The Unseen Advantage: Why Emotional Intelligence is The Key “Lubricant” for Leadership
We know lubricants prevent friction in machines. But what prevents friction in teams?
While it may not be immediately apparent, in the lubricants industry — a sector built on precision and performance — the importance of Emotional Intelligence (EI) is becoming increasingly clear.
EI improves collaboration, reduces the wear and tear of conflict, and ensures that the organisation, like a finely tuned machine, runs at peak efficiency.
In a world of complex challenges, it’s not just about the product; it’s about the people who create and deliver it, and how effectively they work together.
The Rise of EI: A Data-Driven Imperative
The ABN Resource Lubricants Talent Report emphasises the growing importance of soft skills, particularly communication and collaboration, for leaders in the lubricant industry. However, these skills are intrinsically linked to EI. Communication becomes more impactful when leaders understand and respond to the emotional cues of their audience. Collaboration thrives in environments where team members feel understood and valued. A leader who possesses high EI can more effectively foster collaboration, build trust, and inspire teams to achieve their goals.
Beyond the specific context of the lubricants sector, broader research consistently demonstrates the tangible benefits of EI in leadership. A study by the Center for Creative Leadership found that leaders with high EI are more likely to be perceived as effective, inspiring, and influential. Furthermore, research published in the Harvard Business Review indicates that EI is a stronger predictor of leadership success than IQ or technical skills. Specifically, studies have shown that emotionally intelligent leaders are better at:
Building High-Performing Teams
Research by Google, in their Project Aristotle initiative, identified psychological safety as the most critical factor in high-performing teams. EI enables leaders to create this safe environment by fostering trust and encouraging open communication.
Managing Change
A study by McKinsey found that emotionally intelligent leaders are better at navigating organisational change and reducing employee resistance.
Improving Customer Relationships
In a customer-centric industry like lubricants, EI is crucial for building strong relationships with clients. Leaders with high EI can better understand customer needs, anticipate potential issues, and provide solutions that exceed expectations.
Conflict Resolution
Conflicts are inevitable in any organisation, but EI equips leaders with the skills to address conflicts constructively and find mutually beneficial solutions.
10 Interesting Stats About EI
- Only 36% of people in the world are emotionally intelligent (Source)
- Amidst a skill shift in the world today, it is predicted the demand for emotional skills will grow by 26% by 2030 (Source)
- Out of 34 essential workplace skills, emotional intelligence was found to be the strongest predictor of performance, explaining a full 58% of success in all types of jobs (Source)
- 57% of people managers say that their highest-performing employees have strong emotional intelligence (Source)
- Over 80% to 90% of competencies that differentiate top performers from others are in the domain of Emotional Intelligence (Source)
- Employees who had managers with high emotional intelligence were 4x less likely to leave than those who had managers with low emotional intelligence (Source)
- 75% of human resources managers in a survey shared that they value employees with a higher emotional intelligence more than their IQ (Source)
- People managers say emotional intelligence is most important when leading teams through times of change (44%), addressing personal issues of employees (37%), giving feedback or performance reviews (31%), and spotting talent (25%) (Source)
- Fewer than 20% of companies qualify as emotionally intelligent (Source)
- And only 42% of organisations provide specific training to help employees to build and nurture emotional intelligence (Source)
The Five Pillars of EI: A Practical Guide
EI is a skill set that can be developed and honed. According to Daniel Goleman, a leading expert on EI, there are five key components:
Self-Awareness
The ability to recognise and understand your own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations. Actionable Step: Regularly practice mindfulness and journaling to become more attuned to your emotional state.
Fun fact: 95% of people think they are self-aware, but only 10% to 15% actually are. This disparity was highlighted by organisational psychologist Tasha Eurich, revealing a significant misconception about self-awareness.
Self-Regulation
The ability to control or redirect disruptive impulses and moods, and to think before acting. Actionable Step: Develop strategies for managing stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature.
Motivation
A passion to work for reasons that go beyond money and status, and a drive to pursue goals with energy and persistence. Actionable Step: Identify your core values and align your work with those values to increase your intrinsic motivation.
Empathy
The ability to understand the emotional makeup of other people and to treat them according to their emotional reactions. Actionable Step: Actively listen to your team members, ask open-ended questions, and try to see things from their perspective.
Social Skill
Proficiency in managing relationships and building networks, and an ability to find common ground and build rapport. Actionable Step: Invest time in building relationships with your team members, colleagues, and stakeholders.
EI in Action: Real-World Examples in the Lubricants Industry
Imagine a scenario where a Key Account Manager is facing resistance from a long-standing client who is hesitant to adopt a new lubricant formulation. An emotionally intelligent person would not simply push the new product but would instead take the time to understand the client’s concerns, address their anxieties, and build trust by providing data and support.
Another example could be a team grappling with the implementation of a new digital platform. An emotionally intelligent leader would acknowledge the team’s apprehension, provide adequate training and support, and celebrate small wins to build momentum and confidence.
Consider a Technical Manager leading a project to develop a new lubricant. The team includes chemists, engineers, marketing and commercial specialists, each with different perspectives and priorities. An emotionally intelligent Technical Manager would facilitate open communication, foster collaboration among diverse team members, and ensure that each person’s concerns and ideas are heard and valued.
The Path to Leadership Success
While the foundation of our industry rests upon technical mastery, we’ve come to believe that true leadership, the kind that propels us forward, demands more. We’ve seen, time and again, that emotional intelligence serves as a critical catalyst, a “lubricant” if you will, that facilitates the smooth operation of teams and organisations.
By actively cultivating these EI skills, professionals within the lubricants sector are not merely enhancing their individual career trajectories. Rather, they are making a vital contribution to the sustained health and progress of our entire field. As we face ever-increasing complexities and navigate an evolving landscape, the ability to lead with both impact and integrity will be paramount. And in this pursuit, emotional intelligence will undoubtedly serve as an indispensable asset.
Need Help?
Finding the right leader, or finding the right leadership role, in this niche industry isn’t always a walk in the park. Whether you’re a company seeking new leadership talent, or you’re a professional looking to level up your career, sometimes you need a little help from someone who gets it.
At ABN Resource, we’re all about connecting great people with great opportunities in the global lubricants industry. So, if you’re on the hunt for talent or your next big move, we’re here to lend a hand.
