BBB Podcast Episode 36: Behind Effective Communication is Emotional Intelligence

In this episode, I share the essential components of effective communication and the underlying factors that influence how we express ourselves and interact with others. Drawing from my expertise in trauma-informed communication and emotional intelligence, I explore the importance of recognizing our emotions and how they shape our responses in personal and professional settings. Join me as we uncover the barriers to effective communication and explore how to break them down, one root cause at a time.

Key Takeaways:

What is Emotional Intelligence? – Emotional intelligence is about bridging the gap between our thoughts and feelings, allowing us to connect authentically with ourselves. It directly influences how we listen and allows us to listen without letting labels and assumptions get in the way.
Toxic Positivity in Black Communities – In many communities, especially certain cultures, only positive emotions are accepted. This creates “toxic positivity,” where staying positive is emphasized over true feelings. Toxic positivity is harmful because it prevents people from processing emotions like sadness, anger, or fear, which are needed for growth and healing.
Rediscovering the Mind-Body Connection – Reconnecting with the body is about becoming aware of the messages our body is sending us about our emotions. When we take a moment to pause and tune in, we can begin to identify what our body is telling us.
The Power of Naming Our Feelings – When we make it a habit to label our emotions, we can better understand ourselves and communicate more effectively with others.

Helpful Resources:

Emotional Regulation – Emotional regulation means finding ways to control our reactions, especially when emotions feel overwhelming. When we have control over our emotions, we’re better able to express our needs and feelings to others in a calm and constructive way.
Valuing Soft Skills – Core skills like communication, emotional intelligence, trust, and psychological safety are often assumed to be present in leaders, but rarely are they prioritized. When organizations ignore these foundational skills, they risk fostering toxic environments.

Notable Highlights:

“Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify, name, honor, accept, regulate, and effectively communicate what we label as emotions.”

“In certain cultures and upbringings, emotions are not seen as acceptable unless they’re positive, which contributes to the concept of toxic positivity.”

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Hosted by: Dr. Maiysha Clairborne

Communication is the foundation of everything and everything happens in communication. If you’re ready to take your communication to the next level, our Communication That Transforms course dives deep into creating psychological safety, handling crucial conversations, navigating conflict, and cultivating trust in a way that truly leaves the people in your life feeling seen, heard, respected and valued. It will transform how you lead and how you show up in all of your relationships . Learn more and register at www.mindremappingacademy.com/ticc. If you are a leaders and your employees or teams are struggling with team dynamics, consider taking them through our new “Communications That Transforms” group cohort.