This past February the College of Business and the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) hosted dynamic speaker Kit Welchlin to discuss “Emotional Intelligence” and how to apply it to career success.
Welchlin, who spoke at the Twin Cities SHRM Conference last fall, is a professional keynote speaker who has presented at a number of highly distinguished conferences. Winona State SHRM members were so impressed with Welchlin’s ability to relate and engage with the audience that they approached him about presenting at WSU.
Students and faculty gathered to watch as Welchlin discussed self- awareness, self- regulation, motivation, empathy, and other social skills.
Sidney Brunholzl, a SHRM member, who saw Welchlin in the fall stated, “I will see Welchlin every time I have the opportunity to. He is such a welcoming and intelligent speaker.”
Welchlin focused on several different topics during his presentation, but the one that stood out the most was based on ways to enhance your personal brand.
“Your personal brand is not only how you establish yourself, but it is also how you manage your career,” Kit Welchlin stated while building from the idea of impressions.
Welchlin shared that it only takes a tenth of a second for an individual to form a first impression about another individual. Therefore, being aware of oneself can ensure that first impressions are positive ones.
While discussing how to understand one’s emotions and how to respond appropriately, Welchlin gave tips on how to overcome negative emotions. Keep a list of past accomplishments, have positive visualizations about the future, and to maintain a healthy self-esteem. A quote that really stood out, “you don’t get paid to take it personally, you get paid to respond professionally,” was fantastic advice on how to take criticism and negative feedback from others in the workplace.
Welchlin is a remarkable speaker who knows how to break down topics, like emotional intelligence, making it easy to understand, while also giving advice that is applicable and realistic for the workplace.
Bethany Seifert, SHRM treasurer, said, “Welchlin pointed out how crucial of a role Emotional Intelligence plays in business relationships since the possession of this quality can build a supportive climate with great communication, empathy, and trust between you and your coworkers.”
Post presentation, students gave great feedback and expressed excitement about regarding when Welchlin would come back. The College of Business and SHRM were honored to host this incredible presentation packed full with information and advice. A date for Welchlin’s next presentation is already being explored.
-Madison Steffan
President of SHRM Club, Dean’s Advisory Board member