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All I Really Need to Know About Emotional Intelligence I Learned in Kindergarten.

April 7, 2015Mike SisselBlog

11020266_10206328754245804_1015717233852755520_nWhen I started my leadership business six years ago, my intent was to work primarily with pre-teens and teens.  Having taught fourth and fifth grade for ten years, I recognized a tremendous need for this age group with regard to social and emotional development.  In my opinion, the transition from elementary school to middle school is one of the most challenging stages of adolescence, thus my push to reach this demographic. 

Last Spring, I was approached by the dynamic duo of Julie Fischer and Michelle Willis at Magical Journey Learning Center, a Pre-K and Kindergarten school in Phoenix.  They were interested in contracting my services to teach emotional intelligence to 5-6 year-olds.  While I was certainly humbled by the fact that they believed in my program, a number of questions occupied my mind as I considered working with this age group.

Will they really get it? 

Can I teach these deep, cerebral concepts to 5 and 6 year-olds? 

Will I be able to explain emotional intelligence to someone that is just beginning to understand what emotions even are? 

Despite my initial apprehension, I accepted the challenge and the answers to the above questions have been a resounding yes.  What I’ve realized is that while the core content I teach remains the same, the context of their life is obviously much different than a pre-teen or teen.  Therefore, my job is to teach these concepts using language and metaphors that resonate in their developing minds. 

Yesterday, when I walked into the school, I was greeted by a list of 10 things the children have learned as a result of my lessons, in kid language of course (see picture). 

I was amazed at the comprehensive nature of the principles they identified.  These are the exact principles I teach to adults.  The only thing that changes is the language and the context to which we apply them to.    

Therefore, I present to you All I Really Need to Know About Emotional Intelligence I Learned in Kindergarten.

#1 – The Ripple Effect

Regardless of my age, everything I say or do has an invisible ripple effect on the people around me.  I don’t need to be a part of a certain group or look a certain way to make a difference.  Simply put, I MATTER.

#2 – Roots from the tree

While society places a major emphasis on the appearance of the tree (image), it’s the roots of the tree (character) that matter in the end.  When I focus on cultivating my roots, my tree will grow exactly as planned. 

#3 – Driver / Back Seat

Each day I have a choice.  A choice to be a driver or passenger in my own life.  When I choose to drive, I am in control of my thoughts, feelings, and actions.  When I assume the back seat I become a passenger and other people are now in charge of how I think, feel, and act. 

#4 – Trampoline

Everyone is going to have bad days.  Everyone is going to experience emotions such as anger and sadness, which move us below the line.  However, I have a choice in terms of how long I am going to stay there.  My trampolines allow me to move above the line.  Whether it’s a peaceful walk or reading a good book, I get to choose. 

#5 – Tattle Tongue

I am not in charge of other people.  Unless someone is in physical or emotional danger, I seek to be a problem solver, not a tattle teller.  While the urge to tattle will always be there, I know it only perpetuates the problem.

#6 – Volcano Mouth

My words are powerful.  There will be times when the words that resonate in my mind are hurtful or condescending.  Rather than letting the volcano explode, I can choose to manage it with deep breathing.

#7 – Bucket fillers and dippers

Everyone walks around carrying an invisible bucket, which serves as a symbol of our self-esteem.  All day long, we are either filling buckets or dipping from buckets as a result of the things we say or do.  I want to be a bucket filler, not a bucket dipper. 

#8 – You get to choose

My attitude is contagious.  Every new day is an opportunity for me to choose my attitude.  If I choose to be negative, I will spread my negative germs.  If I choose to be positive, I will spread my positive germs. 

#9 – Good Wolf / Bad Wolf

Each one of us is fighting an internal battle.  It’s a battle between the good wolf (positive) and the bad wolf (negative).  Which one wins?  Whichever one I feed the most. 

#10 – Fountain / Drain

When I choose to feed the good wolf, I become a fountain of joy, love, and hope.  When I choose to feed the bad wolf, I drain the energy of the people around me. 

Imagine what this world would look like if each of us, regardless of age, attempted to live these principles. 

My mission is to be a spark that ignites positive change in the lives of others.  Will you join me?  

If you’d like to learn more about any of my services, I invite you contact me at mike@kaleidoeye.com.   

