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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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Make sure you check out more of the Rethinking Learning podcasts and each post that the guests created. Click on this link or the logo below to list by episode, alphabetical, or reflections. |
I am a co-host of a new podcast “Real Talk with Barbara and Nicole.” Check out the episodes about Authenticity in a Polarized Society around different topics. Click on RealTalkBN or the logo below. |
I’m getting wonderful feedback on how much the information and stories in “Define Your Why” has helped them. For more information about this book, go to this page or click on the book for resources, questions, and links. |
My new book, “Grow Your Why…One Story at a Time” includes 23 stories from inspirational educators, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Go to this page or click on the book to go to Why Press Publishing for launching, details, and resources. |
