#4 - Dr. Jenny Woo on Learning to Be More Emotionally Intelligent
Jan 18, 2024
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Dr. Jenny Woo is a Harvard-trained educator and cognitive scientist specializing in social-emotional learning. In this conversation, she talks about the crucial role of emotional intelligence in an AI-driven world, emphasizing that these skills can be developed. Jenny shares insights on the importance of relationships for human development and discusses innovative games designed to enhance life skills. The episode also highlights the relevance of emotional agility and psychological safety at home and in the workplace.
Emotional intelligence can be developed through learning and practice, countering the misconception that it is merely an inherent trait.
Incorporating essential life skill games into education fosters engagement and enhances social-emotional learning for both students and adults.
The rise of artificial intelligence necessitates a focus on human skills like emotional intelligence and critical thinking for future success.
Deep dives
The Interconnection of Learning and Performance
Learning and performance are fundamentally intertwined; enhancing learning capabilities directly boosts performance outcomes. If an individual cannot learn effectively, they risk stagnation, making recurring mistakes and failing to reach their full potential. The podcast emphasizes that improving the ability to learn is essential for achieving high performance, especially in an era where rapid learning is becoming increasingly crucial across various fields, including education and business. This relationship highlights the need for continuous development of learning strategies to elevate overall performance levels.
The Significance of Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence encompasses the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions—both personally and in others. Contrary to the misconception that emotional intelligence is merely a trait one is born with, it is a skill set that can be learned and cultivated over time. This concept is especially important in today's world, where many individuals are exhibiting lower emotional intelligence levels potentially due to increased digital communication and the impacts of the pandemic. Such awareness can lead to better interpersonal relationships, healthier work environments, and improved overall well-being.
Human Skills in the Age of AI
In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, the development of essential human skills becomes vital to differentiate ourselves. These skills include critical thinking, problem-solving, social abilities, and emotional intelligence, which machines cannot replicate. The podcast discusses how fostering these skills is more important than ever, especially for children and professionals who must navigate complex social environments. It suggests that educational systems and workplaces should prioritize these competencies to better prepare individuals for success in the modern landscape.
The Role of Habits in Learning and Performance
Establishing effective habits is fundamental to optimize learning and performance. The podcast highlights the significance of self-awareness in checking one's emotional and cognitive state before diving into tasks or projects. By actively monitoring energy levels and emotions, individuals can engage with their work more effectively. Additionally, the conversation underscores the importance of creating a supportive learning environment to facilitate continuous growth and development in various contexts.
The Impact of Social and Emotional Learning Tools
The integration of social and emotional learning tools, such as card games designed for enhancing emotional intelligence, is gaining traction in educational and professional settings. These tools provide fun, engaging, and accessible ways for individuals to practice essential skills and foster better relationships at home, school, and work. The podcast features various success stories of families and organizations implementing these tools, resulting in improved communication and collaboration. This practical approach illustrates how incorporating engaging methods can lead to transformative outcomes for learners of all ages.
In this episode of the L&P Podcast, I speak with Dr. Jenny Woo, a Harvard-trained educator, cognitive science researcher, entrepreneur, executive coach, and mom of three. Jenny is the founder and CEO of Mind Brain Emotion, an organization dedicated to helping parents, teachers, and other adults apply research from psychology and neuroscience to build essential life skills in our kids. Jenny conducts research in social-emotional learning, emotion regulation, and resilience. She is the creator of a series of award-winning life skills games used by parents, teachers, counselors, and therapists in 50+ countries.
In our conversation, Jenny and I discuss:
Social and emotional learning (SEL)
Emotional intelligence (EQ)
The value of essential skills in the age of AI
The importance of relationships in human development