SCENARIO : You are preparing a seminar for your unit staff on effective communication. Your department supervisor has expressed interest in the seminar and wishes to review your material. You have decided you will present the Emotional Intelligence model. The EI (Emotional Intelligence) model has been promoted as a tool that is especially useful in toxic environments.
You develop a role-playing exercise to accompany the presentation. Once you have completed your rough draft, you share your work with the department supervisor. The department supervisor states, “I like your idea behind the seminar, but why are you presenting the EI model? Is your department that disruptive and chaotic? You feel that the nursing supervisor is criticizing your presentation, and you are set back by this line of questioning.
Read the scenario above, and then answer the following questions:
How should you respond to this statement?
Do you feel that the EI model(emotional intelligence) could be useful in this situation? Why or why not?
Do you feel the use of EI would assist in the resolution of this exchange?
Do you personally relate to the aspects of EI, and do you think that it complements your personality?
Sample Answer
When a supervisor questions your chosen topic in a way that feels critical, it's natural to feel defensive. However, a response based on Emotional Intelligence (EI) can effectively navigate this situation.
Responding to the Statement
Your response should be calm, professional, and confident. Instead of seeing the supervisor's comment as an attack, reframe it as a question seeking clarification. A good response would be to acknowledge the supervisor's concern directly and then pivot back to the academic and professional value of the EI model.
For example, you could say: "That's a fair question. My intention in choosing the EI model wasn't to suggest our department is chaotic. On the contrary, I chose it precisely because it's a foundational skill for building a resilient, high-performing team. I believe that even in the best environments, understanding and applying emotional intelligence helps us to better manage stress, improve collaboration, and proactively handle conflicts before they become disruptive. It's about strengthening our existing strengths, not just fixing problems."
This response directly addresses the supervisor's concern while subtly challenging the premise that EI is only for "toxic" environments. It reframes the topic from a problem-solving tool to a proactive skill-building one.
Usefulness of the EI Model in This Situation
Yes, the EI model could be extremely useful in this situation, both for you and for the supervisor. The encounter itself is a perfect example of why EI is so valuable.
For You: Your initial reaction was to feel criticized and "set back." This is an emotional response. Using EI, you can practice self-awareness by recognizing this feeling. Then, you can use self-regulation to manage your emotions and prevent a defensive or unproductive reaction. Instead of lashing out or getting flustered, you can choose a calm, thoughtful response that serves your professional goals.
For the Supervisor: The supervisor's question may have stemmed from their own emotional response or perception. They might feel that your choice of topic is an indirect criticism of their leadership. Understanding this allows you to address their unspoken concern directly, de-escalating the potential for conflict.