The new “hidden six” logo tells an important story about noticing what is often ignored in daily life: people and their emotions. Six Seconds is a global not-for-profit organization helping all people learn the skills of emotional intelligence so businesses, schools and people thrive. To celebrate the start of their 10th year, the organization adopted a new logo that reminds people to pay close attention to one another.

San Francisco, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/21/2007 -- Emotions are everywhere, yet people have a tendency to ignore them. According to Six Seconds, the world leaders in emotional intelligence development, this leads to horrendous consequences as people make decisions that disrespect themselves and others.

"Most of us have been taught to put feelings aside and struggle to do so," explains Six Seconds' President Anabel Jensen, Ph.D. "Looking at the headlines of any paper you can see how poorly this approach works." Instead Jensen and her team teach people to pay attention to emotions and use them as a valuable source of insight for problem-solving and decision-making.

The new logo shows a stylized number "6" hidden in plain sight on a field of blue. Six Seconds' COO Joshua Freedman explains the icon: "When we teach people about emotions and the power of six seconds of attention, their whole vision of the world begins to change. Likewise, once you see the hidden 6 in the logo, you can't not see it." The organization's web site is http://www.6seconds.org

At the same time, the organization has changed the name of the division focused on work with corporations. The "Institute for Organizational Performance" has been renamed "Six Seconds Consulting Group" ( http://www.sixseconds.com ). The new name is intended to create more coherence in the organization's branding and convey Six Seconds' commitment to form long-term consulting partnerships with corporations.

The new logo will appear in Six Seconds' offices worldwide (Beijing, Bologna, Brisbane, Lisbon, London, San Francisco, and Singapore) this month and kicks off a year-long celebration of the organization's 10 years teaching emotional intelligence.

In their first decade, Six Seconds has published the pre-eminent emotional intelligence curriculum for k-12 schools, numerous corporate training programs (including a course on organization change in use by the US Navy), three psychometric assessments, six activity calendars, an activity book, two journal workbooks, and a new book about emotional intelligence for leaders (see www.EQleadership.com). In addition, they have trained over 100,000 educators and consultants, hosted five international conferences, and delivered over 14 million web pages of quality information to the public.

Press Kit is online: http://www.6seconds.org/press/

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

While popular opinion has long said that while IQ is fixed, emotional intelligence – the capacity to use emotions effectively – can be developed. A new study shows that a highly effective 2-day training can increase scores even in a highly technical workplace.

San Mateo, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/07/2007 -- Despite their super-human capacity for making computers communicate, many "geeks" (AKA "IT Professionals") are challenged by the traditional human-to-human interface. Yet as key players in any business unit, today's IT experts have to get beyond their "left-brain" genius. While some think techies lack an understanding of emotions, new research by Six Seconds Consulting Group proves otherwise.

A team of computer engineers at Svimservice, a top Italian IT company, received a two-day training on emotional intelligence (or "EQ"). A month later their EQ scores had increased by a statistically significant average of 7%. As shown in the graph below, the average scores in the 34-person tech team increased in all domains with the highest increases shown in Consequential Thinking (making careful decisions) and Recognizing Patterns (part of self-awareness). A White Paper on the Svimservice study is online at http://6seconds.org/sei/wp-increase.php .

This finding adds credence to what innovative leaders have long realized: Emotional Intelligence can be developed. The study is a reminder that human capital strategy should include training in this important arena maximizing workforce efficacy.

The research was conducted using the "Six Seconds Emotional Intelligence Assessment" <http://www.6seconds.org/sei/> (SEI), which rigorously measures eight core competencies of emotional intelligence. SEI is the best-in-class tool for assessing and developing emotional intelligence and is published by Six Seconds.

Six Seconds is an international nonprofit organization helping businesses, schools, and communities solve critical problems by developing emotional intelligence. With offices in the US, Italy, Singapore, China, France, and Australia and over 10 years of proven experience, Six Seconds is the world leader in emotional intelligence consulting.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

While the concept of "emotional intelligence" is increasing in popularity, more often than not the term is used incorrectly. Will the real definition please stand up?

