• Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is the ability to identify and manage your own emotions, while also understanding the emotions of people around you.
• Individuals with higher EQs are better equipped to work in teams. They also successfully handle challenging conversations with colleagues and manage stress.
• Harvard Business Review: 90% of people receive promotions and improve their skills due to an above average EQ. 
• DePaul University: Sales reps with a high level of EQ produce twice the revenue of those with below average EQs.
• Robert Half International: A healthy sense of humor is a critical component in EQ.
• Yale University: Humor has a positive effect on memory. Participants were significantly more likely to remember the humorous sentences. 
• Emotional Intelligence is an essential skill in the workplace and in life. On the surface, the concept of EQ seems rather serious, but it doesn’t. Humor contributes to EQ, so by embracing and welcoming it. We can develop our skills while enjoying a good laugh with our colleagues. 
• Humor also reduces fear, aids in relaxation and makes each stepping stone in work and life far more memorable. Let’s face it; who wouldn’t want a good laugh every so and often? And, did I mention that laughter has wonderful side effects beneficial to our health?
• In business, different people utilize different communication styles. EQ can help us more effectively communicate with others, build stronger relationships, and navigate difficulties or stressful situations. People who are able to laugh at themselves are able to cope far more easily. It is for this reason that I constantly use humor to make my points more memorable.

Dr. Gerald Blumenthal is a global entrepreneur who launched his first business, Sembel-it, in 1970 in South Africa. His company quickly grew to become the largest DIY business in Africa with 37 locations and more than 500 employees. He moved to America and launched ESP Shop in 1985, which has conducted more than 6.5 million secret shops and benefitted countless American businesses over the decades.

Companies in the Greater Houston area continue to utilize Gerald’s 50-plus years of business success to educate their executives, managers, and employees on the art and science of customer service.