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-J

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EQ Yummy Byte: Problem-solving vs. creation?

Part of the power and importance of emotional intelligence
is its power to expand our focus toward our highest
aspirations. Conversely, when we're "emotionally unconscious"
our feelings drive us toward reaction and the comfort of
resistance and rigidity.

At the core, the pursuit of change and growth must be rooted
in safety. Otherwise, fear wins out. Peter Senge talks about
the same dichotomy in terms of reactiveness (which is
characterized by problem solving) and creating (which is
characterized by true innovation). To go from reaction to
creation requires a profound emotional shift.

"The pervasiveness of a reactive stance is evident in the
fixation on problem solving. Many managers think that management
is problem solving. But problem solving is not creating. The
problem solver tries to make something go away. A creator tries
to bring something new into being. The impetus for change in
problem solving lies outside ourselves-in some undesired external
condition we seek to eliminate. The impetus for change in the
creating mode comes from within. Only the creating mode leads
to a genuine sense of individual and collective power, because
only in the creating mode do people orient themselves to their
intrinsic desires. It is a testament to how reactive we are
that many leaders see the absence of vision as a "problem" to
be solved in their company, and set about writing and
disseminating vision and mission statements as the solution."
- Peter Senge
(http://www.solonline.org/repository/download/transform.html?item_id=505852)

When Senge says, "The impetus for change in the creating
mode comes from within," what's the source within? Certainly
some people find an inner reserve of emotional energy that
fuels creativity -- a source that brings both love and excitement.

What are you doing today to tap into the wellspring of positive
emotion that will engender true vision -- an emotional engagement
with a wondrous possibility?


Warmly,
- Josh

This is an Occasional EQ Yummy Bite, ©2004 Joshua Freedman
For more on emotional intelligence, see http://www.6seconds.org