How personal transformation, leadership growth drive business success
Increased emotional intelligence has a positive correlation with increased earnings potential.
As an executive and wellness leader at a sizable insurance brokerage, my role is to help create, guide and inspire a culture where mental health, human performance and wellness are cornerstones.
Engaging in inner emotional development work involves a deliberate and introspective exploration of one’s thoughts, beliefs, values, emotions and patterns of behavior. It is a personal growth journey that empowers individuals to develop self-awareness, emotional intelligence and a deep understanding of themselves.
The benefits of doing this inner work extend far beyond personal growth or self-realization. Studies have shown that increased emotional intelligence (EI) has a positive correlation not only with fulfillment but also with increased earnings potential. My company has seen individuals who participate in our cultural initiatives become higher-performers in general and thrive at co-creating with other, highly engaged and inspiring individuals.
Breaking down stigmas around mental health and treating each employee as a holistic individual is imperative so they can feel safe enough to bring their whole selves to work and be as inspired to exercise all of their creative gifts as much as possible. Through inner work, people gain insight into their strengths, weaknesses and areas for growth. I’ve seen breakthroughs in which a leader more deeply understands their leadership style, decision-making processes and interpersonal dynamics.
However, being a leader is not usually a natural way of being for many. It requires cultivation, development and perpetual refinement. Inner work fosters the development of emotional intelligence by cultivating self-regulation, empathy and effective communication. Executives with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to navigate complex interpersonal relationships, resolve conflicts and inspire their teams. This results in a more positive and productive work environment.
We live in a fast-paced world, and the ability to pivot quickly and realign as a team is critical if we are to remain nimble. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and resilience is crucial for executives to navigate through challenges and setbacks. Inner work helps executives build emotional resilience, enabling them to manage stress, bounce back from failures and more easily adapt to change.
Being a resilient leader means modeling good behavior and inspiring confidence in others, maintaining focus during turbulent times, and finding opportunities amidst adversity. The key is to give these leaders ample space to share their experiences and insight in a constructive and safe environment.
Inner work also helps executives cultivate a growth mindset, think critically and consider diverse perspectives when making important decisions.
Encouraging executives and staff alike to align their actions and decisions with core values, mission and purpose is critical for sustained success. By developing a deep understanding of values and beliefs, leaders can guide from a place of authenticity, integrity and inspired action. This is how to inspire trust, foster loyalty and create a culture of transparency and ethical behavior within organizations.
By allocating resources, time and energy into an organization so that employees can invest in inner work to realize their full potential, we have seen engagement and retention increase, leadership effectiveness has grown, and overall business success is trending in a positive direction. Overall, it is a powerful transformative journey that motivates and empowers individuals to lead with authenticity, resilience and emotional intelligence.
Anthony Dippolito (adippolito@libertycompany.com) is executive vice president and Wellness Practice Leader at The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers. These opinions are his own.
Dippolito is a graduate of the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business and also has worked a Hollywood agent, advertising and branding expert, executive coach and corporate wellness consultant. With a deep desire to help create greater lasting change in people’s lives, he also earned his Masters in Neuropsychology with a focus on Neuro Linguistic Programming and has been utilizing his diverse skill set and life experience to support teams, groups, individuals, and couples to achieve what it is they are most desiring.
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