WEEKLY FOCUS

The importance of Emotional Intelligence

To be an inspirational leader!
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Emotional Intelligence is defined as a person’s ability to identify emotions (in both themselves and in others)…to recognise the outcome of these emotions, and then to understand how to use this information to the best outcomes for all.

Where does the inspirational leader sit within this?
Harvard identified many attributes of great leaders but ultimately, it came down to one simple thing.
“Centeredness. This is a state of mindfulness that enables leaders to remain calm under stress, empathize, listen deeply, communicate clearly, and remain in the present…a clear understanding of what has to happen”

The benefits of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in Leaders is having a solid understanding of how their emotions and actions affect the people around them. The better they relate to and work with others, the more successful they will be…self-awareness, motivation, empathy, perception and strong communication skills.
Little wonder then that the term Emotional Leader (EL) is now being used.
To become both EI and an EL, what needs to be present?

  • Awareness of your own behaviours, that of others and the effects of both to any situation
  • Self-regulation centres on your own ability to be calm in situations and control your own emotions across a wide range of situations
  • Empathy…Putting yourself in the shoes of others and considering the feelings of people other than yourself
  • Motivation…Having clear goals that allows you to set a clear pathway and help others on the journey
  • Good social and communication skills…Across all levels and all areas.

When broken down in simple format and taking out the technical qualities required, an inspirational leader may be more down to your grasp of EI than you realised.

“It is very important to understand that emotional intelligence is not the opposite of intelligence, it is not the triumph of heart over the head…it is the unique intersection of both”. 
David Caruso