Qualities Emotionally Intelligent Leaders Practice to Better Themselves and Impact Others’ Lives
Start with empathy and kindness.
6 years ago, an Indian-American man took over as CEO of one of the world’s largest companies. He had spent most of his career in the organization and yet wasn’t well known to the business world. In fact, he was thought of as a surprising choice to replace a successful CEO, Steve Ballmer. And of course, to walk in the long shadow of giant, Bill Gates.
Satya Nadella inherited a culture at Microsoft of bickering, infighting, and distrust. Nadella’s focus was first on getting people throughout the organization to actually speak to one another. To care for each other and communicate in a way that led to growth, productivity, and renewed relationships.
He recommended that leaders (and their direct reports) read a book called, Nonviolent Communication, which would help them heal and become more empathetic and kinder toward one another. Wow! Think about that — one of the world’s largest companies focusing more on kindness and listening than bottom-line profit.
It worked.
Over six years later, Nadella has led a total return of over $1 Trillion in investor profits, improved the culture of the organization, and led Microsoft further into…
