1
Spence
Personal EQi Growth Plan
By Cynthia J. Spence
EDUC 705: Organization & Administration of School Systems/Community Colleges
Instructor: Thelma Moore-Steward, Ed.D.
November 1, 2008
Cynthia J. Spence
EDUC 705: Organization & Administration of
School Systems/Community Colleges
Instructor: Thelma Moore-Steward, Ed.D.
November 1, 2008
Personal EQi Growth Plan
On October 11, 2008, I self-administered the Emotional Quotient Inventory Short test created by Reuven Bar-On, Ph.D. My “Emotional Quotient” score for this test is 130 points. Using the scale provided, I concluded that I possess enhanced social and emotional skills. The following breakdown includes the individual categories that make up the EQi test.
Intrapersonal
My EQi score in this area is 115. According to Bar-On, this places me in the “effective functioning” category. While I would agree with the test’s assessment that I am “capable of standing up for personal rights and acting independently” (p. 5), I know from experience that I sometimes delay confrontation in the hope that a difficult situation will improve over time. However, Bar-On suggests that I need to “be more aware of when others are making unreasonable demands . . .and practice saying ‘no’ in such situations” (p. 6). Although I am improving in this area, I do understand that in the past I have allowed myself to be manipulated by bosses who have made “unreasonable demands.” Therefore, I needto be especially attentive and not place myself in situations where I am at risk of being overused and underappreciated.
Interpersonal
My EQi score in this area is 103. According to Bar-On’s scale, I am also effectively functioning in this area. Although I am usually considerate of others feelings, I know that I sometimes shy away from being too intimate. On a professional level, I am concerned that full disclosure of personal information can have negative consequences. Therefore, I would not be surprised to have someone I work with call me a bit “distant.” With this in mind, I need to be sensitive when someone wants to share personal information and somehow find a balance between sharing too much and sharing enough to still make strong connections.
Stress Management
My EQi score in this area is 116. According to Bar-On, I possess “Enhanced Skills” in this area and am “generally calm, rarely impulsive, and work well under pressure” (9). I agree with this assessment completely. It is extremely rare for me to lose my temperor even raise my voice. In fact, the last time I remember reacting angrily was over two years ago. In addition to staying calm, Bar-On suggests individuals can diminish stressful situations by prioritizing activities along with avoiding “things until the last minute” (p.10). Planning ahead is a life-skill I incorporate into almost every area of my life. For the last thirty years, maybe even longer, I have been a “list maker.” I create a yearly calendar, monthly calendar, weekly calendar, and a daily “to do” list. I write down everything my children and I need to accomplish and then arrange things in the order that will be most efficient. I also try to make a list of everything I need to purchase in a single month; groceries, clothes, gifts, cards, school supplies, etc… This organization technique saves time by allowing me to make only one or two shopping trips a month.
Adaptability
My EQi score in this area is 103. According to Bar-On, I function effectively in this area and can “approach difficult tasks or situations realistically” (p. 11). Again, I believe the creator of this test has described me accurately. However, as a “list maker” I sometimes find myself rigidly trying to follow my scheduled plan. As an educational leader, I will need to be more adaptable and realize that checking everything off my daily to list might not be as important as an impromptu meeting with a colleague who happens to knock on my door.
General Mood
My EQi score in this area is 121 -my highest score on this test. Bar-On describes me as “cheerful, positive, hopeful, and optimistic” (p. 13). I would also add the word “joyful.” Several years ago, within a short amount of time, I had three different individuals present me with gifts that said “joy. I was extremely touched that word “joy” brought me to the forefront of these individual’s minds. At that time, I made a determined decision to incorporate the concept “joy” as the theme of my life. Today, I have a “joy wall” in the foyer of my home. The wall is covered with Christmas ornaments, bookmarks, poems, and miscellaneous items that say or focus on “joy.” While I take pleasure in collecting these items, the most important factor is actually being joyful and receiving and giving “joy” during my time on this earth. As an educational leader, I will need to determine that my work experience will add joy to my life, and not diminish it.
References
Bar-On, R. (2002). “Emotional quotient inventory: Short.”North TonawandaNew York: Multi-Health Systems.