Navigating Leadership with Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EI) in leaders is crucial for effective leadership in the workplace. Leaders with high emotional intelligence can make the right decisions in difficult times, develop strong bonds with their teams, and foster innovation and creativity in the workplace.

In this article I discuss the importance of Emotional Intelligence at the Workplace and how can leaders develop their EI.

A study from UC Berkeley determined that emotional intelligence was four times better at predicting a person’s success than measuring IQ. An internal study by PepsiCo found that managers with stronger emotional intelligence at work outperformed their annual revenue goals by up to 20 percent.

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence is defined as the ability to understand and manage your emotions, as well as recognise and influence the emotions of those around you. 

The term was first coined in 1990 by researchers John Mayer and Peter Salovey but was later popularised by psychologist Daniel Goleman.

Goleman (1998) defined Emotional intelligence as ‘the capacity for recognising our feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and in our relationships.’

EI enables leaders to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically, which can impact employee engagement, productivity, and overall work environment.

Research has shown that emotional intelligence is the strongest predictor of leadership effectiveness, and leaders with high EI are more likely to stay calm under pressure, resolve conflicts effectively, and respond to co-workers with empathy

According to Daniel Goleman, EI has five key elements that help leaders attain higher emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. These elements are critical for effective leadership, enabling leaders to understand themselves, manage their emotions, and build strong relationships with their teams.

Importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace

Simply put, EI makes you a better human being and thus a better leader. Some of the ways in which having a higher EI can transform the way you lead are - 

1. Leaders make better decisions, manage stress, and maintain emotional balance.

2. It allows leaders to stay calm under pressure, make rational decisions, and model healthy emotional behaviour for their teams.

3. Leaders are able to understand and respond to the emotional needs of their team members, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.

4. Leaders build strong relationships with their teams, resolve conflicts, and create a positive work culture.

5. You can learn to harness your emotions to achieve your goals. Stay focused, motivated, and optimistic in the face of challenges.

6. It also helps leaders to persevere through difficulties and inspire their teams to achieve success.

7. Having a higher Emotional Intelligence makes leaders more empathetic which allows them to connect with their team members on a deeper level, providing support and guidance when needed.

EI improves communication and effective communication helps leaders convey their ideas, provide feedback, and foster open and honest dialogue with their teams.

In a 2019 survey, more than 40 percent of leaders stated that emotional intelligence would be a “must-have” ability within the next three years - which is accurate based on what we are seeing around us. Another research indicates that on average, those who have higher emotional intelligence earn $29,000 more than people who have low emotional intelligence.

Now the question that remains is that how do you develop Emotional Intelligence? 

We as human beings have been programmed to fight or flight when we are faced with intense emotions. A primitive, but powerful, part of our brain called the Amygdala takes control when we are in a state of heightened emotions and leads to the logical part of the brain to shut down.

Here are some strategies through which you can develop your Emotional Intelligence - 

1. Observe and Examine: Self-awareness is a key element of EI. Leaders should observe and examine their behaviour and emotions to understand their impact on others.

2. Evaluate and Regulate: Understanding and managing one's behaviour and emotions is crucial. Leaders should evaluate their responses and learn to regulate their emotions effectively.

3. Focus on Social Skills: Strong social skills are a hallmark of emotionally intelligent leaders. This includes being approachable, clear in communication, and attentive to others.

4. Practice Mindfulness: Developing self-awareness through mindfulness can help leaders understand their emotions and reactions.

5. Question Assumptions and Celebrate the Positive: Challenging assumptions and focusing on the positive can help leaders develop a more nuanced understanding of emotions and situations

   
   

In today's rapidly evolving professional landscape, the emotionally intelligent leader emerges as a light bearer of resilience and empathy.

At IgnitedNeurons, we partner with companies to nurture the capabilities of their workforce, encouraging excellence in both individual and work-related aspects. Feel free to reach out, and let's collaborate to craft something impactful together!

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