Emotional intelligence is increasingly recognised as a critical asset for leaders worldwide. In fact, 74% of business leaders believe it will surpass IQ in significance over the next five years. But what does it truly mean to be an emotionally intelligent leader, and why is leading with heart essential for success?
Understanding Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Emotional intelligence (EI), also known as emotional quotient (EQ), is the ability to recognise, understand, and regulate your emotions, as well as the impact these emotions have on the people around you. John Mayer and Peter Salovey first coined the term. But later on, it became popular with psychologist and author Daniel Goleman.
In 1998, Goleman wrote an article in the Harvard Business Review with the title “What Makes a Leader.” In the article, he emphasised emotional intelligence in leadership and said:
“The most effective leaders are all alike in one crucial way: They all have a high degree of what has come to be known as emotional intelligence.” It’s not that IQ and technical skills are irrelevant. They do matter, but they are the entry-level requirements for executive positions. My research, along with other recent studies, clearly shows that emotional intelligence is the sine qua non of leadership. Without it, a person can have the best training in the world, an incisive, analytical mind, and an endless supply of smart ideas, but he still won’t make a great leader.”
The Five Key Elements of Emotional Intelligence
- Self-awareness
Self-awareness is the ability to recognise and understand your emotions, as well as the impact they have on those that surround you. As a leader, self-awareness also means knowing your strengths, flaws, and weaknesses while acknowledging areas for growth.
- Self-regulation
Effective leaders seldom engage in direct attacks on others, exhibit impulsive or emotional behaviour, rely on stereotypes, or abandon their ethical standards. The primary aim of self-regulation is to maintain composure. Goleman suggests that this dimension of emotional intelligence involves a leader’s capacity for adaptability and their commitment to personal accountability.
- Motivation
Motivation is the internal drive that encourages individuals to take action towards achieving goals. It can stem from various sources, including personal desires, ambitions, or rewards. In leadership, motivation plays a critical role, as effective leaders must not only motivate themselves but also inspire their teams to perform at their best.
- Empathy
Empathy in leadership is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It involves putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, seeing things from their perspective, and responding with compassion. By leading with empathy, you create a positive work environment, build stronger relationships, and drive better business outcomes.
- Social skills
Social skills in leadership refer to the interpersonal abilities that enable leaders to communicate, connect, and engage more effectively and, as a result, help them build, maintain, and grow relationships with colleagues, clients, and new contacts.
The Importance of Leading with Emotional Intelligence
Building trust and safety
Emotionally intelligent leaders create an atmosphere of psychological safety where team members feel valued and respected. This environment encourages open dialogue and allows individuals to express their thoughts and emotions without fear of ridicule, which leads to improved collaboration and teamwork.
Enhancing team communication
Emotionally intelligent leaders who understand their own emotions and those of others can communicate more effectively, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts.
Fostering empathy and cooperation
In an emotionally intelligent organisation, members are more likely to support each other, share knowledge, and work towards common goals. This collective effort is essential for achieving high performance and reaching project objectives.
Becoming more resilient
The ability to adapt to change and bounce back from setbacks is a distinctive sign of emotional intelligence. In a fast-paced professional environment, leaders and teams with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to navigate uncertainty, handle stress, and maintain a positive outlook during challenging times.
Developing Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Emotional intelligence is not just an inherent quality as it can be developed and improved over time. As a leader, below are some strategies you can use to enhance your EI.
Keep a journal
Record and reflect daily on how your emotions influenced your decision-making, interactions, and meetings—whether positive or negative—so you know what to repeat or avoid in the future.
Undergo a 360-degree assessment
Actively seek feedback from your manager, colleagues, and peers while also undergoing an individual self-assessment. Comparing the results will reveal any blind spots or leadership gaps that you can work on.
Learn how to praise others
When praising someone, focus on specific actions or behaviours that deserve recognition. This not only makes the praise more meaningful but also encourages the recipient to continue those positive behaviors. For example, instead of saying, “Great job,” you might say, “Your presentation was well-organised and clearly communicated our goals.”
Pay attention to non-verbal signs
Be mindful of your own body language and that of your team members. Non-verbal cues can convey emotions that may not be expressed in words. For example, maintaining an open posture and making appropriate eye contact can be a sign of trust and interest. On the other hand, signs of disengagement or discomfort during conversations with team members can help you adjust your approach or address any existing issues.
In a nutshell, it’s clear that emotional intelligence is not merely a soft skill but a vital component of effective leadership. A business leader who understands and knows how to manage his own emotions creates a supportive work environment that encourages trust, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.