San Mateo, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/02/2006 -- The most recent NexusEQ Conference included delegates from over 100 disciplines and 37 nations gathered in Holland to see how emotional intelligence improves leadership. On EQ.org, more and more practitioners are appearing from all over the world. Google News has stories about EQ every day. It all goes to show that emotional Intelligence is of interest to a wide and growing audience. But what do we mean by "emotional intelligence" -- is it just a nice way of talking about concepts that have been popular for decades? Or is there really a new concept to explore?

Part of the vision of these world conferences is to find a shared understanding, a common vision, which is challenging in an emerging science. There are many different theorists, many different practitioners, and many different models. So rather than choosing one specific model, the NexusEQ conferences work to bring out research and practice that values the power of emotions as a driving force in our capacity for wisdom.

In this view, "Emotional intelligence" is different from "emotional," different from humanism, different from openness, different from caring, different from consciousness, and even different from emotional literacy. While there are many forms of psychology, self-awareness, and personal growth that deal with emotions, that does not mean they are informed by the science of emotional intelligence. One key differentiator is how people define the role and function of emotions.

In most of psychology emotions are identified as a symptom, an artifact, an aberration, or a coincidence (even in "emotion-friendly" disciplines such as Positive Psychology, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Emotional Freedom Technique, Constellation Therapy, and Transactional Analysis). Emotion is seen as secondary, sometimes even as dysfunction. Generally speaking, psychological approaches say, "Thinking is King," and emotion is a byproduct (as is behavior). Perhaps this is most clearly visible in Rational Emotive Therapy, which deals with emotions but treats them as artifacts of mistaken beliefs.

Another whole school of thought focuses on "Behavior is King." This paradigm is almost insidious in the way it creeps into management, parenting, and education. In this view, all we need to focus on is behavior — and if we can "pull the right levers" (rewards and punishments), we can change any behavior.

At the other extreme, some approaches arising from the "self-esteem movement" treat positive emotions and "feeling good" as something magical or transcendental. Somewhere along the road, the current incarnations of EST, Forum, Tea Groups, and Essalon still act like emotions are a barrier that must be "broken through" with intense feeling and catharsis to arrive at true understanding.

Part of the revolutionary value of EQ is a new perspective on emotions that's truly different from other views. From the EQ perspective, emotions are a functional, adaptive source of information and energy — they are understandable, measurable, and practical. Thinking and feeling are two notes of the same chord. Perhaps behavior is a third note. In this view, emotions are part of intelligence — part of cognition. Both are biological processes and inseparable from our physical selves.

As far back as Darwin (and maybe before), scholars have proposed that emotions help us survive. Going several steps further, we now know emotions are a basis for group interaction, they give us critical information about others and about ourselves, they influence thinking and even create our very consciousness. They cannot be meaningfully isolated from "thinking," and it's meaningless to say one comes first and the other is a result. There are no "bad" or "irrational" emotions, though there are emotions we don't understand and many we express inappropriately. To be intelligent with our emotions, we must recognize and attend to them respectfully and intentionally.

Emotional intelligence is an emerging science; we are living on the cutting edge, and this creates some confusion. The plurality of models, theories, and views is a sign of a healthy debate as different scholars and thought-leaders test the boundaries of this new field of study. In the last two decades there have been tremendous advances in our understanding of the intelligence of emotions – and there is still much more to learn.

The task you and I have is to find the jewels of value amidst the bustle of new discovery and the hustle of marketing hype. As you learn about emotional intelligence and as you find practitioners and allies to support your implementation — keep the key principle in mind. If you want the benefits of emotional intelligence, you've got to link up thinking and feeling as two partners building a sustainable and prosperous alliance.

