Why Emotional Intelligence Matters for Leaders
“People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
Because May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we think it’s important to focus on a topic that’s at the intersection of leadership and well being: emotional intelligence. Strengthening your emotional intelligence, or EQ, will help you understand yourself and interact with others more effectively. In fact, EQ can be foundational to core leadership skills including customer-centricity, decision-making and the ability to deal with change. Want to learn more? Read on.
What is Emotional Intelligence (EQ)?
Just as an intelligence quotient (IQ) measures cognitive abilities, emotional intelligence (EQ) addresses emotional capabilities: how effectively a person can identify, manage and process emotions. This applies to how well a leader can do this with their own emotions - and - equally importantly - assess and respond to the emotions of others. We learn EQ first through our families, then at school, and in social situations; it’s a skill that can continually be enhanced. In our own work, we see that it’s possible for people to learn and grow in EQ with leadership coaching programs, mentoring or other specialized training.
Five Foundational Components of EQ
Psychologist, author and scientific journalist Dr. Daniel Goleman transformed how we understand and use the theory of EQ. While he didn’t invent the concept of EQ, Goleman makes it accessible for leaders. In his book, Emotional Intelligence: Why it Can Matter More Than IQ, Goleman broke down Emotional Intelligence into five essential categories:
Self-awareness
Motivation
Social skills
Empathy
Self-regulation
Goleman believes that these five qualities are the secret to success. We think he’s spot on. He reasons, “If your emotional abilities aren’t in hand, if you don’t have self-awareness, if you are not able to manage your distressing emotions, if you can’t have empathy and have effective relationships, then no matter how smart you are, you are not going to get very far.” Data cited in Emotional Intelligence 2.0 backs this up: leaders who are high in EQ earn more, and are more consistently rated as high performers. In fact, EQ impacts almost 60% of the success factors across all types of jobs.
Leadership & EQ
So, how does EQ play a role in leadership? This is a topic we love to dig into with clients because it touches on an essential theme – the importance of competence and warmth in leadership.
The truth is that good leadership is rooted in EQ.
Leaders who have a high EQ will place themselves in their team’s shoes. They respond thoughtfully to criticism. They’re the ones willing to take responsibility instead of shifting blame. They aren’t afraid to pause and think before responding, instead of trying to posture to have the right answer, or the loudest and quickest response. These leaders know their own values, and take the time to understand the values of their team members as well.
They are the kind of people we want to spend time with - both at work and at home.
EQ Growth Strategies for Leaders
If you’re not sure how strong your EQ is, or want to build this capability, what can you do? Here are a few strategies that you can start today.
If you’re a reader - here are two great resources. Use your learning from the book to open a candid dialogue with your team and/or peers at work.
Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves
Get comfortable with asking for feedback at work (and then get comfortable with hearing potentially difficult responses in that feedback!) Thank the feedback providers - and act on the feedback you receive
Consider signing up for our next Nova Mastermind Group with one or two other members of your leadership team
Consider signing up for - or sponsoring a mentee for - our 2022 Destination Immersion Retreat in Florence, Italy where you can dive deep into EQ with others who share your desire for meaningful development
Leadership Coaching Programs
We don’t just drop this information at your mental doorstep and walk away. We want to go on this journey with you. Our team of coaches provides opportunities to challenge your thinking, to influence change in yourself, and invest deeply in your organization. Reach out to learn more about how we do this and where we can begin today. We’re in this together.