“Why is emotional intelligence important in leadership?” is a question that can be answered with many answers. First, we must define what EI is…
What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence is the bonding agent that keeps bonds strong throughout time. Emotional intelligence, as defined by experts, is “the capacity for self-regulation and social regulation of affect.” Thus, it may help people form lasting bonds with others they work with and socialize with. You will have a better understanding of the role of emotional intelligence in leadership after reading this article.
The best leaders see emotional intelligence as a key competency for understanding and resolving issues among their teams. This is why it’s crucial for leaders to have emotional intelligence. Leaders with high emotional intelligence are aware of and able to regulate their own feelings and those of others around them. Researchers John Mayer and Peter Salovey are credited with coining the phrase in 1990. However, with the rise of new leaders over the last decade, the term has become more common.
Interestingly, EI is a beautiful indicator of the efficacy of a leader’s approach. Why is emotional intelligence important in leadership? Experts agree that a leader’s emotional intelligence is more important than their IQ, technical abilities, or communication skills. Due to its increasing relevance, many leaders have been compelled to study and incorporate emotional intelligence into their leadership style in order to foster creativity, employee happiness, and a productive workplace.
Empathetic in Both Their Thinking and Feelings
These leaders have a keen awareness of the emotional and mental conditions of others around them and are able to empathize with them effectively. (feeling what others feel). If you’ve ever worked for a boss who has strong emotional intelligence, you know that when they ask how you are, they want to hear everything about it because they want to know how they can help.
They may ask, “No, really, what’s going on for you?” if you answer, “I’m fine.” They can read the mood of a room, put themselves in the shoes of others, focus on the humanity of business, and show real concern.
Why is Emotional Intelligence important in Leadership? Wide Range of Feelings
These leaders have a firm grasp of the nuanced nature of human emotions, as well as their origins and consequences. Their sophisticated emotional lexicon allows them to accurately describe and make sense of their feelings in the here and now. Simply naming an emotion, as popularised by author and psychiatrist Dan Siegel with the phrase “name it to tame it,” disrupts the amygdala (the brain’s fear center) and decreases emotional reactivity to negative events or interactions, according to research using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
Willingness to Improve Their Abilities in This Area
They acknowledge the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and are willing to continue honing their skills in this area. They intentionally seek out challenges that make them uncomfortable so that they may grow and learn. They look forward to the day ahead, knowing that they can make a difference in the lives of the people on their team and in the larger organization.
The importance of emotional intelligence cannot be overstated. It’s possible that investing in your executives’ emotional intelligence may provide the greatest returns for your business.