Joshua Freedman is the Chair of the NexusEQ Conferences (http://www.NexusEQ.com) and the Director of Six Seconds' Institute for Organizational Performance (http://www.EQperformance.com). He works with organizations such as Schlumberger, the US Navy, and FedEx to improve leadership, sales, and organizational performance by increasing emotional intelligence.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

San Mateo, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/02/2006 -- The most recent NexusEQ Conference included delegates from over 100 disciplines and 37 nations gathered in Holland to see how emotional intelligence improves leadership. On EQ.org, more and more practitioners are appearing from all over the world. Google News has stories about EQ every day. It all goes to show that emotional Intelligence is of interest to a wide and growing audience. But what do we mean by "emotional intelligence" -- is it just a nice way of talking about concepts that have been popular for decades? Or is there really a new concept to explore?

Part of the vision of these world conferences is to find a shared understanding, a common vision, which is challenging in an emerging science. There are many different theorists, many different practitioners, and many different models. So rather than choosing one specific model, the NexusEQ conferences work to bring out research and practice that values the power of emotions as a driving force in our capacity for wisdom.

In this view, "Emotional intelligence" is different from "emotional," different from humanism, different from openness, different from caring, different from consciousness, and even different from emotional literacy. While there are many forms of psychology, self-awareness, and personal growth that deal with emotions, that does not mean they are informed by the science of emotional intelligence. One key differentiator is how people define the role and function of emotions.

In most of psychology emotions are identified as a symptom, an artifact, an aberration, or a coincidence (even in "emotion-friendly" disciplines such as Positive Psychology, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Emotional Freedom Technique, Constellation Therapy, and Transactional Analysis). Emotion is seen as secondary, sometimes even as dysfunction. Generally speaking, psychological approaches say, "Thinking is King," and emotion is a byproduct (as is behavior). Perhaps this is most clearly visible in Rational Emotive Therapy, which deals with emotions but treats them as artifacts of mistaken beliefs.

Another whole school of thought focuses on "Behavior is King." This paradigm is almost insidious in the way it creeps into management, parenting, and education. In this view, all we need to focus on is behavior — and if we can "pull the right levers" (rewards and punishments), we can change any behavior.

At the other extreme, some approaches arising from the "self-esteem movement" treat positive emotions and "feeling good" as something magical or transcendental. Somewhere along the road, the current incarnations of EST, Forum, Tea Groups, and Essalon still act like emotions are a barrier that must be "broken through" with intense feeling and catharsis to arrive at true understanding.

Part of the revolutionary value of EQ is a new perspective on emotions that's truly different from other views. From the EQ perspective, emotions are a functional, adaptive source of information and energy — they are understandable, measurable, and practical. Thinking and feeling are two notes of the same chord. Perhaps behavior is a third note. In this view, emotions are part of intelligence — part of cognition. Both are biological processes and inseparable from our physical selves.

As far back as Darwin (and maybe before), scholars have proposed that emotions help us survive. Going several steps further, we now know emotions are a basis for group interaction, they give us critical information about others and about ourselves, they influence thinking and even create our very consciousness. They cannot be meaningfully isolated from "thinking," and it's meaningless to say one comes first and the other is a result. There are no "bad" or "irrational" emotions, though there are emotions we don't understand and many we express inappropriately. To be intelligent with our emotions, we must recognize and attend to them respectfully and intentionally.

Emotional intelligence is an emerging science; we are living on the cutting edge, and this creates some confusion. The plurality of models, theories, and views is a sign of a healthy debate as different scholars and thought-leaders test the boundaries of this new field of study. In the last two decades there have been tremendous advances in our understanding of the intelligence of emotions – and there is still much more to learn.

The task you and I have is to find the jewels of value amidst the bustle of new discovery and the hustle of marketing hype. As you learn about emotional intelligence and as you find practitioners and allies to support your implementation — keep the key principle in mind. If you want the benefits of emotional intelligence, you've got to link up thinking and feeling as two partners building a sustainable and prosperous alliance.

