July means another emotional intelligence strategy to work on, and the final month in my year-long focus on EQ. This month’s self-management strategy is “Take a valuable lesson from everyone you encounter.”

TalentSmart says that for this one: “The next time you find yourself caught off-guard and on the defensive, ask yourself what you can learn from the situation or the other person.”

Now, I love that this strategy is focusing on when I am on the defensive, but I would like to take it a step further, and see what I can learn from the other person, regardless of the situation. Maybe I observe a conversation or situation occurring, and see how I can learn and improve myself based on how the individuals involved act and react to each other.

As we go about our days, we inevitably encounter several people, even in these days of social isolation and safer at home orders. What can I take away from the people I interact with at home (family) and when I run to the store (other shoppers and store employees). I made a comment to Squatch this morning that we are a result of the 5 people we spend the most time with, and unfortunately for us, two of the people we spend the most time with are incredibly negative and selfish.

It has been difficult this past year, as I am trying to be the best role model for Little Man, and teach him how to manage his emotions (poor little dear truly lives in the moment and feels the full weight of each emotion as it runs through him), and we are dealing with this. I have taken to talking him through what he is feeling; “You are sad.” “You are scared.” “You’re not sure what is going on.” Etc. Does he truly understand what I am telling him? Probably not, but I am taking this time to really teach him, and myself, how to best manage our emotions. It is difficult to do, but having a child really changes your perspective, especially when the child is a toddler who is learning how to cope with everyday stressors.

I am really looking forward to this month’s work on this strategy. What can you learn from the various people you encounter?