Emotional intelligence (EI) is a critical skill in the workplace. In this assessment students will have the
opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the impact of their own personal EI competencies
using the Genos Model in leadership and decision making by analysing a real-life scenario and providing
recommendations for how these are best handled.
Case Study
You are a manager at a software development company. Your friend Sarah, a project manager, has been
tasked with launching a new product line. She faces an issue with Steven, a middle-aged senior software
engineer who has been struggling with a personal issue that has been affecting his work. He has been
coming in late, missing deadlines, and seems generally disengaged. Sarah has tried to talk to him about it,
but he has been evasive and defensive.
Sarah is ambitious and has an enviable reputation for getting results. Sheâs never missed a deadline, and
while some find her ruthless, most admire her strength.
Steven has been with the company for a very long time. He was the second employee ever hired by the
company and has been through all the highs and lows that a successful start-up experiences. He has
foregone opportunities to work for other companies (for a much higher salary) because he really
appreciates the culture of the workplace that he has played a significant role in creating.
Sarah has turned to you for guidance and advice.
Specifically, you should:
- Summarise the advice you would give to Sarah to enable her to engage with Steven in an emotionally
intelligent style with direct alignment with, and reference to the Genos Emotional Intelligence Model,
the appropriate Genos Competencies and specific behaviours identified within the Genos
competency. - Provide an analysis of your own Genos results. Identify behaviours within Genos competencies that
are strengths and weaknesses using the Genos ‘traffic light method’. Identify and discuss the
specific behaviours within your own competencies that would support (strengths) or hinder
(weaknesses) your approach if you were in Sarahâs situation. - Using the resources and readings provided in this subject, what do you most need to learn or develop
to enhance your strengths and weaknesses identified in your Genos Emotional Intelligence Survey for
effective leadership, and how you might go about developing these.

Sample Answer
Advice to Sarah Using the Genos Model:
Sarah needs to approach Steven with empathy and understanding, focusing on building trust and addressing the underlying issue. Here’s advice aligned with the Genos Model:
- Understanding Emotions (High):
- Sarah needs to move beyond her focus on results and genuinely understand Steven’s emotional state.
- Genos Competency: Understand Self and Others.
- Specific Behaviors:
- Encourage active listening, reflecting back what Steven says to ensure understanding.
- Ask open-ended questions to elicit more information about his personal issues.
- Recognize and acknowledge Steven’s emotional cues, even if he’s evasive.
- Expressing Emotions (Moderate/Controlled):
- While Sarah is known for her assertiveness, she needs to express her concerns in a sensitive and non-confrontational manner.
- Genos Competency: Expressing Emotions Constructively.
- Specific Behaviors:
- Communicate her concerns about Steven’s performance without blaming or accusing.
- Focus on the impact of his behavior on the team and project, rather than his character.
- Express empathy and offer support, rather than judgment.
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