Hey fellow INTJs,
So, I've got a story from about 5 years ago that shook me up a bit, and I think it's worth sharing. You know how we're all about logic, planning, and efficiency, right? Well, in my mid 20s I had this eye-opening experience that made me realize there's another layer to consider: the emotional well-being of the people around us.
I was in charge of this big project at a tech startup. I had everything mapped out, from A to Z—spreadsheets, deadlines, the works. But then Sarah, one of my team members, started falling behind. I was puzzled; she's a smart cookie and totally capable. So, I set up a meeting to get to the bottom of it. I walked in with my data and charts, thinking she'd appreciate the clarity.
But guess what? She started crying. It turns out her dad was seriously ill, and she was struggling emotionally. She hadn't told anyone at work because she didn't want to seem unprofessional or unreliable.
That moment was a reality check for me. I had been so laser-focused on the project that I totally missed the signs that someone on my team was struggling. I felt awful, to be honest. I had all these plans and strategies, but I'd overlooked the most basic thing: the human element.
So, what did I do? First, I apologized to Sarah. I had messed up, and I knew it. Then we talked about how to adjust the project to give her some space to deal with her personal stuff. But the real change was in me. I realized I had to get better at this whole emotional intelligence thing.
I started reading up on it, talking to people who are good at it, and just trying to be more aware in general. And you know what? It's made a difference. I'm still a planner at heart, but now I see the value in balancing that with emotional insight. It's made me a better leader, and honestly, a better person too.
So, if you think you've got it all figured out, maybe take a moment to consider the emotional side of things. Because at the end of the day, we're not just dealing with tasks and deadlines; we're dealing with people.