95. Relationship Intelligence - Navigate Conflict and Build Trust

<p>One of the hallmarks of a great leader is how you understand and respond to emotions, and, then in turn, how that understanding helps you cultivate relationships. </p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p>Have you ever encountered these kinds of scenarios with your leadership team after staff meetings and retreats? </p> <p class="p1"> </p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Someone on your leadership team was too afraid to mention something they didn’t agree with.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Some members had questions but felt too intimidated to ask them.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Someone with a dissenting opinion buried it because they didn't want to “rock the boat.”</li> </ul><br/> <p class="p1"> </p> <p>If so, you’re not alone. These are common and challenging scenarios. I know because I’m coaching members in my Owner's HQ or Director's Inner Circle programs who are facing them right now.</p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p>And I’m sure you’ve experienced at least one with your own leadership team.</p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p>When your team reacts with feelings of fear, intimidation, and withdrawal, there’s a larger issue going on. </p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p>It usually means your team doesn’t feel enough trust or connection with you and the rest of the team to say what’s really on their minds.</p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p>As the school leader, improving this begins with practicing a meta-skill I call relational intelligence.</p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p>Relational intelligence refers to your ability to connect with others, understand their emotions, and ultimately form relationships. Relationally intelligent people recognize body language, have the ability to be vulnerable, and are unafraid of difficult conversations.</p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p>In the stressful, emotionally-charged environments within early childhood centers, relational intelligence is an incredibly important meta-skill for you to have and to model for your team. It’s the second meta-skill of the six I’m in