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“Our school mission has always been to educate the 'whole child', including their social and emotional development. Mike’s contribution to this mission, through the delivery of his meaningful, engaging lessons, has made a lasting impact on our school culture. In addition to the rich content he shares with our students, the energy he brings to each classroom is contagious. He has been an inspiration to our staff and students and truly lives the leadership principles he teaches.”

Christie Winkelmann

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2018-05-23T09:49:19-07:00

Christie Winkelmann

“Our school mission has always been to educate the 'whole child', including their social and emotional development. Mike’s contribution to this mission, through the delivery of his meaningful, engaging lessons, has made a lasting impact on our school culture. In addition to the rich content he shares with our students, the energy he brings to each classroom is contagious. He has been an inspiration to our staff and students and truly lives the leadership principles he teaches.”
https://kaleidoeye.com/testimonials/christie-winkelmann/
“The power of positivity is infectious and Mr. Sissel has a real gift of helping others believe that they have the mental strength within themselves to get past whatever they might be struggling with. We were introduced to Mike through Gold Medal Gymnastics and seeing the impact he has made on the lives of so many including our daughter is astounding. He helped her to overcome the feelings of insecurity, feeling bullied and showed her how to focus and 'change her lens' so that she could perform successfully.”

 

Fred Sanchez

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2017-09-14T15:02:28-07:00

Fred Sanchez

“The power of positivity is infectious and Mr. Sissel has a real gift of helping others believe that they have the mental strength within themselves to get past whatever they might be struggling with. We were introduced to Mike through Gold Medal Gymnastics and seeing the impact he has made on the lives of so many including our daughter is astounding. He helped her to overcome the feelings of insecurity, feeling bullied and showed her how to focus and 'change her lens' so that she could perform successfully.”  
https://kaleidoeye.com/testimonials/fred-sanchez/
“Mike has an amazing ability to reach our children and to challenge their thinking. His positive outlook and desire to help every child be the best they can be is inspiring. My daughter comes home from her time with him with a smile on her face and new words of wisdom to share with me.  My 13 year old son watches his motivational videos and every time turns to me and says "He is so right. Everything he is saying is so true".  So thankful to have him in my children's lives.”

 

Sally Moore

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2017-09-14T15:01:56-07:00

Sally Moore

“Mike has an amazing ability to reach our children and to challenge their thinking. His positive outlook and desire to help every child be the best they can be is inspiring. My daughter comes home from her time with him with a smile on her face and new words of wisdom to share with me.  My 13 year old son watches his motivational videos and every time turns to me and says "He is so right. Everything he is saying is so true".  So thankful to have him in my children's lives.”  
https://kaleidoeye.com/testimonials/sally-moore/
“Having been in the coaching profession for many years, I’ve gained the most satisfaction by having the opportunity to help shape the character of my players, ultimately preparing them for life beyond baseball. Mike Sissel is a masterful coach who shares a similar passion for the 'game of life'. His ability to connect with athletes is unmatched. If you have an opportunity for Mike to work with your team, it will truly be the 'gift' that will keep on giving. He has been a blessing to my family.”

Pat Murphy

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2018-05-23T09:46:00-07:00

Pat Murphy

“Having been in the coaching profession for many years, I’ve gained the most satisfaction by having the opportunity to help shape the character of my players, ultimately preparing them for life beyond baseball. Mike Sissel is a masterful coach who shares a similar passion for the 'game of life'. His ability to connect with athletes is unmatched. If you have an opportunity for Mike to work with your team, it will truly be the 'gift' that will keep on giving. He has been a blessing to my family.”
https://kaleidoeye.com/testimonials/pat-murphy/
“Wow! What an amazing person! We are so fortunate to have Mike Sissel in our lives. Having two daughters that compete, I cannot thank him enough for all of valuable lessons learned. He empowers my girls with tools and strategies to become not only better athletes but better people. He helps them to build strong character traits that will benefit them long after their time in completion has come to an end. He's had a positive influence on the mindset of our entire family and for that we are truly blessed.”

