I found the article very interesting because of it being a piece of liberal arts; the passage included bits of biology, psychology, and of course, business. This various mixture of subjects made it easy to read because I'm more familiar with the natural science than the social science. It also helped me understand different fields at the same time, which I found convenient. The content itself was equally interesting.
Social intelligence is contagious. I think this can be interpreted in both a positive and negative way. Warm environments can have a lively atmosphere along with kind bosses that makes the company more productive. However tense offices, such as in Japan, can sicken the workers from their job, colleagues and superiors. I think there is no need to perfectly follow the traditional Japanese way- having every action restricted to ranks- because it has almost no positive effects. Obviously, the ones with higher ranks will feel proud. Some may even become arrogant. On the other hand, people with inferior ranks have to consider how to provide hospitality to those superior to them, which has nothing to do with work. Showing respect is necessary to make better relationships, but overdoing it is never good. Thus, abolishing such cultures is not the solution, but alleviating the intensity can make a comfortable environment.
Back in high school, I spent days and weeks to my swim team. Toin Gakuen, my school, is somewhat famous for its strict rules, which applies to the sports teams too. No offense, but one of my coaches was the last person I want to provoke. During swim meets, sometimes it felt very hard to talk to my coaches after races. However, now, at ICU, the american football team always has a warm atmosphere, thus, it is easy to get in touch with superiors.
To sum up, social intelligence is something we feel and learn through experience, as biologically mentioned in the text. I think knowing this fact can help me keep in mind of how to make the workplace productive in the future.
