to Make Stress Your Friend.” [Video] YouTube.
Retrieved from, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcGyVTAoXEU

“Stress, Portrait of a killer Documentary.” (2008). [Video] YouTube,

Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYG0ZuTv5rs