Kim Roberts-Johson

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2017-09-14T15:05:04-07:00

Kim Roberts-Johson

“Wow! What an amazing person! We are so fortunate to have Mike Sissel in our lives. Having two daughters that compete, I cannot thank him enough for all of valuable lessons learned. He empowers my girls with tools and strategies to become not only better athletes but better people. He helps them to build strong character traits that will benefit them long after their time in completion has come to an end. He's had a positive influence on the mindset of our entire family and for that we are truly blessed.”
https://kaleidoeye.com/testimonials/kim-roberts-johson/
“Mike Sissel is an amazing man. With a positive force driving his ultimate vision to help the world be a better place, he reminds young and old what it means to be and do good by finding it in within. His practical steps are accessible to children and admired by adults. Whether he facilitates a retreat, in-service, assembly, or consults, positive and tangible results will be the outcome. I highly recommend him!”

Greg Hebert

KaleidoEye
2018-05-23T09:48:39-07:00

Greg Hebert

“Mike Sissel is an amazing man. With a positive force driving his ultimate vision to help the world be a better place, he reminds young and old what it means to be and do good by finding it in within. His practical steps are accessible to children and admired by adults. Whether he facilitates a retreat, in-service, assembly, or consults, positive and tangible results will be the outcome. I highly recommend him!”
https://kaleidoeye.com/testimonials/greg-hebert/
"At Nike, I like to say ‘You Own Your Career’, Mike presented to my team and provided them with strategies & tools that inspired them to take ownership of their actions, performance, and careers. It was Motivational Coaching that impacted all attendees – regardless of their roles. All team members learned what behaviors make good leaders, and that all of us can be a leader. Mike was an energetic, passionate and effective presenter. I look forward to seeing my team practicing and implementing these skills into their Personal & Professional Developmental Plans.”

Jeff DuMont

KaleidoEye
2018-05-23T09:41:45-07:00

Jeff DuMont

"At Nike, I like to say ‘You Own Your Career’, Mike presented to my team and provided them with strategies & tools that inspired them to take ownership of their actions, performance, and careers. It was Motivational Coaching that impacted all attendees – regardless of their roles. All team members learned what behaviors make good leaders, and that all of us can be a leader. Mike was an energetic, passionate and effective presenter. I look forward to seeing my team practicing and implementing these skills into their Personal & Professional Developmental Plans.”
https://kaleidoeye.com/testimonials/jeff-dumont/
“Mr. Sissel has been an incredible positive influence for my kids! Every time he goes to their school they look forward to learning something new from him! I have a teen and preteen and they have had him for the last several years and have quoted his lessons to us at home. Mr. Sissel has a special gift of teaching ALL ages with passion and dedication and truly knows how to connect with his audience, which makes it fun. I have also recommended him as one on one coaching for my dear friend’s son after she went through a divorce and her son was acting out and his insight truly helped her.”

Judy Salinas

KaleidoEye
2017-09-14T14:39:25-07:00

Judy Salinas

“Mr. Sissel has been an incredible positive influence for my kids! Every time he goes to their school they look forward to learning something new from him! I have a teen and preteen and they have had him for the last several years and have quoted his lessons to us at home. Mr. Sissel has a special gift of teaching ALL ages with passion and dedication and truly knows how to connect with his audience, which makes it fun. I have also recommended him as one on one coaching for my dear friend’s son after she went through a divorce and her son was acting out and his insight truly helped her.”
https://kaleidoeye.com/testimonials/3596/
“Mr Sissel has been such an unbelievably positive presence both at Gold Medal Gymnastics and at our daughter's school, CEE. There is always enthusiasm and excitement when she knows that they will be having a session with him. The topics that he addresses are so important and he helps the kids see not only life's big picture, but also how individually they can make a real difference for themselves and those around them with their choices. We are thankful and look forward to more work with him in the future.”

 

Margo Ingram

KaleidoEye
2017-09-14T15:04:38-07:00

Margo Ingram

“Mr Sissel has been such an unbelievably positive presence both at Gold Medal Gymnastics and at our daughter's school, CEE. There is always enthusiasm and excitement when she knows that they will be having a session with him. The topics that he addresses are so important and he helps the kids see not only life's big picture, but also how individually they can make a real difference for themselves and those around them with their choices. We are thankful and look forward to more work with him in the future.”  
https://kaleidoeye.com/testimonials/margo-ingram/
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