Misfit Entrepreneur April 2024 - 398: Unlocking EQ Secrets, How to Master Your Mind with Dr. Patrick Kilcarr

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Dave Lukas Chats with Patrick Kilcarr

398: Unlocking EQ Secrets, How to Master Your Mind with Dr. Patrick Kilcarr

This week’s Misfit Entrepreneur is Dr. Patrick Kilcar. Dr. Kilcar has been the Director of Georgetown University’s Center for Personal Development since 1999. His research studies the intersection of risk-taking behavior and emotional intelligence. He is a master trainer in emotional intelligence, certifying professionals to use the EQ-i2.0 (the most valid and reliable self-assessment of emotional intelligence) to assess and evaluate the social and emotional competencies of individuals in a variety of professional venues.

Dr. Kilcar’s work has been instrumental in helping people achieve higher success by understanding and tapping into the power of increasing their EQ. His latest book is called “Leading an Emotionally Intelligence Life: Expanding Your EI to Make Courageous Decisions and Transform Your Life” and I could not think of a better, more important topic to help entrepreneurs than improving in the area of emotional intelligence, so I’m excited to get into it.

https://theeilife.com/

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Show Notes

Patrick attended a conference on emotional intelligence about 15 years ago. He was introduced to the EQI (Emotional Quotient Inventory) and EQI 2.0, which intrigued him due to its comprehensive nature. He was particularly fascinated by how the EQI breaks down the 15 competencies that everyone, including entrepreneurs, utilizes in their lives. After attending training sessions and becoming certified to administer the EQI, Patrick initially used it in organizational settings such as boardrooms and classrooms. He found expanded use when he introduced the EQI to a group of Georgetown students and began using it clinically with individual clients.
Patrick notes that while the EQI isn't a "Holy Grail," it has been very effective in his clinical practice and work with individuals, businesses, and entrepreneurs to help them be more successful.

Define emotional intelligence at a high level…

Emotional intelligence is understanding one's emotions moment to moment and how those emotions influence behaviors and interactions with others.
Emotional self-awareness is critical for personal growth and understanding how one's actions impact others.
It also promotes taking responsibility for one's emotions and actions.

What are common misconceptions or misunderstandings regarding emotional intelligence?

It’s not about learning your emotions as it is about taking personal responsibility for them your actions. Many people avoid taking responsibility and prefer to shift blame or control to external factors because they are not willing to take control of their emotions.
When someone takes control of their life and emotions, that is when great things happen.
individuals often spend too much time focusing on things beyond their control rather than what they can influence.
They highlight the need for self-forgiveness and the challenges individuals face in confronting their own shortcomings and responsibilities.

Emotional intelligence and understanding it in someone’s life is a personal journey. Can you share some of the more consistent principles of EI that apply to most people? What are some tips for developing emotional intelligence in everyday life?

Many people have trouble confronting their responsibilities and taking control of their lives. They are afraid not just of confronting it, but of suffering potential consequences in doing so. The magic is on the other side of doing that.

Transformation is within reach for everyone, despite initial feelings of overwhelm.
When people start to learn to recognize, understand, and control their emotions, they initially feel overwhelmed by the prospect of change but ultimately realize the potential for transformation.
Self-reflection brings awareness and understanding one's emotional strengths and weaknesses. Once someone understands these, they can use them to their advantage.
The guest shares insights from an EQI feedback session with a CEO and emphasizes the significance of understanding both low and high emotional intelligence competencies.

You have created the EQ-I 2.0 set of tools. How do this work?

It is a scale of assertiveness where a low score represents subservience and a high score represents aggression.
Low scores represent subservience, akin to being a human doormat.

A glaringly high score indicates extreme aggression, shifting from assertiveness to aggression.
Patrick describes the concept using a mobile with 15 interconnected parts. Touching one part sets off a ripple effect, symbolizing how changes in one aspect affect others.

Patrick share a story of a CEO with significant emotional intelligence competencies and uses it to discuss some key points.

Emotional self-awareness was high, but emotional self-expression was low, indicating a lack of communication about feelings.
The CEO demonstrated high stress tolerance but lacked flexibility, which is crucial for business growth.

How can individuals develop emotional intelligence in their daily lives?

Emotional intelligence is a continual journey, not a destination.
Self-awareness is crucial, requiring honesty about one's identity and experiences.
Taking time each day to recognize the impact of your thoughts, emotions, and reactions and working to understand them is the key. It will get easier over time and you will begin to understand yourself better. From their you can start to change in areas where you find you could improve.

Why do people often resist understanding themselves?

People avoid confronting past traumas and internal demons, hindering personal growth.
It is hard to deal with your flaws or areas of challenge and most never do. Because of this, they miss becoming their best self.
People must confront past traumas to understand their impact on current behaviors and choices.

How do thoughts influence actions, particularly in entrepreneurial endeavors?

Negative thought patterns can disrupt goal pursuit and success.
Understanding and challenging negative thought patterns is important to align actions with goals and reach them. Negative thought patterns will keep you from reaching these levels.

Subconscious programming, often influenced by past experiences and role models, can shape behavior without conscious awareness.
Recognizing and challenging subconscious programming allows individuals to make intentional choices aligned with their desires.

How can individuals break free from subconscious programming to live authentically?

Acknowledging and questioning automatic behaviors and thoughts is essential.
You must strive to live from true choice – not automatic reactions or responses from past programming.

Can you share a pivotal moment from your journey towards self-awareness?

Patrick talks about his transition from a high-achieving but alienating mindset to embracing self-awareness and authenticity.
He describes a shift from external validation to internal fulfillment, leading to personal growth and success.

Can you elaborate on the impact of emotional intelligence on personal growth and leadership?

Patrick discusses the significance of emotional intelligence, particularly empathy, in personal and professional development.
He notes the role of mindset and belief systems in shaping outcomes and achieving goals.

What are key areas of emotional intelligence for entrepreneurs, and how can they utilize EI in leadership?

Key areas for entrepreneurs are self-awareness, optimism, and gratitude.
Entrepreneurs must know who they are, understand their identity and maintain belief in their abilities.

Best Quote

Emotional intelligence is understanding one's emotions moment to moment and how those emotions influence behaviors and interactions with others. It is self-awareness.

Live with respect and gratitude daily. Starting the day with gratitude sets a positive tone.

The past does not determine the future. Recognize the power to shape your destiny despite past experiences.

Lead life with belief in oneself. Maintaining belief in one's abilities and staying optimistic are crucial for success.

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