leadership

Practicing Emotional Intelligence as a Leader

Summary

Become a better leader by practicing emotional intelligence. Understand your team members' and manager's perspectives. Gain a better sense of what your team needs in the moment so you can unblock and unlock their potential.

Emotional intelligence is an essential leadership skill that helps leaders connect with and motivate their team. Emotional intelligence involves the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. It's a critical skill for any leader because it enables them to establish trust, build strong relationships, and foster a positive work environment.

Research has shown that emotional intelligence is a key predictor of leadership success. According to a study by TalentSmart, emotional intelligence is responsible for 58% of a leader's job performance. Leaders with high emotional intelligence are better able to manage their own emotions and those of their team members. They are more effective at communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. They are also more likely to be viewed as trustworthy, approachable, and empathetic.

What Leader Has High Emotional Intelligence?

Satya Nadella (Microsoft), Mary Barra (GM), and Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook) each demonstrate emotional intelligence in their leadership. Leaders who possess emotional intelligence are better equipped to navigate the challenges that come with leading a team. They can handle difficult situations with grace and professionalism. They can inspire and motivate their team members to achieve their goals, and they can create a positive work culture where everyone feels valued and respected.

Creating a Culture of Inclusion and Diversity

Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, is known for his focus on empathy and emotional intelligence. He has made it a priority to create a culture of inclusion and diversity at Microsoft, and he understands that emotional intelligence is a critical component of that effort.

In an interview with CNBC, Nadella spoke about the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership: "I fundamentally believe that if you're not able to develop empathy and have that emotional intelligence, you're not going to be able to build the right culture. And if you don't build the right culture, you're not going to be able to attract the best talent."

Nadella's focus on emotional intelligence has paid off. Under his leadership, Microsoft's market value has more than tripled, and the company has become one of the most valuable in the world.

Know and Understand the Community You Serve

Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, is another leader who has recognized the importance of emotional intelligence. In a post on his Facebook page, Zuckerberg wrote: "Leadership is about bringing people together, not dividing them. It's about empathy. It's about listening. It's about doing what's best for the community you serve."

Zuckerberg's focus on empathy has helped him build a strong team at Facebook. He has been able to inspire and motivate his employees to achieve great things, and he has created a culture where everyone feels valued and respected.

Connect at an Emotional Level

Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors, is a leader who understands the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace. In an interview with CNBC, Barra spoke about the need for leaders to be empathetic: "I think empathy is a very important characteristic for leaders to have. You need to understand how people are feeling and be able to connect with them on an emotional level."

Barra's focus on empathy has helped her build a strong team at General Motors. She has been able to motivate her employees to achieve great things, and she has created a culture where everyone feels valued and respected.

Why is Emotional Intelligence Important for a CEO?

Emotional intelligence is a critical leadership skill that enables leaders to connect with and motivate their team members. It is essential for creating a positive work environment and building strong relationships with employees.

Effective leaders have recognized the importance of emotional intelligence and have made it a priority in their leadership style. By exercising emotional intelligence, they have been able to create cultures where everyone feels valued and respected, and they have achieved great success as a result.

As a leader, it's important to recognize the value of emotional intelligence and work to develop this skill. This can involve taking the time to understand your own emotions and those of your team members, actively listening and empathizing with others, and being mindful of how your words and actions impact those around you. Leaders who possess this skill are better equipped to handle the challenges that come with leading a team, and they are more likely to achieve great success as a result. By making emotional intelligence a priority in your leadership style, you can build strong relationships with your team members, create a positive work environment, and achieve great things together.