Joshua Freedman is the Chair of the NexusEQ Conferences (http://www.NexusEQ.com) and the Director of Six Seconds' Institute for Organizational Performance (http://www.EQperformance.com). He works with organizations such as Schlumberger, the US Navy, and FedEx to improve leadership, sales, and organizational performance by increasing emotional intelligence.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

San Mateo, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/02/2006 -- The most recent NexusEQ Conference included delegates from over 100 disciplines and 37 nations gathered in Holland to see how emotional intelligence improves leadership. On EQ.org, more and more practitioners are appearing from all over the world. Google News has stories about EQ every day. It all goes to show that emotional Intelligence is of interest to a wide and growing audience. But what do we mean by "emotional intelligence" -- is it just a nice way of talking about concepts that have been popular for decades? Or is there really a new concept to explore?

Part of the vision of these world conferences is to find a shared understanding, a common vision, which is challenging in an emerging science. There are many different theorists, many different practitioners, and many different models. So rather than choosing one specific model, the NexusEQ conferences work to bring out research and practice that values the power of emotions as a driving force in our capacity for wisdom.

In this view, "Emotional intelligence" is different from "emotional," different from humanism, different from openness, different from caring, different from consciousness, and even different from emotional literacy. While there are many forms of psychology, self-awareness, and personal growth that deal with emotions, that does not mean they are informed by the science of emotional intelligence. One key differentiator is how people define the role and function of emotions.

In most of psychology emotions are identified as a symptom, an artifact, an aberration, or a coincidence (even in "emotion-friendly" disciplines such as Positive Psychology, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Emotional Freedom Technique, Constellation Therapy, and Transactional Analysis). Emotion is seen as secondary, sometimes even as dysfunction. Generally speaking, psychological approaches say, "Thinking is King," and emotion is a byproduct (as is behavior). Perhaps this is most clearly visible in Rational Emotive Therapy, which deals with emotions but treats them as artifacts of mistaken beliefs.

Another whole school of thought focuses on "Behavior is King." This paradigm is almost insidious in the way it creeps into management, parenting, and education. In this view, all we need to focus on is behavior — and if we can "pull the right levers" (rewards and punishments), we can change any behavior.

At the other extreme, some approaches arising from the "self-esteem movement" treat positive emotions and "feeling good" as something magical or transcendental. Somewhere along the road, the current incarnations of EST, Forum, Tea Groups, and Essalon still act like emotions are a barrier that must be "broken through" with intense feeling and catharsis to arrive at true understanding.

Part of the revolutionary value of EQ is a new perspective on emotions that's truly different from other views. From the EQ perspective, emotions are a functional, adaptive source of information and energy — they are understandable, measurable, and practical. Thinking and feeling are two notes of the same chord. Perhaps behavior is a third note. In this view, emotions are part of intelligence — part of cognition. Both are biological processes and inseparable from our physical selves.

As far back as Darwin (and maybe before), scholars have proposed that emotions help us survive. Going several steps further, we now know emotions are a basis for group interaction, they give us critical information about others and about ourselves, they influence thinking and even create our very consciousness. They cannot be meaningfully isolated from "thinking," and it's meaningless to say one comes first and the other is a result. There are no "bad" or "irrational" emotions, though there are emotions we don't understand and many we express inappropriately. To be intelligent with our emotions, we must recognize and attend to them respectfully and intentionally.

Emotional intelligence is an emerging science; we are living on the cutting edge, and this creates some confusion. The plurality of models, theories, and views is a sign of a healthy debate as different scholars and thought-leaders test the boundaries of this new field of study. In the last two decades there have been tremendous advances in our understanding of the intelligence of emotions – and there is still much more to learn.

The task you and I have is to find the jewels of value amidst the bustle of new discovery and the hustle of marketing hype. As you learn about emotional intelligence and as you find practitioners and allies to support your implementation — keep the key principle in mind. If you want the benefits of emotional intelligence, you've got to link up thinking and feeling as two partners building a sustainable and prosperous alliance.

