A Leadership Insight

Leading with Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence and emotional labor are topics that are hardly centralized in discussions of leadership and success. We limit our imaginations of the “leader” to be the type who maintains a stern resolve, one who cannot let their flaws be known. We must be honest- that’s why we keep burning ourselves out.

As you know, here, we focus on Why we do what we do:

(By the way, I can already feel you High D folks out there rolling your eyes, but that’s just fine. This post is encouraging you to acknowledge those emotions. But you love taking risks, right?)

For leaders, having emotional intelligence is essential for success. After all, who is more likely to succeed – a leader who shouts at their team when they are under stress, or a leader who stay in control, and calmly assesses the situation?

According to Daniel Goleman, an American psychologist who helped to popularize emotional intelligence, there are five key elements to it: Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Motivation, Empathy, and social skills.

The more that you, as a leader, manage each of these areas, the higher your emotional intelligence. To be effective, leaders must have a solid understanding of how their emotions and actions affect the people around them. The better a leader relates to and works with others, the more successful he or she will be.

Stay tuned for our next Leadership Insight- learn more about leveraging behavior on our blog. Become a Professional PDP Administrator for your organization to be invited to our Tutor Tuesday seminars every week! Also, we’re going social- follow, like, and link with us on Twitter , Facebook , LinkedIn , and Instagram. If you know of an organization or company that may benefit from the Know Your Talents™ Leadership Impact! Workshop please contact us or call at 480-348-8900!