Choice:  The Difference Maker

by Rose M. Lataillade-Beane

“Choice is single-handedly the most powerful & creative part of the human mind.” (Dr. Caroline Leaf, neuroscientist). Today, choice is the one human endeavor that all manner of inquirers want to know, how it works and how it can be influenced to benefit mankind. Today, one person’s choice has the propensity to go viral with social media considering all its options (snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, twitter, etc.). Choice is the most extraordinary power we yield as an individual, group, corporation, nation, or world. Choice remains an extraordinary responsibility. Whatever the choice may be, it has its own consequences for the individual, to and to extended global village connected by technologies.

Choice is the synthesis of all the faculties of the mind [intellect, emotions, imaginations, will] to action based on the minds assessment of the options at hand. Whatever we choose we bear the consequences today, next week, in 30 days, six months, a year, in three years, in five years and for the rest of our lives. A choice is always for the individual to make and the consequences must be weighed against the other factors of one’s personal and professional life. You, the Chooser is the difference-maker

The components of Emotional Intelligence [Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, & Relationship Management] provide some tools that can enhance decision-making for both your personal and professional life. This involves taking the Emotional Intelligence Assessment which is a great return on investment of $20 to complete it online and $30 to purchase the book, Emotional Intelligence 2.0 (Bradberry & Greaves, 2009). The assessment profile is a great tool to locate how you fair in each component and then you can use the prescribed strategies to increase your scores as an ongoing growth project. This is provided online or in the book, however, the assessment is taken online for both options. Consider the following:

Self-Awareness is as powerful as choice. Self-Awareness will provide the crucial data needed for every single choice. Pay attention to who you are…it is a guaranteed return on your investment.

Self-Management is the actions of Choice. Self-Management manifest your choices as behavior. Pay attention to how you present who you are…it is your character & integrity on display and is a worthwhile return on your investment.

Social Awareness is opening your mind to people, cultures, and opportunities.  Social Awareness is the choices you make as you relate to people, cultures, and opportunities in the world. Who do people say you are? It is worth cultivating the return you can make on this investment.

Relationship Management is a synthesis of choice, self-awareness, self-management, and social awareness. Do you keep relationships over time in your personal and professional life? This component ensures that you communicate in ways people can accept and understand and negotiates every interaction. Strengthening this component ensures lasting returns on your Emotional Intelligence investments.

Choice is the power you control for personal and professional decision-making and problem-solving.  My recommendation is that you invest in the Emotional Intelligence assessment to supplement  your growth plan for both your personal and professional life.  Also, my recommendation is that you hire a performance coach as a great partner to help you unpack these components as it relates to choice, quality decision-making and problem-solving for personal and professional development.