Pratap Nambiar, business performance coach and chairman of Though Perfect Pvt. Ltd., in chat with 938 Live.

What is emotional intelligence – is it similar to EQ?

Well, yes, they are associated. Emotional intelligence involves a set of skills that defines how effectively you proceed, understand, and reason with a manager on and other’s feeling. So it is associated with behaviors

What are historic routes of EI and why /how has it become so important?

Well, it has become more important now in the new economy. We are changing and in fact it’s a very interesting turn that was going by Daniel Pink in his book ‘A Whole New Mind: Why Right Brainers Will Rule the Future’ where he talks us being in the conceptual age now, moving from information age to the conceptual age, and moving from a left brained focus which has brought a lot of success to us to using more of the right brain. To go more from very logical, sequential and linear thinking to become more right brained and these are you know people who are like creators, empathizers, patron recognizers and big picture thinkers who are going to become more successful as they lead.

It is moving on from the purely academic discussion to something which is far more applied in a leadership context because there is a direct correlation between the way you make decisions which are influenced by your emotions and the choices you make and how that impacts behavior and which in its own way impacts business performance. So, there is a very direct correlation between the way an individual demonstrates emotionally intelligent behaviors in the work place and business performance.

Can set of skills be acquired or developed?

Absolutely, all skills can be acquired. There are seven critical skills we are talking about here which have a huge impact in terms of how you lead and basically when you say you lead how you get people to follow because great strategies does not lead to great performances, it is the implementation of strategies that leads to great performances.

Would you be able to break EI down into a couple of key aspects what empathy say for subordinates be one of the important aspect.

Yes, definitely, empathy is a very big aspect/component of social skills. If you really look at the ability – it means your ability to put yourself into the shoes of others and appreciate what they are feeling. So, it is all about being in touch with feelings. I will later on talk about these seven critical skills and a little bit more about how those skills can be mastered.

EI is supposed to compliment and to work in tandem with academic and intellectual intelligence. By self is it an important indicator of job competencies?

Yes, it is. In fact, when you actually hire people it is important to access their emotional intelligence in terms of their ability to emote, and their ability to understand what their own emotions are and emotions of others because that can significantly impact business performance and impact the way you relate to people and people are a critical element of the success of an organization. They represent the difference between success and failure because at the end of the day its people who are performing.

Are org extensively assessing this kind of EI while hiring people?

Yes, it is happening, organizations are beginning to understand the importance of the fact that our brains are actually divided into two hemispheres and we have a left brain and a right brain and you need a balance between two. So there is more of recognition of that in terms of some leaders demonstrating behaviors that actually showcase their left and right brain capabilities

To know about the “Seven critical skills” needed to demonstrate emotionally intelligent behaviors in the work place, listen to the audio.

“Through this survey, chief executives and human resource practitioners can get a snapshot of the effectiveness and engagement level of human capital in various industries.  This will also provide them with a benchmark to compare their own performance on an annual basis.”

Madam Ho Geok Choo, chief executive of Human Capital

INGAPORE will next month get its first insight into how effectively people engage with one another within their companies, on a national level.

Since last Wednesday, three companies have been conducting a nationwide survey – the first of its kind in Singapore – about aspects of companies’ organisational effectiveness.

The organisers are training and consultancy provider Human Capital Singapore, business performance coaching firm Thought Perfect and assessment and development programme provider Genos International.

The survey includes questions about decision-making, teamwork and work conditions in the respondents’ companies.  The results will be analysed next month for a general look at organisational effectiveness in our workforce.

Depending on the number of responses they get, they will also be able to churn out data on an industry and individual company level.

These will be collated in a report and presented at the end of next month at the Human Capital Connection corporate events.

Industry leaders and decision-makers from the public and private sectors, totalling about 100 to 150, will be in attendance.

The survey is open to all personnel in any company here.

Human Capital chief executive Ho Geok Choo said: “Through this survey, chief executives and human resource practitioners can get a snapshot of the effectiveness and engagement level of human capital in various industries.  This will also provide them with a benchmark to compare their own performance on an annual basis.”

