“Emotional intelligence is being curious about people in their lives and their stories, and communication is the way we grow closer to one another.” – Brené Brown
Many of you have heard about Emotional Intelligence (EI); however, intellectually understanding a concept differs from mastering one. Today, I want to share with you why being emotionally intelligent is a skill set that equips you as a leader to be present with emotions and gives you insight into the emotional state of those around you. As a leader, developing self & social awareness, understanding how to self-regulate, and effectively managing relationships are foundational for building a thriving organization and culture that will stand out. These four main components of EI are required to develop as a leader and will assist you in shaping high-quality decisions and building lasting relationships- ultimately leading to increased organizational performance and loyalty among team members.
Four Components of Emotional Intelligence (EI)
Self-Awareness: This is the key to unlocking your emotional potential. It’s about recognizing and understanding your emotional strengths, weaknesses, and values. It enables leaders to recognize how their feelings influence decisions and actions, leading to more effective leadership.
Self-Regulation: A warrior leader knows how to refrain and act from an emotionally balanced place. It is the ability to constructively manage and control one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Leaders who excel in self-regulation can stay calm under pressure and handle challenging situations effectively.
Social Awareness: Being socially aware is crucial for leading with integrity. Empathy encompasses recognizing and understanding the emotions and needs of others, which allows leaders to connect with their team members on a deeper level and foster a supportive work environment.
Relationship Management: A leader’s ability to build and maintain strong relationships, communicate effectively, and manage conflicts is crucial for inspiring and motivating everyone on their team and achieving organizational success.
I have witnessed my private and group coaching clients harness the transformative power of emotional development. This power leads them to outstanding, measurable, and lasting organizational results. Leaders with a developed EI inspire loyalty and commitment among their team members, resulting in significantly lower turnover rates and a marked increase in organizational performance.
Leaders need to be emotionally intelligent, and if you ask me, we are approaching critical times where it is non-negotiable. If you want to be effective and successful in business, heed this call to action, which is for leaders to dedicate time daily to becoming more emotionally in tune to navigate the complexities of interpersonal dynamics, inspire loyalty, and drive organizational excellence. By harnessing the power of EI, we create environments and a global community where teams hold the qualities of empathy, integrity, and resilience, leading to a more harmonious and prosperous workplace.