The subject of car buying was a hot topic in the cafeteria shwarma line. Woman #1 was dishing out negotiation pro tips left and right to Woman #2, who was navigating her first major solo purchase.
The surprise was that woman #1 and her wife had a happy ending after a rocky start. Their first salesperson was persistent to the point of being pushy. However, no amount of effort got them to their ideal number. With a cranky toddler on hand and tempers running short, they called it a night.
A few days later, the manager reached out. A little back and forth was still required to get the package they wanted, but within the hour, they were on their way to get the keys.
So, what changed them from irritated and defensive to “sold”? Soft skills like creative thinking, sincere communication, and connection. Without bringing those competencies to the discussion, the math was never going to math.
In the September series, Pivot with Purpose, we’re discussing how you can take charge of your next chapter by using your favorite people skills. You might be thinking, Wait a minute—I’m a Type A, GSD kind of person. If “purpose” means being a compassionate softie, count me out!
Here’s why you should rethink that approach: Finding ways to be in tune with others isn’t limited to work—it works 24/7. So, let’s meet someone who has used emotional intelligence to pivot. Like her, you may discover that EQ is your secret weapon.
New Yorker Joanna Patchett dreamed of spending her life as an actress. She completed a double major in English and Drama, but wound up spending the next decade trying to find the right path. On the one hand, her openness to different possibilities meant she was steadily employed. However, jobs such as teaching English, being a dental assistant, or leading yoga classes felt like a professional dead end.
She decided to shake things up by enrolling in an accelerated one-year nursing program. Shortly after graduation, COVID hit.
Despite the long days and endurance challenges, the emotional bonds she formed with her patients and coworkers led her to fall in love with nursing. Now she’s transitioned into a career as a hospice nurse case manager.
Do you want to hear what sets Joanna apart? Her diverse lived experience. It turns out that the jobs that seemed small at the time added up to something significant.
She remarked, “When it comes to changing your life, you sometimes have to decide to change. Once you do, almost anything is possible. Everything you do contributes to who you are now. Ironically, my yoga, acting, and teaching training gave me the ability to stay grounded, present, and in the moment. Not one part of your journey, even if you’re not sure what you’re doing, or where it’s going to lead you, is ever wasted. You’re never late. You’ve simply not arrived yet.”
Conventional wisdom holds that data and logic are the cornerstones of business success. However, the case study shows that black and white facts are only half the story. Living on purpose requires paying equal attention to intangibles, like wisdom and sincerity.
If you’re skeptical that you can simultaneously stand on business and practice emotional intelligence, then take a walk down memory lane.
Remember the colleague who shared the load when a deadline was looming? Someone who really listened to your feedback? Or the manager who cut you slack when you went through a rough time? These examples demonstrate why understanding what matters to people isn’t performative. It’s an essential, marketable skill.
So, if you’re ready to bring your purpose to life, combine critical thinking and EQ with these mindset swaps:
Emotions have no place becomes Emotional intelligence is my strength. I use it to understand the world around me.
Asking for information might make me look bad becomes Listening for and solving real issues creates strong partnerships.
My past is irrelevant becomes I benefit from every experience, large or small.
It’s simple: Having purpose translates to having impact. So, kickstart your pivot by building your purpose on compassion and connecting.