Take a moment for honest self-reflection. Consider this: would your colleagues say you’re the type who brings out the best in people, or the one who makes their workday a little bit harder? The quality of our relationships with our managers can significantly impact the workplace. We all have memories of individuals who inspired us to reach new heights, as well as those who seemed to drain our energy. These experiences stick with us and shape our entire work experience. 

Technical skills alone are not enough to reach leadership level, emotional intelligence must be taken into account. A 2023 report issued in the journal Future of Jobs Report shows that emotional intelligence is the most sought-after leadership skill for 2024. 

Emotional intelligence is highly coveted in the professional world, with 71 percent of employers placing greater value on it compared to technical skills when assessing potential candidates. Embracing and honing your emotional intelligence could be the decisive factor in propelling your career to new heights. This essential skill will empower you to effectively lead and inspire teams, navigate challenging situations, provide constructive feedback, and foster a culture of collaboration. 

 

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Emotional intelligence is all about understanding and managing our own emotions and those of the people around us. High emotional intelligence means knowing what we're feeling, understanding those feelings, and how they affect others. And get this: a 2024 study from the Centre for Creative Leadership found that empathy in the workplace, a crucial part of emotional intelligence, is connected to better job performance. So, having managers who show empathy toward their team members often pushes them to become top performers. 

 

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Key Components of Emotional Intelligence

All emotions serve a purpose. Negative emotions can flare up when something pushes your buttons – a person or situation that really gets under your skin and sparks conflict and destructive reactions. The more sensitive the button, the greater the negative emotions. This means the chance of feeling intense emotions, taking things personally, and reacting without thinking.

Whether driving positive or negative feelings, both can have significant impacts. Before applying new emotional intelligence practices, assess your current emotions and desired outcomes. 

According to Daniel Goleman, a psychologist behind popularising emotional intelligence, there are four key parts to it: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.

• Self-awareness involves recognising and understanding your emotional responses, as well as acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses. For example, being self-aware means understanding how your fear of public speaking might impact your ability to confidently present in front of others. 
• Self-management is the ability to control your impulses, whether they are positive or negative, and be adaptable in various situations. For instance, it could mean controlling your frustration when dealing with a difficult colleague and being able to adapt your approach to resolve the issue peacefully. 
• Social awareness entails having empathy for others. This may include demonstrating empathy for a coworker who is going through a tough time, as well as effectively engaging in social interactions with various team members. 

Relationship management involves inspiring your team through clear and persuasive communication, motivating them to achieve common goals, and skillfully resolving conflicts that arise within the group.

 

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How Emotional Intelligence Shape Leadership

The importance of emotional intelligence in leadership cannot be overstated. While technical and communication skills are valuable, emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in setting the tone for an organisation and guiding it through the complexities of the business environment. 

• One of the key reasons why emotional intelligence is important is its ability to foster a positive work culture within the organisation. When leaders exhibit emotional intelligence, they create an environment where employees feel valued, respected, and supported. This, in turn, leads to increased efficiency and productivity as team members are more engaged and motivated to contribute their best. 
• Additionally, emotional intelligence is a catalyst for growth, innovation, and creativity within the organisation. Emotionally intelligent leaders are more adept at inspiring and empowering their team members to think outside the box, take calculated risks, and pursue new ideas. This leads to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, driving the organisation forward. 
• Furthermore, emotional intelligence serves as a constant source of motivation for both team members and leaders. Leaders who are attuned to the emotions and needs of their team can provide the support and encouragement needed to keep morale high, even in challenging times. This helps maintain a positive and productive work environment, where everyone is motivated to put their best foot forward. 
• Importantly, emotional intelligence also enables leaders and employees to make sound decisions, especially in difficult or high-pressure situations. Leaders who understand and manage their own emotions, as well as empathise with others are better equipped to navigate challenging circumstances with clarity and composure. This can be instrumental in steering the organisation through times of uncertainty and change. 
• Last but not least, emotional intelligence helps to foster a strong bond between a leader and their team. When leaders are empathetic, understanding, and supportive, they build trust and loyalty among their team members. This trust forms the foundation of strong working relationships, leading to enhanced teamwork, collaboration, and overall cohesiveness within the organisation. 

 

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Tips to Lead With Emotional Intelligence Skills

Leaders should resolve team conflicts using communication, empathy, and social skills. The better you handle conflicts as a leader, the higher your emotional intelligence. Being self-aware means you understand your own emotions and how they impact others. Here are some tips that can help leaders polish their existing skills that will help them become a better boss. 

1. Listen closely and avoid judgement: Develop active listening skills to understand others' perspectives and create a safe space for sharing at work. By reflecting on their feelings and acknowledging their values, you can foster psychological safety and strengthen communication.

2. Connect with employees on a personal level: Show your concern for your employees by providing support and acknowledging their hard work. This fosters trust and showcases your emotional intelligence. Empathy is frequently underestimated, it is known that effective leaders are compassionate and people-oriented. This enhances their ability to collaborate with individuals from various teams, departments, and backgrounds.

3. Put yourself in others’ shoes: Imagine the impact of putting yourself in someone else's position. It's natural to advocate for your own perspective, but imagine taking the time to see things from others' viewpoints. Picture this: you're dealing with an employee who failed to complete a report on time. However, when you inquire about it, she explains that she encountered challenges with another task. In situations like this, frustration can arise. But know that there is often more than one side to a story. By visualising the scenario from your perspective, the employee's perspective, and an unbiased outsider's perspective, you might gain a clearer understanding of the situation. This approach might require some effort, but with practice, it will undoubtedly become more manageable.

 

Related story: How To Have A Healthy Argument At Work

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Emotional intelligence is a critical component of effective leadership. By developing emotional intelligence, leaders can cultivate a positive work culture, drive innovation and productivity, motivate their team, make informed decisions, and build strong relationships with their team members. As such, investing in the development of emotional intelligence is essential for the long-term success and sustainability of any organisation.