Emotional Intelligence is not about sitting in a lotus position or hugging everyone you meet. Really emotionally intelligent leaders are balanced, gracious and dynamic. They share their passion, and support those around them. Fostering good EQ is crucial for team success… and it doesn’t hurt in 1:1 relationships either!
Here are 6 of the traits that easily identify an emotionally intelligent leader:
1. They have self- awareness. Emotionally intelligent leaders understand their own emotions and know how to manage them. They don't speak out of frustration or anger; they control their emotions and wait to speak up until their feelings have settled and they have processed their thoughts. They don't react in the heat of the moment but wait to respond.
2. They respond graciously to criticism and feedback. Every leader receives feedback, and some of it is going to be negative. Emotionally intelligent leaders don't become defensive or take it personally. They listen, process, and genuinely consider other points of view, and because they're always looking to improve, they know how to accept constructive feedback.
3. They have a healthy self-confidence. Emotionally intelligent leaders have a healthy dose of confidence without crossing the line to arrogance. When they don't understand something, they ask open-ended questions that aim to gather information, not challenge or argue. They know how to give and take in a way that generates confidence.
4. They can check their ego. Emotionally intelligent leaders don’t have to demonstrate their own importance or value. Leaders with high EQ know how to speak and act out of concern for others. Secure in their own abilities, they're generous and gracious to others, ceding the center of attention to those whose actions deserve accolades and giving praise freely.
5. They have empathy. Leaders with emotional intelligence put themselves in others' shoes. They listen with genuine interest and attention and make it a point to understand, then give back in a way that benefits themselves and others. They know how to create win-win situations.
6. They empower those around them. The leaders with the highest EQ’s believe in others and empower them to believe in themselves. Instead of focusing on themselves they know it's the power of the team that makes leadership successful. By empowering their team members to be independent and creative, and not to fear negative repercussions of failure they create a culture of innovation.
Maybe you are that person some of the time... maybe you're ready to be that person all of the time. Take time to read books that foster EQ, attend seminars like our Opening the Door seminar on EQ or bring a coach into your company to jumpstart a company culture of EQ. Most importantly, don't just sit back and wait for emotional intelligence to come to you... take action to be your very best!