Leading with emotional intelligence

chika ebuzor

17 June 2015 10:57 PM

The truth is that nobody wants to be around an inconsiderate and heartless leader.

Emotional Intelligence.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage ones emotions for the benefit of proper communication and relationship with others.

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Simply put, it is giving a human face and heart to leadership.

Emotional Intelligence,EI or EQ as it is normally called has been the subject of controversy among many management scholars.

Any leader that really wants to get the best out of his team should practise Emotional Intelligence.

Here are some characteristics of Emotional Intelligence, as stated by American Psychologist, Daniel Goleman.

1. Empathy: This is the most important of all EI characteristics. It is the ability to understand recognise the feelings of people around you. Their team members tend to want to be around them always. They are relationship builders, because they do not judge people.

2. Motivation: Leaders who are motivated, display the ability to defer gratification. They get inspired by challenges and new ideas.

3. Self-Regulation: Leaders who practise self regulation think before they act of say anything. They weigh their actions and words vis-a-vis the effect on others. They have a grip on their emotions.

4. Social Skills: Leaders with good social skills build up others. They help others shine. They understand how to put people first.

5. Self-Awareness: Leaders who practise EI, hold themselves responsible for their emotions. They do not let their emotions rule them.

Watch this short animation. It properly explains EI.

chika ebuzor