EQ relates to retention, as well. Sales reps at a computer company hired on their EQ were 90% more likely to finish their training, and sales people at a national furniture retailer hired based on emotional intelligence had half dropout rate during their first year. (Hay/McBer Research and Innovation Group, 1997). [Source: www.eiconsortium.org]

Requiring candidates to take an online EQ assessment and having an EQ coach interpret results for you would give you valuable information. Credentials, work history and references are only part of story, and, as you probably know, lesser part.

For your professional development, and success of your company, I would suggest working with a certified Emotional Intelligence coach on selection procedure. Include coach on your teleconference calls, then process applicants afterwards, going over EQ assessment, and it will jumpstart your proficiency in this area. Coaches are particularly used to phone work.

That's especially important when "going to work" means walking into next room!

We’re forming new connections in our brains all time. Part of what we do in Emotional Intelligence is take a look at some of connections and change them so your life works better. Setting up a strong connection between putting on your uniform and going to work helps with Intentionality and Focus. It’s your message to yourself that you mean business.

Chances are you are doing this already. For instance, when I’m ready to bake, I put on an apron I’ve had for years. It brings back all sorts of memories, and I can almost feel my body change as it orients itself to kneading dough, beating eggs, crimping pie shells, and squeezing pastry tubes. My goes somewhere “else” that’s very familiar, and I settle in to cooking, which to me is “flow.” Taking off apron is end of task, as I admire pie I’ve just made, or croissants. I switch gears and begin to think about next tasl.

I immediately start thinking of what I’ll do next, what client I need to call, or what errands needs running.

Become mindful of your different “uniforms” and use them to build good habits for more success and happiness.