During a recent CAAWS workshop (Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity) I suddenly realized why working with others to improve your fundamental movement skills was so important. In the process of completing the challenges with others, you are investing in your Emotional Intelligence. For years we have know that most successful leaders have a high E.Q. and research shows that it is far more important than a high I.Q.. Emotional Intelligence is the ability to effectively manage your own and others’ emotions. It focuses on emotional connections, emotional management and self- awareness. A high E.Q. enables a person to handle stress, change, uncertainty, ambiguity and demonstrate resiliency. It therefore allows a person to face the challenges and demands of day to day living.

In the 55+ group, individuals deal with ongoing multiple changes to themselves, to their companions and to their environment, without a high E.Q. coping can be quite a challenge.

In the Fundamental Movement Workshops individuals learn more about themselves. After the self-assessment they understand their strengths and weaknesses and once complete they are able to objectively see what actually exists rather than what they wish or fear. They also have the ability to look for new information that confirms, justifies and supports feelings, thoughts and perceptions.

The 55+ group need activities that enable the building of Emotional Self-Awareness, activities that develop the ability to know and understand oneself, or to be aware of ones thoughts and feelings and know why they are experiencing them. They need activities that develop Self-Regard or Optimism so that they have the ability to be decisive but humble and they have the ability to persist in the face of adversity.

One of the fundamental movements is walking, you can start with a self assessment of the skill however working with someone else allows the activity to strengthen your EQ. Begin by assessing your posture from top of the head to the base of the ankle. On the website womenwalkingforlife.com you can download an assessment tool which you can use as a guide. When working with a partner focus on empathy, recognize and understand your partner’s thoughts and feelings as you give feedback. Clearly express your thoughts and feelings, this giving and receiving helps maintain a mutually beneficial relationship. While walking watch the placement of the foot and the swing of the arm, give continual feedback. Throughout the walk maintain a positive attitude and outlook.

On the website womenwalkingforlife.com you will find continued updates on the importance of a high Emotional Intelligence as well other related research.

“In those fields I have studied, emotional intelligence is much more powerful than I.Q. in determining who emerges as a leader. I.Q. is a threshold competence- you need it, but it doesn’t make you a star. Emotional Intelligence can.” Warren Bennis.