Feb
13
A view on Scots - and happiness
Filed Under Leadership, Scotland, fun
I found this post last week over at the Chief Happiness Officer blog.
I found it - and the subsequent comments - really funny. I assume on that basis that I am an atypical Scot! Well of course I am not.
But what the heck is going on here? I know my electoral vote goes towards choosing a politician to represent me. I know that my representative is a person ( human being)…so what happens when he or she gets into power and they start speaking on my behalf? Is this the kind of image I want them to represent for me? However - I have searched widely and can’t find a full report of the conversation that led to the politicians saying this so I am reserving judgement.
I thought I should have a look into writing on happiness just to get a flavour of what is going on. I have just completed 2 parts of a 3 part seminar on emotional intelligence and my score on happiness said that I am “generally satisfied with life”. Yes indeed - spot on. I have what has been described as a “cheery disposition” and a positive outlook to life. Am I always happy - well of course not. Sometimes I am sad, at others less happy - and so on somewhere in between.
Valentine’s day is tomorrow. I expect most lovers “want to make their beloved” happy tomorrow ( and I suppose always). Some will opt for extravagent gestures - others will do the small but important thing that usually works. Whether or not it will “make them happy ” or the person feels contentment/love/joy/delight/satisfaction/security is something else.
I was always told that a man who can make a woman laugh would be very popular!
Anyway - on that ( hopefully) uplifting note I found this article about Scots and I knew all was not lost!
Hello, Jackie,
I’m glad that the Scot-o-rama discussion continues–and that you’ve (hopefully) moved it over here:-) The Times of London article about Groundskeeper Willie is a hoot.
As for happiness: well, I am one of those who has chosen to be content in one’s circumstances. The result: I’m a pretty happy guy. When the conversation gets into that realm, though, it really is important to understand that the full range of emotions exists for a reason. To feign happiness in the midst of a sad situation isn’t healthy and will lead, ultimately, to an exacerbated version of the emotion later–and at a time when it may be least expected.
BTW: The EQ thing is a big deal. Much of my real work (when I’m not squirreled away blogging) involves working with executives on issues of hiring, promotion, and performance. Been at it for a little more than 30 years. I’ve actually never, ever, seen someone lose a job or promotion because of the inability to do the “technical” part, whatever that involved. It has always been the result of one or more aspects of emotional intelligence and the unwillingness or inability to navigate those factors effectively.
Yours aye!
Steve
Thanks for your comment, Steve.
I agree covering up or denying a real emotion cannot be healthy. Recognising and understanding it is very useful.
And on your final comment that got me thinking. Indeed I have worked with people who were pretty hopeless technically but were good at working with what they had and others who were technically brilliant but were challenged by their limited EI.
Keep in touch
Jackie
Thanks for the link, Jackie - I felt the need to comment on the post too.
I saw your comment, John. Maybe we could start an anti-glum Scots stereotype backlash. Or maybe that would be taking things too seriously!!
I like the Greenkeeper Willie link - I am a huge Simpsons fan so I guess that is why.
And then there is Shrek - who is not Scottish ( he comes from a land Far Far Away as I recall) but has the accent. Now he has grumpy tendencies ( well he is an ogre) but he has a heart of marshmallow too.