By Harvey Deutschendorf
At one time it was technical proficiency that was considered the main quality that was desired when it came to leadership. While technical skills are important, they are now considered to be entry level skills that are necessary to get your foot in the door. Besides, many jobs are now so complex that we need to rely on a team of competent people. If leaders lack the ability to communicate, collaborate with others, and set up a culture that supports staff appreciation and development, their technical skills alone will not serve them or their organization well. It is in these areas that emotional intelligence becomes critical for leadership. Leaders set the tone for their organization. If they are lacking in emotional intelligence, it will negatively affect employee engagement, satisfaction, turnover and ultimately the bottom financial line of their organization. The good news is that emotional intelligence is not static. It can be developed, and leaders can develop theirs, increasing their leadership potential.
Here are 7 things to look for in an Emotionally Intelligent Leader
1 Show enthusiasm and interest in their organization and people.
“They are sincere. Sincerity is the quality of being honest, true and real.” (The S.M.A.R.T. Approach to Emotional Intelligence by Dr. Hank Clemons.) Emotionally Intelligent leaders are the biggest boosters of their organization. They show continuous belief in their work, the work of their people and the success of their organization. This strong belief and support of the leader helps an organization through difficult times. If this is missing from a leader, it is difficult for others to keep their faith and belief in what they are doing.
2 Constantly show a willingness to step out of their comfort zones
Growth and development require that we continue to push the boundaries of what we feel comfortable doing. Emotionally strong leaders recognize this and continue to push themselves and encourage those around them to go beyond what they already know and are familiar with. They recognize that change is constant and that their success, the success of their people, and organization require constant advancements and adjustments.
3 Are able to control their emotions when needed
During times of difficulty and crisis, employees will look to leaders for guidance as to the seriousness of the situation and how to respond. Being aware of this, it is crucial that leaders can show an outward calm and maintain composure, managing their own emotions. Even if they don’t have immediate solutions, maintaining calm in the face of difficulties will help their team focus their energies on coming up with solutions, rather than needlessly squandering them on fear and worry.
4 Are always genuine and authentic and circumstances
When dealing with an emotionally intelligent leader, we can be assured that it will be clear where they are coming from. We won’t have to worry about deciphering the message they are sending, keeping information from us or their motives. They share as much as they are always able to with their people and expect the same from others in their circle. They don’t feel the need to hide things from others, cover up their mistakes, or play favorites in their workplace. They treat everyone the same, regardless of their position or station in life.
5 Relate to their people on a human level
Emotionally intelligent leaders are aware of their emotions and are not afraid to express them when appropriate. They are aware of how emotions affect everything that we do and are skilled at reading the emotions of others individually and of those in groups. In my book, The Other Kind of Smart, Simple Ways to Boost your Emotional Intelligence for Greater Personal Effectiveness and Success, www.theotherkindofsmart.com, I give examples of leaders who met their people at their own human level. This allows them to meet others at their emotional level and accomplish the feeling of being seen and heard, even during times of disagreement and conflict.
6 Don’t let setbacks or failures derail their goals
Rarely does anything go exactly as planned. Failures and setbacks are inevitable parts of the road to anything worth doing that eventually turns into success. Emotionally intelligent leaders expect there to be roadblocks and emotionally prepare for them. They look for the lesson learned, and difficulties don’t take setbacks personally. To them, it is all part of their learning and development journey that they believe will lead them to reaching their goals. “Emotionally Intelligent leaders are resilient. Resilient people develop a mental capacity that allows them to adapt with ease during adversity,” (The S.M.A.R.T. Approach to Emotional Intelligence by Dr. Hank Clemons.)
7 Don’t get sucked into negativity
Everyone has times when they are down, feel like complaining and struggling to stay positive. Emotionally intelligent leaders are not immune to those feelings. However, they never allow them to set up permanent residence in their minds. While they are open to and supportive of others feelings, they distance themselves from people who are chronic complainers or constantly negative. The people they do surround themselves with have a positive outlook and view the bright side of life. They believe that life is to be experienced and enjoyed to the fullest and attract (and are attracted to) people who live by the same belief.
