One of the major missing parts in the success equation is emotional intelligence, a concept made popular by Daniel Goleman in his groundbreaking book, Emotional Intelligence, which is based on years of research by numerous scientists. For various reasons, including a wide range of abilities, people with high emotional intelligence tend to be more successful in life than those with lower EQ, even if their classical IQ is average.

The Emotional Intelligence Test evaluates several aspects of one's emotional intelligence and suggests ways to improve it. Insights include:

• Emotional insight into self
• Goal orientation and motivation
• Emotional expression
• Social insight and empathy

Next month at Redwood Glen's second Pastors Conference, Chris Gambill, our facilitator, will provide an overview of emotional intelligence, and help participants unpack their EQ in a way that affirms their growth and strengths as Christian leaders. Chris will also work with church staff teams to provide understanding for improved staff dynamics.

Our PASTORS' CONFERENCE is also a great opportunity for rest, as you connect with other pastors, and gain insights that will improve your ministry, and will improve your life!

Join us Monday, February 25 - Wednesday, February 27, 2008. Register by January 31st for $245.00 and save $20 off the full registration price.

Your registration fee* includes:

• $50 EQ (Emotional Intelligence) test
• Double-occupancy housing in hotel-style accommodations
• Meals and refreshments
• Conference fee

(* Registration fees for this Pastors' Conference have been subsidized by individual and church gifts to Metamorphosis)

For many people (you, perhaps, or at least a number in your congregations) Christmas is extremely stressful as family members we don't often see are thrown together with the (unspoken) expectation that this is a time of peace, love, and joy, with every dysfunction magically disappearing, suddenly making us one big happy family. Therapists rightly counsel us not to engage in confrontational conversations during the holidays as people are already dealing with such a mix of emotions that the calm, relaxing atmosphere needed for those conversations to be at their best is not present.

So when you only see some family members this once a year, what do you do? How can you build healthier relationships while managing your own emotions and the baggage you bring? It's a matter of emotional intelligence -- being people smart and self-aware.

I know I have a lot to learn here. While having done well in school, honor society and all, I am only average in my emotional intelligence. The good news is that emotional intelligence (unlike our IQ) is not solely something we're born with, but we can grow in increasing ability.

This is why I'm so intrigued by the topic of our Pastor's Conference coming up next month. I, for one, can look back on situations in my pastoral ministry that I wished I'd handled differently, but at the time didn't know how. And unfortunately, as a regional staff member I've seen too many gifted pastors fail, not because they were lousy preachers or administrators, but because they lacked the people skills to navigate the church's relational system, otherwise known as the body of Christ.

Next December Jay and I will again be planning for the Christmas season, strategizing about how to deepen our family bonds and share in more meaningful conversation. I don't know if it will happen, but with intentional growth in my own emotional intelligence, I will at least be better prepared.

There are a handful of people in the world who have proven experience raising organizational performance with emotional intelligence. Freedman is one of the leaders.

Using stories and data from his work around the world with organizations such as the US Marine Corps, Schlumberger, and FedEx, Freedman provides a practical guide to this critical topic.

At the Heart of Leadership delivers a compelling case for leaders to attend to their own and their people's emotions as a critical asset for optimal performance. Then it shows you how to lead more effectively by engaging your own and your people's emotions.

At the Heart of Leadership challenges the conventional belief that emotions are in the way of good decisions -- showing that emotions are essential for good decisions -- they provide us with wisdom and energy required for high performance. The book features many examples of research on EQ, the brain, and organization performance. It also provides practical and deeply meaningful exercises for self-reflection and leadership. Each chapter ends with a synopsis of key points and action steps.

Redwood Glen is located in the Santa Cruz mountains just 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean. We are an hour drive from the San Francisco and San Jose airports. For more information on our programs and facilities, check out our website at www.redwoodglen.com.

If you are interested in having Rev. Joan Friesen, Redwood Glen's new Director of Church Relations and Metamorphosis, visit your church or provide pulpit supply, please email us at meta@redwoodglen.com.

Previous editions of our Metamorphosis e-newsletters may be found on the Redwood Glen and Metamorphosis websites.