How To Be An Emotionally Intelligent Leader
Management Monday: Emotionally Intelligent Leadership
Actions speak louder than words. The most impactful way to inspire emotional intelligence in a team or group is to lead by example. In X-Men Days of Future Past, Professor Xavier is able to influence a friend to make a good decision and spare lives. It is the professor’s patience and empathy to his friend, more than his words that ignite change. Below are some tips to become a more emotionally intelligent leader.
5 Tips for Leading with Emotional Intelligence
- Listen first, talk later
It isn’t possible to internalize what someone else is saying, if one doesn’t let them say it all and listen intently. This doesn’t mean forming opinions as they talk, this means quietly listening so the mind can understand each concept conveyed. This isn’t as easy as it sounds, because often people jump from topic to topic or need several attempts to convey a message. In essence, it takes patience to do this well, but it is worth the effort. - Pay attention to signals
Be able to notice and understand verbal and physical signals. This is a big part of emotional intelligence for leaders. Look for body language queues and underlying emotions. - Think, think, think
Take time to process facts, ideas and information you gather from others or within yourself. The first sign of emotional intelligence is being able to stay calm and take time before acting. Always make a habit of letting things sink in before acting or commenting. - Self-Evaluate
This means taking time to understand what you feel, because that is the only way to know how you perceive a situation and move forward confidently. - Be considerate
Having internalized and processed both your own feelings and those of others make decisions taking everyone’s perspective into account.
As Henry Ford said “If there is any one secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other person’s point of view and see things from that person’s angle, as well as your own.” How else would it be possible to achieve a common important goal, while also helping others to achieve their personal goals in the process?
Photo Credit: Dell’s Official Flickr Page
