Shades of Success, Inc.

Ten Traits of Emotionally Intelligent People

I recently received this list from my friend Evelyn. 

How many traits can you identify in yourself, your coworkers or your boss?

1. They listen well and have great oral communication skills. They have mastered the art of listening, can hold off giving their opinion, and keep an open mind to what is being said. They also can speak in a positive, friendly and encouraging manner even when giving constructive feedback.
2. They are adaptable and have creative responses to setbacks and obstacles. These super star performers look creatively and hopefully at setbacks and turn those obstacles into opportunities.
3. Highly successful people have strong personal management skills and confidence. They don't need to have someone constantly supervising them to complete the job. They do things in an organized manner and are confident of the outcome.
4. Highly effective business people possess group and interpersonal effectiveness. Top performers have exceptional group skills in cooperation, teamwork, and negotiating skills.
5. They are effective in the organization they work in. They want to make a contribution to the organization and have leadership potential. They often start with informal power and then are promoted to formal leadership.
6. They posses the emotional skill of self-control. They are composed under pressure and remain calm, confident, and dependable.
7. They are conscientious. Peak performers take responsibility to fix problems and then move on.
8. High performers are trustworthy. They have high integrity, with concern for the needs of others.
9. Our superstars have great social skills. They are empathetic, sensitive and show tact for all levels of workers around them.
10. They build bonds and leverage diversity. They demonstrate cooperation, appreciate, and enroll the diversity of people around them.

Source: Daniel Goleman,  Emotional Intelligence.
Copyright 2004,

Reflections on the World Diversity Leadership Summit

Early June hundreds of senior corporate, non-profit and higher education leaders, along with government officials and diversity practitioners, gathered at the United Nations headquarters in New York City to share best practices and establish a global diversity collaboration network.  Speakers included CEOs from Adecco, the Jackie Robinson Foundation, MGM Mirage, HSBC among others and Bud Selig, the Commissioner of Major League Baseball.

Below are quotes that capture key messages from the conference:

• "Diversity is getting the mix and inclusion is making the mix work." Andrés Tapia, Chief Diversity Officer, Hewitt Associates.
• "A sound global diversity strategy encompasses three constituencies: employees, suppliers and customers." Douglas Freeman, CEO Virtcom Consulting
• "[There are two approaches about diversity] one says this is the way we do things and we have to fit this [diversity]in it; or what is the bottom line and what do we have to do or change to get there." Nikki Cicerani, Managing Director, Upwardly Global.

True Power is Shared Power

It resembled a huge family reunion. Latin rhythms filled the air with joy.  Adults from all ages, races, and professional backgrounds chatted and laughed.  And everyone waited in anticipation for the main attraction.

There was plenty to celebrate.  The Partnership Inc., a talent management organization based in Boston had reached its 20 year milestone.  Other milestones took place that night:  $1.2 million were raised and 1,000 people gathered to honor Diane Patrick, the First Lady of Massachusetts.

By grooming professionals of all backgrounds for leadership positions, The Partnership is creating a power platform that will elevate the visibility and value of the minority professional in Boston and beyond.  Three cheers to you, The Partnership!

Memorable Commencement Speeches

From elementary and middle school to high school and college, it is almost inevitable to be directly or indirectly involved in school graduation ceremonies between May and June every year.

Speeches are always a key part of these events particularly in college graduations.  Bill Gates was the keynote speaker at this year's commencement ceremonies at Harvard University. To read his speech, click here.  To hear audio and watch video regarding the event, click here.

Steve Jobs gave another memorable commencement speech at Stanford University in 2005. Click here to watch the video (15 minutes). The video is in English with Spanish subtitles.

Although we may not be recent grads, we can all use some good advice...particularly from Steve Jobs and Bill Gates.  Enjoy!

Live...from the United Nations

"We need business to give practical meaning and reach to the values and principles that connect cultures and people everywhere." Ban Ki-moon Secretary General of the United Nations

I am writing from Conference Room 4 at the United Nations where I am attending a two-day conference on global diversity.  It has been a phenomenal experience to learn and exchange best practices with professionals from the U.S. and all over the world. To see people from as far as Ghana, Brazil and the Czech Republic gather to discuss the challenges and opportunities that the changing demographics bring to business, government and the non-profit sectors has been fascinating.

To learn about how the United Nations Global Compact Initiative and their ten principles to foster and achieve global diversity around the world go to http://www.unglobalcompact.org.

Stay tuned for later postings from my experience at the United Nations.