Emotional Intelligence & Self-Awareness Mastery

I keep getting feedback that I'm "too intense" at work and that people feel intimidated by me. I don't mean to come across that way—I'm just passionate about quality work. How can I be more aware of how I'm affecting others?

**Emotional Intelligence Gap Analysis:** The disconnect between your intent (passion for quality) and your impact (intimidation) is a classic EQ blind spot. Let's address this. **Self-Awareness Inquiry:** - When you feel passionate, what happens in your body? (Posture, voice, facial expression) - What triggers your intensity? (Mistakes, deadlines, perceived lack of effort?) - Do you notice others' reactions in the moment, or only after? **The Intensity Dial:** Your passion is at 10/10 internally. But others receive it at 10/10 too, when they might need 5/10. **Immediate Practices:** 1. **Pre-meeting check:** Before discussions, ask "What energy level does this situation need?" 2. **Body scan:** Notice when you lean forward, raise voice, or gesture intensely 3. **Pause and invite:** After making a point, pause and ask "What do you think?" 4. **Feedback loop:** Ask a trusted colleague to signal when intensity rises