Joshua Freedman is the Chair of the NexusEQ Conferences (http://www.NexusEQ.com) and the Director of Six Seconds' Institute for Organizational Performance (http://www.EQperformance.com). He works with organizations such as Schlumberger, the US Navy, and FedEx to improve leadership, sales, and organizational performance by increasing emotional intelligence.

Upcoming Certification courses provide internal and external HR and OD professionals, coaches, and educators with a powerful approach to emotional intelligence development. Courses are available in California (July, October), Portugal (September), Italy (October) and Singapore (November). Details are online at http://www.6seconds.org/training/

Emotional intelligence is a skill set that allows individuals to forge stronger, better relationships with others by recognizing, understanding and managing emotions. Research has proven that individuals who increase their emotional intelligence (abbreviated "EQ" in contrast to "IQ") can create more positive outcomes in every aspect of their careers and lives, and that Six Seconds' unique programs help people learn these skills.

Six Seconds' approach is unique in the blend of theoretical models and research with engaging experiential activities. Much more substantive than the typical "scripted package," the training provides a toolset that participants can adopt and adapt to their unique needs. At a recent in-house Certification for Banner Healthcare, the Organizational Development and Leadership team reported their "range of tools for training people in emotional intelligence" increased by an average of 313% through this program, and they rated it 9.88 out of 10 on "the course has real value to my organization."

Rather than just "talking about" the tools, participants experience them leading to reflection and growth. While other courses provide EQ theory, this certification is focused on teaching people how to develop the skills and competencies through media, experiential learning, dialogue, and self-reflection. As Lee Hays, Assistant Vice President at Americredit put it, "This course gave me a chance to slow down and really pay attention to my own emotional patterns. This will help me as a leader, parent and friend."

One of the key principles of Six Seconds' approach is that in order for professionals to provide superior training and strategy based on emotional intelligence, they need to develop their own EQ skills. So a major focus of the training is developing the participant's own EQ – which creates a powerful learning experience. Perhaps that's why Jennifer Kennett, Director of Elements Wellness Centre, said this program is "The most meaningful and practical training I have ever attended."

The course is particularly beneficial for leaders, HR professionals in organizational development, leadership, and learning who see the need to raise self-awareness and interpersonal skills in their employees – and themselves. Many educators, coaches, and counselors also attend these certification trainings to see how to incorporate emotional intelligence into their classrooms, schools, and practices.

The schedule of trainings with details about the course and registration is available online (http://www.6seconds.org/training). In 2006, the 40-hour program will be held in:

• San Francisco Bay Area, California: July 17 to 21 and October 9 to 13

• Ericeria, Portugal: September 11 to 15

• Bologna, Italy (in Italian): October 16-20

• Singapore, November 6 to 10

The EQ Trainer Certification is led by Joshua Freedman, Director of the Institute for Organizational Performance, Dr. Anabel Jensen, President of Six Seconds, and members of the institute's international faculty. Well known in the emotional intelligence community as pioneers in making EQ practical and accessible, Freedman and Jensen are among a small handful of people who have taught these skills full-time for over a decade. Jensen is a true master teacher, who has taught over 10,000 educators how to bring emotional intelligence into schools.

Freedman is the best-in-class expert for teaching organizations how to put the science of EQ into practice. Peter Salovey, one of the inventors of the science of EQ and Dean at Yale University says Freedman is "a recognized authority on how to teach and learn emotional intelligence, Josh knows how to translate cutting-edge research into applicable tools. His warm and engaging style makes him a favorite among diverse audiences."

Six Seconds' Institute for Organizational Performance (http://www.EQperformance.com) provides emotional intelligence training, research, and consulting to enhance the workplace climate -- thereby improving leadership, sales, and customer service. The institute was created to bring Six Seconds' innovative tools for individual and organizational change to businesses. Six Seconds is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit, the world-leading resource for developing and applying emotional intelligence in organizations, schools, and for families (http://www.6second.org).

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm