What do you do if your account managers lack self-awareness in developing emotional intelligence?

1 Assess Skills

Begin by evaluating the emotional intelligence skills of your account managers. This involves observing their interactions with clients and colleagues, seeking feedback, and identifying specific areas where self-awareness is lacking. It's important to approach this assessment with sensitivity and a constructive mindset, focusing on growth opportunities rather than criticism. By pinpointing the exact skills that need development, you can tailor your approach to each individual's needs.

2 Provide Training

Once you've identified the gaps, offer targeted training to help your account managers develop better self-awareness and other EI competencies. This could include workshops, role-playing exercises, or coaching sessions that focus on recognizing one's emotions, understanding how they affect others, and learning how to manage them effectively in a professional context. Training should be ongoing and adaptive to the progress of each manager.

3 Set Goals

Encourage your account managers to set personal development goals related to emotional intelligence. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). By setting clear targets, account managers can focus on improving their self-awareness systematically and track their progress over time. Regular check-ins on these goals will also reinforce their importance and provide opportunities for feedback and adjustment.

4 Foster Reflection

Promote a culture of reflection within your team. Encourage account managers to take time after client interactions to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. This practice can help them gain insights into their emotional responses and behaviors, increasing their self-awareness. Reflection can be facilitated through journaling, one-on-one discussions with a mentor, or peer group discussions.

5 Encourage Feedback

Feedback is a powerful tool for increasing self-awareness. Create a feedback-rich environment where account managers are comfortable giving and receiving constructive feedback. This should be done in a respectful and supportive manner, focusing on behaviors rather than personal attributes. Regular feedback can help account managers understand how their actions are perceived by others and identify areas for improvement.

6 Leverage Mentoring

Pairing less self-aware account managers with mentors who excel in emotional intelligence can be highly beneficial. These mentors can provide guidance, share experiences, and offer practical advice for navigating challenging situations. Through observation and discussion, mentees can learn how to better understand their emotions and the emotions of others, leading to improved self-awareness and client interactions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?