Shakespeare at work: lessons from the bard on emotional intelligence and communication.

1. Thinking of Ghosts

HORATIO (speaking to the Ghost):  What art thou that usurp’st this time of night?

Hamlet Act 1 scene 1

As a corporate trainer, I visit many different companies and often sense “ghosts” in the room.  These may be the lingering effects of former bosses or even policies that bolster or torment my participants.

Even more influential are the ghosts of previous, unresolved conflicts within the organization.  Morale and learning are both affected by these ghosts that linger in the minds of my participants.  As each grapples with these ghosts, they are not fully present to our workshop or each other. 

MARCELLUS:  Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.

Hamlet Act 1 scene 4

Ghosts remain when “something is rotten,” Just as Hamlet is tasked to expose hidden crimes, we too can unearth the offenses that corrupt our personal and professional lives.  Once we learn the skills to have the “difficult conversation,” we can stop procrastinating (like Hamlet) and begin the hard work of reconciliation.  We can learn the most effective ways to listen, speak, and manage our emotions.  (For suggestions on communication and emotional intelligence books and workshops see the appendix.) 

© 2018 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved