Accountability, Emotional Intelligence, and the Lifelong Colleague Commitment

Many people may have heard the term ‘Emotional Intelligence’, but few understand its full meaning and application. One misunderstanding is that Emotional Intelligence simply means “being nice”. Another misconception is that Emotional Intelligence is just a term used to describe society’s recent acceptance of the sensitivities historically reserved for the genteel and the refined. In reality, Emotional Intelligence is a whole set of betterment skills that integrates self-awareness, self-mastery, empathetic consideration of others, and the skillful management of interpersonal interactions. Emotional Intelligence is the embodiment of civility, coupled with acute accountability for honorable individual behavior and graciousness in relationships.

The Emotional Intelligence precept of accountability means taking ownership for behaviors, obligations, and responsibilities. Accountability is being answerable for outcomes without passing the buck, finding fault, pointing fingers, or placing blame. Accountability is being proactive and anticipating obstacles that might interfere with the successful completion of an assignment. Accountability is being aware of timelines and expectations, keeping pertinent information at hand, and being prepared to respond to inquiries. Accountability is keeping your word and doing what you said you would do, and expecting others to do the same. Accountability also includes providing legitimate explanations if things don’t go as planned.

Roseman University of Health Sciences has a collaborative culture that is dependent on individual and team accountability. The Lifelong Colleague Commitment states that at Roseman University we strive to make every interaction reflect a sincere desire to develop each other. By so doing, each individual can achieve their full potential and the institution as a whole can realize its highest aspirations. Through implementation of the Lifelong Colleague Commitment and the principles of Emotional Intelligence, we hold ourselves and each other accountable, all the while “being nice”.

Author
L. Kris Munk, DDS, MS
Roseman University Associate Dean of Graduate Education