Running amok

I read an article in Fortune (March 31, 2008) regarding Eliot Spitzer. The author talked about Spitzer's complete lack of self-restraint, his temper, and his "schoolyard behavior." As I read the article, I couldn't help but think that here is a guy that clearly had the IQ to be successful, but what he lacked -- and what contributed to his demise -- was Emotional Intelligence (EQ). He had no idea how to, in the author's words, "behave like a grownup." If all the research on EQ hasn't convinced us how important it is to a person's success, Spitzer provides a terrific and convincing anecdotal case. Self-awareness and self-management are two of the cornerstones to EQ. In other words, "What am I feeling?" and "What should I do about it?" While both are important and you can't have self-management without self-awareness, think about that second question for a minute: What should I do about it? There is an implicit statement in that question: we have the power to choose how to respond. While this takes discipline and commitment, it is possible. When I read Team of Rivals about the cabinet that Abraham Lincoln assembled, I was completely inspired and humbled by the greatness Lincoln displayed by his choices in responding to those around him. When those closest to him wanted him to lash out at his detractors, Lincoln displayed wisdom, savvy, and utter greatness.