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Joshua Freedman is a specialist on emotional intelligence, an author, and the Chief Executive Officer of Six Seconds, a non-profit dedicated to emotional intelligence (EQ). He co-developed EQ assessments and published a number of books and articles on the topic, creating an international network of consultants and coaches. In our conversation, Josh shared three inspiring stories that impacted his journey.
Your Background
I was born in Berkeley, California in 1967 and attended the Head-Royce School in Oakland. After a stint at the University of Toronto, I graduated from the World Arts and Culture program at UCLA and went on to work at the Nueva Learning Center in California in the early 1990s. While there, I worked with the emotional intelligence-focused “Self-Science” curriculum developed at the school. The curriculum was featured in Daniel Goleman’s 1995 book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, which helped explain why EQ is important; but we got a lot of questions about HOW people can grow and use emotional intelligence. So, in 1997, I cofounded Six Seconds to answer that question.
What is Six Seconds?
Six Seconds is the global emotional intelligence community at 6seconds.org. We’re working in over 200 countries & territories bringing a practical, measurable approach to increase value with emotional intelligence. From leadership & team development programs at places like FedEx, Qatar Airways, UN, US Navy, Microsoft, HSBC… to wellbeing programs at universities… to social-emotional learning initiatives in partnership with UNICEF World Children’s Day.
What is Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
The @6s_EQ Model of Emotional Intelligence is a cycle … every spin of the wheel is a new practice. How do you develop people’s EQ? How do I start understanding, using, and growing my #EmotionalIntelligence?
3 Steps to Emotional Intelligence
What is the Free Emotional Intelligence Test
https://www.6seconds.org/freetest/
Why have global levels of EQ dropped during 2020
https://www.6seconds.org/2021/06/23/pandemic-emotional-intelligence/
UNICEF World Children’s Day and 6 Seconds Partnership
In partnership with UNICEF World Children’s Day, POP-UP Festival is celebrated in 200+ countries by sharing free, playful, meaningful activities to help kids grow their emotional intelligence and take action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There are Mini-Popup kits to get started here, or sign up to get the full curriculum: https://6sec.org/popup/join
Organizations are invited to apply to as partners: https://6sec.org/popup/partner
Publications
I have published six books, starting with co-authoring of Self-Science in 1998 and The Handle With Care EQ Activity Book in 1999. In 2007 my book At the Heart of Leadership: How to Get Results with Emotional Intelligence was first published, with a fourth edition in 2019, the book has over 50,000 copies sold. In 2010 Inside Change: Transforming Your Organization with Emotional Intelligence (co-authored with Massimiliano Ghini) was released. The Vital Organization: How to create a high-performing workplace (2014) was also co-authored with Massimiliano Ghini and in 2015, I published Whole-Hearted Parenting: How to use emotional intelligence to create more peace, connection, and joy. I am also the lead editor of the management curriculum, Developing Human Performance.
Understanding differences between EMOTIONS FEELINGS and MOODS
Social-Emotional Learning and EQ
Social-Emotional Learning, SEL, is the process for using and growing emotional intelligence to build a great place to learn. Read more about Six Seconds’ SEL methodology here, and how this supports the CASEL framework. Unique elements of this methodology include:
- The context for Learning vs Program
At Six Seconds, we don’t believe SEL is about a “program” or “curriculum.” It’s a foundational approach to effective learning, and as such, it’s an integral part of building inclusive, just, healthy & effective schools. - Measure What Matters
We developed the only in-depth, substantive psychometric assessments with the same, complete EQ framework for children and adults — so there’s measurable data for adults & children to guide learning and measure progress. These measures are listed on RAND & CASEL lists of recommended assessments. - Culturally Responsive for Everyone
Six Seconds offers a process for using emotional intelligence to make it practical and actionable — and because this is a PEOPLE-CENTERED PROCESS that works in 200 countries, it’s culturally responsive and brings the EQ to EQuity. This process can be applied across the school from academic courses, discipline, DEI, parent-ed, staff meetings… and, of course, professional development.
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Joshua Freedman: Keynote Speaker and Facilitator
Joshua’s dynamic, humorous, and authentic style creates trust and leaves audiences motivated to take action. His presentations deliver hard-core science made practical and are tailored to address specific organizational issues including:
The Business Value of Emotions
Accelerating & Sustaining Change
Being a Leader Worth Following
Website: https://jmfreedman.com/
Twitter: @eqjosh
https://linktr.ee/eqjosh
Profile at Six Seconds
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joshua_Freedman
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