The organisers are reaching out to 12,000 respondents with the help of their partners – industry associations like the Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation and the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The volume of responses thus far has been “very encouraging”, Madam Ho said.  But she added: “The results of the survey will be as good as the number of responses we receive.”

Mr Pratap Nambiar, chairman of Thought Perfect, said: “We would like to urge all chief executives and human resource heads to encourage their colleagues to participate.”

The survey closes on April 30.

Those interested can participate online at http://mygenos.net/anonymous/welcome/id/KRMfYEBq

Yunita Ong

The Business Times, Wednesday, April 11, 2012

THREE organisations have come together to conduct an annual survey on organisational effectiveness, in a bid to create benchmarks which companies can compare performance against. The three organisations are Human Capital Singapore (HCS), Thought Perfect and Genos International. They will study workforce engagement aspects and their impact on business performance. This involves looking at role clarity, performance management, career development, communication, decision making, working conditions and more.

The study will cover a wide variety of industries, including banking, insurance, consumer products, pharmaceutical, government, transportation, electronics and services. There are plans to extend the research to India and other South-east Asian countries.

HCS is the national Continuing Education and Training centre, while Thought Perfect is a business performance coaching firm. Genos International specialises in facilitating emotional commitment, motivation and organisational effectiveness among employees. Those interested in taking part in the study can go to mygenos.net/anonymous/welcome/id/KRMfYEBq before April 30.

Kelsa Management Solutions
Kelsa helps organisations build strong roots that will in time support the pillars of a growing organisation with ease. The company helps build a culture where business practices are people-centric without losing sight of corporate goals and vision.

Door South East Asia
Door South East Asia are experts in talent management, providing comprehensive solutions through executive coaching, training and consulting services. The company’s services focus on building better leaders and organizations. Its effective, innovative programs give individuals the skills necessary to take on broader leadership roles and add the best value to their organization.

See Luan Foo

See Luan is an earnest student of human nature, history and wisdom and a senior level global executive coach withThought Perfect.

See Luan nurtures a passion about making a positive influence on the business, personal and holistic lives of leaders and managers. He coaches them to enhance the way they learn, earn and yearn and to bridge the gap between where they are now and where they want to be.

He partners synergistically with Private /Public /Academic/NGO sector clients to deliver quality and value through changes in mind set, structures, systems and processes.

Ultimately to :

• Add good and effective people and high performing teams
• Subtract ineffective processes and practices
• Multiply best practices
• Divide the reward and credit

See Luan’s client list:

See Luan’s clients include 8 of the World’s 50 Most Admired Companies (Fortune March 19, 2012 Issue; Google, Microsoft, General Electric, JNJ, American Express, Nike, Exxon-Mobil and Dupont.); and Fortune 500 and Business Times 500 Companies. He has coached clients from

33 countries on 5 continents.

Coaching Areas of Expertise:
Leaders and Managers are asked increasingly to lead and perform in an incredibly uncertain,complex and interdependent global economy. Rather than attempting to be all things to all people

they are challenged to focus on the vital few and doing them well- providing leadership and strategic thinking, viewing old landscapes with new eyes by thinking outside the box, with special emphasis on behavioural indicators such as bringing out the best in people, seeing the big picture, building relationships, coalitions and teams, bringing joy/fun and healing wounds, resolving disputes/conflicts and doing what is right. See Luan uses these areas of expertise to help clients achieve their goals and objectives.

Business/Leadership Experience:
Nestle, Malaysia – Head of Market Research

Esso, Singapore & Hong Kong – Human Resources Manager & Public Affairs Manager;

Marketing Manager

Esso/Exxon Houston, Texas – Compensation, Benefits and Expat Administration Manager

BOC Gases-North Pacific Region – Human Resources Director responsible for 7000 employees in 10 Countries

Exxon-Mobil, Malaysia – Human Resources Consultant.

Education and Certifications:

• BA Honours Economics, University of Malaya
• Diploma in Communications, Advertising& Marketing, CAM Education Foundation, UK
• Professional Certified Coach, PCC , International Coach Federation. (ICF)
• Certified Financial Planner, CFP, (US )
• Chartered Financial Consultant, Ch.Fc., (US)
• Chartered Life Underwriter, CLU, (US)

Affiliations:

• Fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resources Management
• Founder and Past President of: International Coach Federation,(ICF)  Singapore Chapter

and   Asia Pacific Alliance of Coaches ( Apac )

• Worldwide Association of Business Coaches-Full Member
• Director , Global ICF Board , which has 19,000 members in more than 100 countries.

• Coaching Philosophy:

He has a personal philosophy that he calls “homespun “: Life is a gift to be shared and treasured. It rests on four pillars:

1. There is never a wrong time to do the right thing.

2. Plenty to live for and live on.

3. The best is yet to be.

4: If it is to be, it is up to me.

He is a Master Facilitator, Leadership Consultant & Certified Coach who designs, facilitates and coaches within customized learning & development programs and workshops to enhance leadership, performance and productivity of individuals, workgroups, and teams.  He is a certified in a variety of individual, team and organizational surveys, instruments and assessments including Hogan Assessment.  He is a member of the Hogan Coaching Network (HCN), Asia-Pacific Alliance of Coaches (APAC), Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) and Creative Skills Training Council of Asia-Pacific & Australia.

Kevin earned a Master of International Management (MIM) from the Thunderbird School of Global Management, Bachelor of Arts-Cum Laude in International Studies & Business from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and Diploma-Valedictorian of European Economics, Legal and Political Studies from the University of Vienna, Austria.

His corporate experience as an International Marketing Manager and Director-International Distribution included assignments with American Express Financial Services, Information Handling Services, American Tool Companies and Tandem Computers (Hewlett-Packard). He is Founder & Managing Partner of Inspire! Imagine! Innovate! – an international consortium of professional educators, performing artists and  inspirational facilitators  whose unique keynote events, performing arts-based learning techniques  and interactive workshops inspire leadership, unleash the imagination and promote organizational innovation. Please visit www.InspireImagineInnovate.com

Kevin has served as Senior Faculty & Performing Artist in Residence at the Center for Creative Leadership, Boeing Leadership Center, IBM Learning Center, Thunderbird School of Global Management-Executive Education, The Banff Centre, Right Management, Mannaz-Global Leadership Institute, Irish Management Institute, American Express Leadership Center and Linkage-Global Institute for Leadership Development.

Kevin has published numerous articles on inspired leadership, leadership as a performing art and the art of communication and produced seven Compact Discs of original, contemporary piano and acoustic instrumental music and an International Telly Award winning DVD entitled The Artistry of Leadership-Creating Meaningful Connections®. His original music can be heard on Apple iTunes, www.CDBaby.com www.Pandora.com www.Amazon.com and www.InspireImagineInnovate.com

Kevin resides in Singapore can be reached at Kevin.Asbjornson@InspireImagineInnovate.com or on Skype at InspireImagineInnovate

He is a Master Facilitator, Leadership Consultant & Certified Coach who designs, facilitates and coaches within customized learning & development programs and workshops to enhance leadership, performance and productivity of individuals, workgroups, and teams.  He is a certified in a variety of individual, team and organizational surveys, instruments and assessments including Hogan Assessment.  He is a member of the Hogan Coaching Network (HCN), Asia-Pacific Alliance of Coaches (APAC), Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) and Creative Skills Training Council of Asia-Pacific & Australia.

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See Luan Foo
Singapore
Languages: English, Malay and Mandarin

See Luan is an earnest student of human nature, history and wisdom and a senior level global executive coach withThought Perfect.

See Luan nurtures a passion about making a positive influence on the business, personal and holistic lives of leaders and managers. He coaches them to enhance the way they learn, earn and yearn and to bridge the gap between where they are now and where they want to be.

Read More

Pratap is unique among executive coaches in that he has extensive business experience as CEO and in other senior leadership roles. The large majority of executive coaches have a HR background. Pratap’s business experience allows him insights into the machinations of corporate world. He knows how people’s minds operate in large global organizations – particularly people in senior executive positions. His business experience and insights have been very evident from the coaching sessions with me. Pratap helped me correctly assess what would transpire based on certain developments in my work situation. Despite my own extensive business experience – I consider myself relatively naive when compared to Pratap’s insights and experience!

Pratap has a unique coaching model which I believe will work for many people who seek his help to improve their business performance. He asks penetrating questions that will make you feel awkward and uncomfortable. He will challenge you on what you really want to achieve and assists in changing perspectives and behaviors. He uses a few psychological assessments like Genos emotional intelligence assessment to increase self-awareness. His 360-degree feedback interview approach is unique because he doesn’t use standard tools which provide broad but generic feedback on a large spectrum of leadership attributes & behaviors. Instead, he personally interviews and talks directly to people who work with you and know how you operate in the workplace. Using this approach, he has been able to get amazingly rich insights. When delivering feedback, F’ratap has the unique ability to be brutally honest and capture your attention. Yet, because of his sincerity he retains the ability to inspire self-belief and confidence in his
clients.

Pratap’s devotion to his clients is unquestioned. He does not hesitate to spend weekends or even extend his coaching session to well beyond the time he has allocated for you. He is passionate and his desire for his clients to think positively and succeed is truly infectious.I would highly recommend Pratap to any senior business leader who wants to improve his business performance. If you are looking for a coach who has both a rich knowledge base in executive coaching as well as lots of business experience of his own – he will be the right person for you. Based on my experience, I’m sure that he will be able to help many of his clients have much better clarity about themselves and what they need to do in order to be more successful in their respective leadership roles.

Chris Chua
Regional Director
SE Asia, A&NZ
Abbott Nutrition International

“Pratap has provided me with invaluable insights, which have facilitated my integrating into the Kraft organization, post its acquisition of Cadbury.

What I valued most about Pratap has been his insight into how organizations work, his perspectives on different leadership styles, and his very practical suggestions to translate that insight into effective actions.

Pratap uses a holistic and flexible framework for coaching, that takes into account both personal and professional aspirations, is grounded in values, and is focused on leveraging one’s strengths.
He has a deep commitment to the coaching process, and I found him to be an excellent sounding board for discussing challenges and possible outcomes. He takes these challenges to heart, and looks to help in jointly finding a way.

I have personally benefited greatly from the time that I have spent with him, and count him not only as a good coach, but also as a good friend.”

To give a full appreciation of the power of Pratap’s coaching expertise, I first need to give you a brief background of my situation.

I have spent 28 years in the corporate world with Kraft Foods, the world’s 2nd largest food company. I have worked extensively in Europe, U.S.A., Latin America and Asia in different roles and levels of the organization.

I have been fortunate enough to work for some great leaders and have had many coaching and training interventions which have supported my personal and career development.

Suddenly, at a critical stage of my career, I started to feel a loss of purpose and direction resulting in a loss of clarity and energy in my life. I was then introduced to Pratap and within 10 minutes, I knew that my life was going to change for the good, and believe me, it has!

Pratap is unique. He not only has extensive business and life experience but also an engaging style supported by incredible HR & Coaching Capabilities.

It is “ALL ABOUT YOU” and his skilled questioning and supportive nature helps you dig deeper into yourself, internalizing the knowns and the unknowns which bring you a fresh perspective. Pratap does an extensive 360o interviewing process that draws out compelling feedback which adds much richness to the in-depth personal sessions that you share with him.

Pratap has also been very supportive (often working at weekends) in helping me define my action plan for the future.

Pratap’s unique ability makes the experience engaging, personal and very fulfilling.

My time with Pratap has helped me set an exciting course for the next phase of my career, and I would like to personally thank him for his sincerity and contribution to my future.