What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence, or the ability to understand and manage one's emotions, is a crucial skill in both personal and professional settings. Coined by researchers John Mayer and Peter Salovey in 1990, the concept was later popularized by psychologist Daniel Goleman. Developing emotional intelligence can lead to improved relationships, better communication, and greater success in the workplace.
What are the Top 5 Characteristics of Emotional Intelligence in Leaders?
According to Daniel Goleman, the psychologist who popularized the term emotional intelligence consists of:
1. Self-Awareness
2. Self-Regulation
3. Motivation
4. Empathy
5. Social Skills
1. Self-Awareness
As a leader, being self-aware is crucial to your success. Recognizing how your emotions impact those around you is just the beginning. True self-awareness also involves acknowledging your ego and understanding your strengths and weaknesses. By doing so, you can ensure that your personal traits benefit both your workforce and organization. Remember, being self-aware is not a one-time accomplishment but a continual journey towards growth and improvement.
2. Self-Regulation
Picture yourself as your own boss – firm, but fair. Upholding organizational ethics and leading by example is crucial in the workplace. As a leader, it is important to stay in control of your emotions, not lash out, and hold yourself accountable for your actions. When you act with integrity, those around you are reassured and motivated to take positive action.
3. Motivation
Motivation is the key to success, but how do you find it? Understanding "what" you want to do is important but understanding "why" you want to do it is crucial. This requires self-reflection and high Emotional Intelligence. Leaders with high Emotional Intelligence not only set high work standards for themselves but also understand what motivates their employees and colleagues. By incentivizing and motivating them, they can help their team find their own reasons for working to the best of their ability.
4. Empathy
As a leader with empathy, you are able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. This ability will help you develop people on your team, challenge stereotypes and unfair assumptions, deliver critical feedback wisely and be a good listener when your team need someone responsive in charge to help them navigate difficult situations. An empathetic leader builds a positive work atmosphere upheld by team loyalty and mutual respect.
5. Social Skills
Most of us know a leader we’d describe as being a ‘people person’ or having great social skills. Social skills are about the art of making an emotional connection with communication.
Leaders with good social skills are able to deliver bad news and celebrate good news in a way that makes people feel boundless actionable opportunities for improvement exist. Leaders with high communication skills are also talented at resolving conflicts and managing change in a diplomatic fashion that is in keeping with the sensitive nature of the situation.
Tips to Improve Your Emotional Intelligence as a Leader
1. Practice self-awareness by slowing down and engaging in critical thinking before reacting to situations. This will help ensure that your reaction is measured and appropriate, not flawed by emotional responses in the heat of the moment.
2. Stay calm under pressure to create a sense of improved wellbeing in the workplace.
3. Value optimism as a constructive response to stress. Champions know that optimism means being able to perceive the benefits of a situation and using that constructive optimism to sustain your commitment to succeed.
4. Acknowledge feelings, not just words, to improve empathy as a leader. Respond to non-verbal cues and address the emotions behind them to work through solutions together.
5. Resolve conflict with care and communication to avoid a toxic environment in the workplace. As a leader, your influence is important and how you handle conflict is a crucial element of your abilities.
By incorporating these tips into your leadership style, you can improve your emotional intelligence and create a more positive and productive workplace.
Telltale Signs that Someone lacks Emotional Intelligence?
It's not always easy, but there are some common indicators to look out for. One of the most telling signs is difficulty managing and expressing emotions. This can lead to workplace conflict and misunderstandings.
Do you struggle to acknowledge your colleagues' concerns or have trouble with active listening?
Are your conversations strained?
Do you tend to blame others when things don't go as planned, or are you prone to outbursts?
These are all red flags for a lack of emotional intelligence.
The good news is that emotional intelligence can be cultivated. By practicing empathy and developing social skills, you can improve your emotional intelligence and build stronger relationships with your colleagues.
Supercharge your Emotional Intelligence by Mastering these Behaviors:
1. Active Listening
2. Being Open to Feedback
3. Resolving Conflicts
4. Recognizing Others' Feelings
5. Adapting Quickly
6. Understanding Your Own Emotions
7. Celebrating Success
8. Apologizing When Wrong
9. Staying Calm Under Pressure
10. Encouraging Collaboration
By incorporating these behaviors into your daily life, you can boost your emotional intelligence and improve your relationships with others. Whether it's at work or in your personal life, these habits will help you become a better communicator, problem-solver, and leader.
Recommendation to Read:
'What Makes A Leader' by Daniel Goleman
Summary:
When asked to define the ideal leader, many would emphasize traits such as intelligence, toughness, determination, and vision—the qualities traditionally associated with leadership. Such skills and smarts are necessary but insufficient qualities for the leader. Often left off the list are softer, more personal qualities—but they are also essential. Although a certain degree of analytical and technical skill is a minimum requirement for success, studies indicate that emotional intelligence may be the key attribute that distinguishes outstanding performers from those who are merely adequate.
Psychologist and author Daniel Goleman first brought the term “emotional intelligence” to a wide audience with his 1995 book of the same name, and Goleman first applied the concept to business with this 1998 classic HBR article. In his research at nearly 200 large, global companies, Goleman found that truly effective leaders are distinguished by a high degree of emotional intelligence. Without it, a person can have first-class training, an incisive mind, and an endless supply of good ideas, but he still won’t be a great leader.
So why not give them a try and see the positive impact they can have on your life?
What are you waiting for?
Mark
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