The ROI of EQ: Exploring the emotional tone in our heads and why it matters for leaders

Is there a world in which power dynamics are non-existent? In the final episode of this series, Sarah and I dive explore this question and its implications, analyzing internal power imbalances, how our brains handle empathy and morality, and external power imbalances, like how U.S. society enforces a conscious, continuous power disparity. Together, we identify how we can get on the right track and course correct when imbalance occurs.   Links & Resources Find out more about Rajkumari here Connect with Rajkumari on LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube

Blame and denial allow us to hover over the acceptance of reality. In companies and organized systems, blame stops leaders from seeing what’s really happening around them and from seeing a system as a whole. In today’s conversation, Sarah and I discuss how blame manifests inside each of us, when blame comes from leaders in the workplace and if narcissists can be changed. Humans have a tendency towards narcissism as soon as we hold power over others. Successful leaders must let go of blame, hold a deep humility and have a willingness to receive feedback.   Links & Resources Find out more about Rajkumari here Connect with Rajkumari on LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube

Can you identify when you are feeling “alarmed aloneness” or a sense of addiction at work? In this episode, Sarah and I resurface our conversation about alarmed aloneness and discuss different addictions and how to overcome them with feelings of belonging, connectedness and, yes, good food. A high-functioning team requires full bellies and a balance of warmth, humor and power. Throughout the discussion, we spotlight how to address alarmed aloneness and addiction in the workplace.   Links & Resources Find out more about Rajkumari here Connect with Rajkumari on LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube

In the ninth episode of our ongoing conversation, Sarah and I dive into the neurobiology behind why some people say things such as, “I don’t miss people.” Processing emotion as an adult is based on the households we grow up in, wired by how we were raised. Many people feel sorrow and joy less deeply than others, cruising with stable cortisol levels and less self-awareness, because their brain has insulated itself to protect against their own feelings. These people often become our workhorses: dependable co-workers, functional leaders and political appointees, but not our creative thinkers and imaginative brains. Sarah and I explore how corporations can move away from the robotic functions brought by these types of individuals, and discuss the grief and self-soothing in response to detached actions such as layoffs.   Links & Resources Find out more about Rajkumari here Connect with Rajkumari on LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube

In today’s episode, Sarah and I talk about leadership and how self-awareness enables managers to better guide and support their teams. The brain functions differently when operating in a leadership role, making accountability and responsibility more imperative as leaders learn to vacillate between the two hemispheres of the brain. We dive into this subject and the fascinating science of thermal receptors and human socialization that can help managers understand their employees and ultimately lead from a more authentic place.   Links & Resources Find out more about Rajkumari here Connect with Rajkumari on LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube

In today’s conversation, I explore with Sarah the inner voice in all our heads, also known as the default mode network (DMN) of the brain. It’s the constant subtext of our lives—an incredible tool for positive creation, or adversely a system deeply affected by trauma that can lead to negative performance patterns. We discuss how the DMN impacts people in positions of power and how individuals can learn to relate to diverse teams, lead with accountability and reset a fragmented mind to create a balanced, fully integrated brain.   Links & Resources Find out more about Rajkumari here Connect with Rajkumari on LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube

The ability to understand ourselves and others depends on which side of the brain we perceive the world from. In today’s episode, Sarah and I examine the differences between operating from the left or right hemisphere of the brain and its impact on relationships. We also discuss introversion, extroversion and how these communication styles impact our comfort level in work situations. We believe that transparency and clarity around these topics helps all employees better understand themselves—no matter which style they lean on—leading to empathetic change in the workplace.   Links & Resources Find out more about Rajkumari here Connect with Rajkumari on LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube

How do stress, shame and aggression impact creativity in the workplace? In this episode, Sarah and I explore the neurological aspects of interoception, decision making and internal stressors that impact how employees show up to work. Unpacking what’s happening in the mind and body increases social engagement, enabling employees to feel a sense of belonging, that their voice is valued and they are contributing in creative ways.   Links & Resources Find out more about Rajkumari here Connect with Rajkumari on LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube

This episode of the ROI of EQ uncovers humanity’s critical need to nurture our seeking circuit, a motivational system that fills the mind with interest and motivates humans to effortlessly search for the things they need, crave, and desire. Sarah enlightens me that when the seeking circuit is blocked, it leads to boredom, depression and burnout. We then discuss how organizations must build and maintain an ideal work environment that empowers employee seeking circuits to roam free within the framework of the company’s mission. We also discuss the nasty effects of burnout and how to tap into the basic human need to contribute to their communities, teams and workplaces.   Links & Resources Find out more about Rajkumari here Connect with Rajkumari on LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube

In today’s conversation on the ROI of EQ, Sarah and I discuss a newfound psychological state: Alarmed aloneness. Together, we unpack the neurochemical responses associated with fight, flight, and freeze and explore the uncharted waters of alarmed aloneness. Sarah describes the effects of Western culture on normalized emotions and how alarmed aloneness has never been more prevalent as the country battles COVID-19. Throughout the discussion, we describe how leaders and employees can identify and evaluate different neural responses and learn to regulate their emotions in a more empathetic, collaborative way.   Links & Resources Find out more about Rajkumari here Connect with Rajkumari on LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube