As a psychologist, part of my practice involves working with a clinical team to assess and diagnose individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and various other disorders such as Autism, Anxiety, and Depression. A number of years ago, I had the opportunity to attend a training conference to hear about the latest research on FASD and further develop my clinical skills. I remember feeling like I ‘should’ attend the session on ‘Incidence Rates’ and ‘The Most Valuable Assessment Measures for Accurate Diagnosis’. And so, I went.
What I learned surprised me! The presenter suggested that, while the statistics to be presented were important, and that while learning new assessment methods was necessary, the way that I could have the biggest impact on patients and their families was to find a real way to connect with them emotionally. The presenter suggested that my most important work involved marrying my ‘technical’ knowledge about FASD diagnosis with the ‘art’ of genuine emotional connection. The idea was that we are not likely to remember information filled with charts, statistics, and research. Rather, what we tend to remember is how someone makes us feel. When someone connects with us emotionally, we are more likely to remember the factual, technical information they are sharing with us as well.
This ability – the intentional skills that allow authentic connection with people at an emotional level – is at the core of emotionally intelligent leadership. The conference I attended helped me recognize the power and importance of emotional intelligence.
And, as the saying goes, the rest is history! My revered business partner and friend Nancy and I quickly recognized that emotional intelligence has played an instrumental role in our professional and personal successes. We felt drawn to assist others in learning how to recognize and develop their emotional intelligence so that they, too, might reap the rewards of emotionally intelligent leadership. We learned how to assess emotional intelligence, what the key components of emotional intelligence are, and strategies to develop emotionally intelligent behaviors. We are so excited that emotional intelligence can be learned and developed – all it takes is intention, knowledge, and practice!
Please join us in Edmonton on September 17 & 18, 2018 for Growing to Greatness with Emotional Intelligence, a new course in the Great Supervision Series. We promise that you will leave with concrete strategies that hold the power to change your life. And we look forward to having a real connection with you!
Kathryn Graff, M.Ed., R.Psych.(AB)
Co-Presenter, Flourish Consultants
Kathryn is a Registered Psychologist in Alberta. She is experienced in business and has held many leadership roles in organizational settings. In addition to co-managing a successful family business, she is a Consulting Psychologist to Neurodevelopmental and FASD Assessment Clinics in central Alberta for Alberta Health Services and serves as the Clinical Supervisor to a Family Enhancement Program in Wetaskiwin, Alberta. Kathryn has training and expertise in organizational consultation, psychological and intellectual assessment, leadership development, counselling, executive and lifestyle coaching, and workshop facilitation. Kathryn’s ease in connecting with people, together with her refreshing approach to training, inspires leaders to grow.
Kathryn and her partner delight in their four adult children. She takes pleasure in adventure, reading, and yoga.