What does it take to become a successful leader in a dog-eat-dog world of business and global economics? Many entrepreneurs have roamed this earth and sought aid from above and under in order to recognize this factor that may help one become a recognizably exemplary leader with qualities that set them apart from the clout.
The answer to this great question lies in understanding the value of emotional intelligence and one’s ability to comprehend how to improve emotional intelligence to forward one’s business acumen.
Naturally, the next question would be –
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What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence is also known as an emotional quotient, which is the ability to comprehend, control, and thereby develop one’s feelings to attain, understand, and manage others’ emotions and feelings. A great leader is capable of displaying commendable emotional intelligence skills.
Mastering this aspect of the business front along with the inherent or learned business savvy, analytical skills, paired with business experience and a vision that grounds one – is an all-encompassing quality of a successful leader.
The Four Factoring Components of Emotional Intelligence
Typically, one can categorize emotional intelligence into four core competencies, which are:
- Self-Awareness
The core from where one begins the process of self-actualization is known as self-awareness. When one is self-aware, they can fully understand the depths of their profound strengths and low weaknesses. Emotional intelligence leadership calls for one to recognize their pertinent flaws in emotions and emotional ability and the effects they have on individual and team performance.
Research to Tasha Eurich, an organizational psychologist, 95% of people claim to be self-aware; however, only about a maximum of 15% are truly self-aware. The study further postulates that the key is to be self-aware to bring out the best in oneself. By taking on 360-degree feedback, you can easily assess your level of self-awareness. By matching your self-awareness level with your peers, colleagues, and subordinates, you can gain a thorough insight into behavioral patterns and your perceived understanding company-wide.
- Self-Management
In the context of self-management, one can manage one’s emotions in high-stress situations and learn to take on a positive outlook despite the fallbacks one undergoes. Emotional intelligence in the workplace calls for leaders who abound in self-management and tend not to react on their impulses, keeping their emotions and feelings in check to find common ground that works for everyone.
Taking the time to pause, collect oneself, and gauge the situation, managing self, and then at a later period appropriately is what a leader who is able to self-manage emotional intelligence can achieve.
- Social Awareness
While it is essential to manage one’s own emotions and responses in a public setting, it is equally important to read the room one is placed in. being socially aware takes into account one’s ability to recognize others’ emotions and the dynamics within your workspace. Exercising one’s emotional intelligence skills of practicing the art of empathy and striving to understand contradictory perspectives, feelings, and emotions can aid in smoothen the gaps in communication and facilitate collaboration.
- Relationship-Management
Emotionally intelligent leadership calls for relationship management to be placed as one of the four main core values of a successful leader. It refers to one’s ability to influence those around and mentor them to being better at their goals. Addressing issues without raising an emotional conflict is equally important to facilitate individual and team growth. Having tough conversations, watching the tone of one’s speech and language used is of primary importance.
All of these teach us how to improve emotional intelligence. Taking part in courses that encourage learning in these aspects is essential.
