Coaching Santa – An EQ Challenge

Coach’s Log – December, 2019

I met with an interesting client today. He runs a non-profit operation with a global reach. He brings toys, cheer and hope to people—especially children—all over the world. While active all year, he is apparently fiendishly busy in the fourth quarter of the year. He was interested in Emotional Intelligence, so I had him take the EQ-i assessment, and we met today to discuss his results and next step goals.

Where Mr. Claus was active

This guy was highly engaged with most EQ elements—among them Stress Tolerance, the element of EQ concerned with coping with, and even alleviating life’s anxieties. Mr. Claus reported that his job was quite stressful, especially this time of year; apparently he does a lot of traveling. But he keeps his stress under control with an active lifestyle—and an occasional cookie and shot of liquor.

What is most notable in this guy’s EQ-i results are his Interpersonal elements (Interpersonal Relationships, Empathy and Social Responsibility).

Interpersonal Relationships & Empathy—Right off the bat, Mr. Claus tried to put me at ease. He made me call him Nick. This guy just exudes warmth, joy and concern for others. He seemed so attuned to me and what my needs and concerns were (even though I was the coach), and he deeply listened to and really seemed to care about the things I had to say. He was so caring and giving that he created a totally safe space. He would actually make a wonderful coach.

Social Responsibility—Nick is driven to support others, deeply valuing both other people as well as the ideals of giving and service. He told me many stories of times throughout the years when he’s given so much and driven himself to the point of physical exhaustion—not for any personal gain, but for the benefit of those he supports and cares for. His concern for others is remarkable.

Where Mr. Claus needs some development

Nick’s intense and at times, perhaps, overdone attachment to other-focused behaviors (Interpersonal Relationships, Empathy, and Social Responsibility) can sometimes make him look like a martyr. When I brought this up, he admitted that the Clauses were known for their reluctance to accept or ask for help for themselves. They are always too busy providing care to others. As a result, Nick decided—for the sake of balance—to exercise some Independence behaviors, actions that would allow him to be more autonomous and self-directed. Attention devoted to Independence would allow for (and even demand) more self-care.

Also, Nick decided to work on Problem Solving. This is the EQ element that deals with the personal and emotional sides of problem solving. Basically, Nick is a conflict-avoider, and he admitted he would be more effective if he could lean into interpersonal turmoil more often. A number of times he mentioned a naughty list. Apparently his organization keeps a database of children who have been rude, disobedient or in some other way “bad,” and his group’s policy is to deny these kids end-of-year rewards, but the thought of holding back—even to these kids to whom he’s not contractually obligated to give anything—gives the man serious pain and anxiety. To this end, Nick decided to work on a little Problem Solving, a skill set that will enable him to enforce this naughty list and to face whatever conflicts and bad feelings may arise as a result.

Next steps

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Mr Claus—I mean, Nick. So warm, giving and gracious—the man was a saint. We agreed to continue our coaching relationship so that I could help him with his push for more Independence and Problem Solving, but his schedule is a little intense this time of year. It will be January before we are able to meet again.

Click the EQ Model to learn more about OKA’s Emotional Intelligence/EQ-i training, including our Advanced EQ Interpretation Skills offering–a must for coaches using the EQ-i. Keep in touch with OKA, and we’ll keep you in touch with the world of EQ.

OKA wishes you a Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous 2020!

Read about Santa’s Type here

Read about Santa’s Narrative Intelligence here