Understanding Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence also known as EQ refers to the ability to understand and control ones emotions while also perceiving and influencing the emotions of others. This concept was first coined in 1990 by researchers John Mayer and Peter Salovey. It gained recognition through the work of psychologist Daniel Goleman.

Than a decade ago Goleman emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence, in leadership stating that “the most effective leaders share a common trait; they have a high level of what is now referred to as emotional intelligence. It’s not that IQ and technical skills don’t matter; they are still important. They serve as requirements for executive positions.”

Insufficient skills can often result in conflicts within the workplace due to misunderstandings caused by an inability to identify or understand emotions. Common signs of  emotional intelligence include challenges in managing and expressing emotions difficulties, in appropriately responding to co-workers concerns struggles with active listening strained relationships, tendency to blame others for project issues and susceptibility to outbursts.

Be Self aware. Recognising ones strengths and weaknesses as understanding personal emotions and how they affect individual and team performance is an important aspect. It also involves the ability to regulate ones emotions in situations while maintaining a positive mindset despite setbacks. Social awareness plays a role too which means being able to recognise the emotions of others and understand the dynamics, within an organisation often achieved through empathy. Another important aspect is relationship management, which involves skills like influencing people, coaching, mentoring and effectively resolving conflicts among team members.

Emotional intelligence greatly enhances leadership effectiveness. Leaders who have intelligence exhibit qualities such as self control, empathy, open communication and the ability to motivate and inspire their teams. This creates an atmosphere within the organisation that fosters employee engagement and reduces turnover. While technical skills are important for leaders they can be overshadowed if emotional intelligence is lacking. By mastering intelligence skills leaders can continue to advance their careers and contribute to the success of their organisations.

Self awareness is an element of intelligence. It involves understanding ones emotions and behaviours. Practices, like journaling and self reflection can help improve self awareness.

Leaders who have self regulation are able to control their impulses avoid making decisions and stay composed when facing situations. Self motivated leaders consistently strive towards their goals setting standards, for their work and often maintaining an enthusiastic attitude. Leaders with empathy have the ability to understand and relate to the emotions and perspectives of others, which improves communication and collaboration. Effective leaders have skills that allow them to communicate openly inspire their teams handle changes effectively and diplomatically resolve conflicts.

By developing these components of emotional intelligence, leaders can create an productive work environment while achieving greater success, in their roles.

Leading Effectively Through Emotional Intelligence.

Take a moment to improvestly assess yourself.

If those you’ve worked with were asked would they say you bring out the best or the worst in them? When I reflect on my career it becomes evident that the quality of my relationship with a manager, often played a role in my job satisfaction and how long I stayed in a role. It’s easy for most of us to recall those who uplifted us and just as simple to remember those who had the effect. These memories stick with us because they are rooted in how these managers made us feel.

Our emotions are intertwined with every aspect of our lives – whether at home or in the workplace. They shape our responses to challenges and opportunities influence how we collaboratively resolve conflicts and impact our ability to forgive ourselves and others.

As we go through our routines our emotions seep into our level of effort, behaviours, psychological well being and overall disposition. This highlights the connection, between intelligence and effective leadership.

The Vital Connection, between Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Effectiveness.

Understanding the Importance of Emotional Intelligence for Leaders.

Emotional Intelligence, refers to our capacity to be aware of, control and express our emotions. It empowers leaders to navigate relationships with sensitivity and empathy.

Leaders who have intelligence are better equipped to establish bonds with their employees, a critical aspect of effective leadership. This emotional connection has ranging implications as it influences levels of engagement and productivity. Emotions play a role in aspects of our professional lives including;

• Dealing with change and uncertainty.
• Interacting with co-workers.
• Managing and Nurturing relationships.
• Sustaining effort.
• Avoiding burnout.
• Responding to achievements and setbacks.

Based on my experience the managers who had the profound impact, on my job satisfaction were those who possessed high emotional intelligence. They excelled in communication demonstrated empathy and made me feel valued and appreciated. It’s likely that you’ve come across leaders during your career journey.

Leading through the Lens of Emotional Intelligence.

In times like the pandemic organisations rely on their employees support to navigate uncertainties successfully and emerge stronger.

Engaged employees not tend to be more productive but also make an impact, on an organisations profitability. On the hand I distinctly remember a manager from my past who lacked the ability to understand emotions and lacked people skills. During that phase of my career I experienced stress, dissatisfaction and disconnection from tasks that used to ignite my passion. As a result my productivity suffered greatly, rather than bringing innovation and creativity to my work I focused solely on completing tasks minimising interactions with my manager and eagerly waiting for payday.

Research has shown that disengaged employees can pose challenges for organisations. Conversely studies indicate that empathy in the workplace—closely tied with intelligence—has a correlation with job performance. Managers who demonstrate levels of empathy towards their team members are perceived as effective, by their superiors.

Therefore developing your intelligence directly enhances your effectiveness as a leader.

The Four Pillars of Emotional Intelligence. Unleashing Leadership Excellence Through Emotional Intelligence

If you aim to lead with intelligence it is crucial to understand the four key components of emotional intelligence;

1. Self awareness; This aspect involves recognising your emotions, strengths and weaknesses. It allows you to comprehend how your emotions impact both your performance and the performance of your team.
2. Leaders who have self regulation skills have the ability to effectively manage their emotions in challenging situations. They refrain from making decisions. Maintain a composed demeanour.
3. Self motivated leaders consistently strive towards achieving their goals and hold themselves to standards. They remain optimistic and enthusiastic when faced with adversity.
4. Empathetic leaders have the capacity to understand and connect with the emotions and perspectives of others. This fosters effective communication and collaboration, within the team.

By creating these four pillars of intelligence leaders can create a work environment that’s both positive and productive thereby enhancing their success, in their respective roles. Learn more by asking our team how we can help train your leaders and staff in Emotional Intelligence.