Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: A Powerful skill
Written by Eirini Savalan
What’s the magic ‘glue’ that supports effective communication, increased accountability, powerful decision-making and relationship building in being tied to a strong leader persona?
The answer is emotional intelligence.
Although EQ has received increased attention the last years, it still remains a frequently overlooked skill, as on-the-job experience, hard skills and more ‘popular’ soft skills are prioritized in leadership roles.
However, emotional intelligence is still a meaningful and common foundation on which leaders can further develop their skills and build a strong presence.
How can Emotional Intelligence enhance leadership skills?
1. By improving communication skills
Leaders with high emotional intelligence actively listen to their team members and they can observe their emotions and attitudes. They can appropriately adjust their communication style to suit the needs of their team, facilitating an effective communication. This technique can lead to healthier and more meaningful interactions, and the team members can feel that they are heard and respectfully treated.
2. By building strong relationships
An emotionally intelligent leader is capable of not only understanding the others’ emotions but being aware of one’s own emotions. When a leader does not struggle with their own emotions and has the ability to self-regulate, they can successfully serve themselves and their team. They have the ability to recognize, understand, and manage the emotions and behaviors associated to each circumstance. Thus, they are better able to build strong relationships with their team members, that can lead to increased trust, loyalty, and collaboration.
3. By improving decision-making
Leaders who are emotionally intelligent are better equipped to make sound decisions by taking into consideration multiple aspects, such as available data, pros and cons, needs and views of their team members, their own intuition, the impact of each decision and so on. They can better evaluate and balance the incoming information and take the most appropriate decision. They can also remain objective and avoid making decisions based solely on their own emotions, views or biases.
4. By managing conflict
Emotional intelligence can help a leader to calmly assess each situation, listen to all views and statements, respect each team member’s position and search for a mutually beneficial solution, not a winner or a loser. As such, leaders can efficiently resolve issues within their team and at the same time act as an example regarding how similar situations shall be handled in the future.
5. By increasing accountability
Leaders with high emotional intelligence take responsibility for their actions and decisions. They are self-aware and understand how their behavior affects their team members. This can lead to increased accountability and a more positive work environment.
6. By establishing a healthy workplace culture
Leaders who possess emotional intelligence can create a positive and supportive work environment that encourages trust, open communication, continuous growth, active engagement and employee satisfaction. They can inspire their team members to achieve their goals and foster a sense of belonging and purpose.
In summary, emotional intelligence is a critical component of effective leadership. The benefits of highly emotionally intelligent leaders can be observed at both team and company levels, as all the above factors can lead to increased performance, employee retention and a healthy work environment, enhancing at the same time the company’s reputation in the market.
