6 Identifiers Of An Emotionally Intelligent Leader
When it comes to leadership, technical expertise used to be the most coveted trait. While technical expertise is crucial in industries such as downstream oil, it is now seen as an entry-level ability required to get your foot in the door. Furthermore, many occupations are now so complicated that we must rely on a team of skilled individuals. However, technical talents alone will not carry leaders far if they lack the capacity to communicate, interact with others, or create a culture that encourages employee appreciation and development.
This is why emotional intelligence is so important in leadership. Leaders set the tone for their companies. If they lack emotional intelligence, it will have a detrimental impact on employee engagement, contentment, attrition, and, ultimately, the bottom line of their firm.
The good news is that emotional intelligence does not remain constant. It is something that can be cultivated, and leaders can grow theirs as well, boosting their leadership potential.
Here are six characteristics of an emotionally intelligent leader to look for.
#1 THEY ARE SINCERE
Leaders that are emotionally intelligent are sincere, honest, and genuine.
Emotionally intelligent executives are the most effective motivators in their organisations. They demonstrate consistent faith in their job, the work of their co-workers, and the success of their company.
Leaders’ genuine support can assist an organisation get through challenging times. And if a leader’s genuine support is lacking, it is difficult for people to maintain their faith and conviction in what they are doing.
#2 THEY ARE WILLING TO LEAVE THEIR COMFORT ZONES
We must continue to push the boundaries of what we are comfortable doing in order to grow and develop. Leaders that are emotionally strong realise this and continue to push themselves and people around them to go beyond what they already know and are comfortable with.
Emotionally intelligent leaders understand that change is ongoing and that their success, the success of their employees, and the success of the business all need constant improvements and changes.
#3 AT ALL TIMES, THEY ARE AUTHENTIC
An emotionally intelligent leader is constantly transparent about their aims and motivations. This eliminates the need for employees to decode leadership messaging and keeps them up to date on the organisation’s goals and motivations.
Authentic emotionally intelligent leaders share as much as they can with their people at all times and want those in their circle to do the same. They have no need to hide things from others, cover up their faults, or play favourites at work. Everyone is treated the same, regardless of rank or station in life.
#4 THEY CONNECT WITH THEIR PEOPLE ON A HUMAN LEVEL
Leaders that are emotionally knowledgeable are conscious of their feelings and are not hesitant to express them when necessary. They understand how emotions influence everything we do and are adept at reading the emotions of others, both individually and in groups.
They communicate with others on a human level, which enables such leaders to make others feel seen and heard, even when they disagree or disagree with them.
#5 SETBACKS DO NOT DETERMINE THEIR GOALS
Nothing ever goes precisely as planned. Failures and setbacks are unavoidable components of every worthwhile endeavour that leads to success. Emotionally savvy leaders anticipate and emotionally prepare for hurdles. They seek for the learning opportunity and do not take defeats personally.
Disappointments are part of the learning and growth process for emotionally savvy leaders. They recognise that these experiences will ultimately help them achieve their objectives.
Dr. Hank Clemons’ S.M.A.R.T. Approach to Emotional Intelligence states that emotionally intelligent leaders are resilient. Resilient people acquire a mental ability that permits them to adjust to hardship with ease.
#6 THEY ARE NOT SUCKED INTO NEGATIVITY
Everyone has periods when they are sad, want to complain, and find it difficult to be cheerful. Leaders that are emotionally savvy are not immune to these emotions. They never allow them to establish permanent residence in their brains, however.
While emotionally intelligent leaders are receptive to and supportive of others’ feelings, they avoid chronic complainers and persons who are continuously negative. They surround themselves with others who have a cheerful attitude and see the bright side of life.
Emotionally intelligent leaders think that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and they attract (and are attracted to) individuals who share that attitude.
What would you add to the list?
