If you are a leader trying to grasp how to develop and use Emotional Intelligence (EI) for the first time, it might seem a bit overwhelming. However, it need not be that way. There is a good chance that you might already use some of the skills associated with EI. If you aren’t actively using EI, don’t give up hope. You can develop this skill thanks to the brain’s ability to rewire itself. Neurologists refer to the rewiring process as neuroplasticity. The brain creates new connections to new skills and behaviors learned (Positive Psychology 2020). 

Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence, defines EI as “the ability to sense, understand, value and effectively apply the power of emotions as a source of human energy, information, trust, creativity, and influence” (Kannaiah, Shanthi, & Goleman, 1970). 

Emotional intelligence is composed of five sectors:

1. Self-awareness involves understanding your needs and wants along with the why. It also includes knowing how to meet those needs.
2. Empathy is an understanding and awareness of the emotions of others.
3. Self-management is the ability to control or temper your emotions by developing a strategy to deal with emotions when they arise effectively. 
4. Self-motivation involves having a goal fueled by positive emotions that help a person reach their goal. 
5. Social skills involve having a goal fueled by positive emotions that help a person reach their goal. Social skills center around the ability to manage emotions in social settings and or relationships.

EI is a crucial and in-demand skill, especially amid the current challenges due to Covid19. As leaders, we must engage our hearts and minds to help those we lead navigate the demands and changes imposed upon us as we enter into this unfamiliar territory. Research shows that leaders who have a keen awareness of emotional intelligence and actively use the skill are more likely to improve team performance and gain more significant influence (Srivastava, 2013). Leaders who use emotional intelligence are also more likely to develop better problem-solving skills, reduce conflict more effectively, and communicate better (Clemons, 2008). 

The first step towards improving your emotional intelligence starts with a keen sense of self-awareness. Without self-awareness and the ability to control your own emotions, it is difficult, if not impossible, to identify and respond to the emotions exhibited by those that you lead.

Below are three things you can do today to improve your emotional intelligence:

1.  Assess your behavior and take note of your deficiencies, especially in stressful and heated situations.
2. Take ownership of your behavior, paying attention to how your behavior impacts those that you lead.
3. Learn how to practice mindfulness and active listening skills.

Emotional intelligence provides leaders with the opportunity to improve their behavior and those that they lead. As you begin to embrace and actively use emotional intelligence, do so with a growth mindset understanding that you can achieve any goal that you give attention to mentally and emotionally. I welcome the opportunity to learn about your EI experience and how it has impacted your professional life. See you in the comments! 

Resources:

Ackerman, MSc., C. (2020, April 28). What is Neuroplasticity? A Psychologist Explains [+14 Exercises]. Retrieved July 05, 2020, from https://positivepsychology.com/neuroplasticity/

Clemons, H. (2008). Applying emotional intelligence: From mail room to board room. HLC Group, Inc: Tampa, FL.

Kannaiah, D., Shanthi, R., & Goleman, D.J. (2015). A Study on Emotional Intelligence At Work Place. European Journal of Business and Management, 7, 147-154.

Srivastava K. (2013) Emotional intelligence and organizational effectiveness. Ind Psychiatry J 2013;22:97-9