Emotional Intelligence Makes A Difference In Workforce Leadership

The ability for a leader to be aware of their strengths and weaknesses is one of our 31 leadership competencies. An emotionally intelligent leader has the ability to reflect on their own actions and determine what has been successful and what needs to change. Emotional intelligence is the factor that allows productive leaders to motivate others and effect change in their organization.This week, I’ve collected several great articles and blog posts on the need for emotional intelligence in leadership. I think you’ll find them helpful.The Importance of Emotional Intelligence at Work. Entrepreneur: “Just as it’s important to seek new hires with emotional intelligence, it’s vital for managers and other business leaders to operate in emotionally intelligent ways to meet the needs of today’s workers. Many older workers started their careers at the same companies from which they retired. A job, for many in older generations, was viewed simply as a vehicle for earning an income. Today, however, most workers want more from their jobs than simply a paycheck. Younger generations have seen that the traditional view didn’t always work out, as they’ve watched their loyal older counterparts deal with rampant layoffs and workplace disappointments.”18 Behaviors of Emotionally Intelligent People. Time: “Emotional intelligence is the ‘something’ in each of us that is a bit intangible. It affects how we manage behavior, navigate social complexities, and make personal decisions to achieve positive results. Despite the significance of EQ, its intangible nature makes it difficult to measure and to know what to do to improve it if you’re lacking. You can always take a scientifically validated test, such as the one that comes with the Emotional Intelligence 2.0 book, but unfortunately, most such tests aren’t free. So, I’ve analyzed the data from the million-plus people TalentSmart has tested in order to identify the behaviors that are the hallmarks of a high EQ. What follows are sure signs that you have a high EQ.”How to Look for Emotional Intelligence on Your Team. Harvard Business Review: “Once you’re clear on the competencies you’re looking for, you’ll need to use interviews and reference checks to confirm whether certain candidates have them or not at the target level required. How have they shown the necessary competencies in situations similar to those they will face in the new job? For example, if you are trying to assess ability to influence, have them tell you about times when they had to manage colleagues who didn’t report to them. What were their roles? What did they do? How did they do it? What were the circumstances? What were the consequences? Reference checks should be conducted in the same manner. Ample research has shown that third-party observations are more accurate than self-assessments, particularly when it comes to complex attributes.”12 Ways to Encourage Emotional Intelligence. Triple Pundit: “Often the workplace is not the place to be letting your emotions get the better of you. Many jobs require rationality. Workplace efficiency training tools can help here, to let you know more about yourself and others and your personality styles. To stop emotional responses from affecting workplace performance and relationships, find an outlet that will help you use them constructively. Some emotive outlets are physical — running or yoga are popular — or try creative outlets such as painting or writing down thoughts and feelings. Follow your heart and your head: Don’t waste time on mistakes that could have been easily prevented by being honest with yourself about what you want and how feasible it is going to be.”Self-Awareness is the Most Important Skill for Career Success. LinkedIn: “We’re all continuous works in progress. In fact, the doors to my own self-awareness opened for me later in life. However, once I crossed the threshold to self-awareness there was no going back — despite how painful my new insights about myself often were. The rewards far outweighed the pitfalls. In fact, recently the self-awareness that I personally gained from taking the Birkman assessment along with our students was enormously helpful in my recognizing and changing old behaviors that could have derailed an opportunity. As an executive and entrepreneur, I’ve purchased, acquired, built, and operated many sports teams and stadiums and across the country – not to mention theaters —  and I felt confident I knew exactly how to execute these initiatives.”Need help developing emotional intelligence in your organization? Contact us; we’re happy to assist.Success Labs is a leadership development and management consulting firm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For more than 25 years, our expert team of consultants has worked with hundreds of companies to explore their business potential and improve their company and cultural performance. Contact us to get proactive about your people strategy.