At HAWKINS, we believe that professional development is not just about sharpening business acumen, it’s about growing as individuals and as a team. That’s why we’re excited to share highlights from the latest installment in our Professional Development Program, led by the exceptional Kathleen Schindler.
Building Skills That Matter: Emotional Intelligence
This month, our focus was on Emotional Intelligence (EQ)—a set of skills that helps us understand and manage our own emotions, as well as recognize and positively influence the emotions of others. EQ is increasingly recognized as a vital skill in today’s workplace, impacting everything from teamwork and leadership to customer service and personal well-being.
With Kathleen’s expert facilitation, our group explored:
- What Emotional Intelligence is: Understanding the core components, such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, motivation, and social skills.
- Why EQ matters: How strong emotional intelligence can improve communication, boost collaboration, and foster a more supportive work environment.
- Practical tools and strategies: Techniques we can use right away both at work and in our personal lives to enhance our EQ and create positive interactions.
Turning Learning into Action: EQ Goals
Learning is just the beginning. To ensure we turn these insights into lasting change, our team members are invited to take part in a follow-up program designed to help set personalized EQ goals. Through this initiative, participants will choose an area of Emotional Intelligence they want to strengthen, create an actionable plan, and receive ongoing support as they practice these new skills.
This approach empowers us to not only talk about growth but to truly embody it by improving how we connect with colleagues, clients, and the wider community.
At HAWKINS, investing in our people is central to our success. We’re grateful to Kathleen Schindler for her guidance and to every team member who participated with openness and enthusiasm. Together, we’re building a workplace where everyone has the tools to thrive personally and professionally.