Leadership and Emotional Intelligence: A Winning Combination

July, 2024 marks a pivotal moment at Executive Agenda as we explore the nexus of leadership and emotional intelligence.

Join us on a journey to understand the profound impact emotional intelligence has on leadership, the strategies for developing these critical skills, and how it shapes team dynamics and performance.

Understanding Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

Emotional intelligence is the secret sauce that elevates good leaders to exceptional leaders. In this blog post, we unravel the facets of emotional intelligence and its role in effective leadership. Drawing inspiration from Daniel Goleman's seminal work, “Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ,” we explore the five components of emotional intelligence and their application in the leadership context.

When emotional intelligence was first discovered, it served as the missing link in a peculiar finding:

people with the highest levels of intelligence (IQ) outperform those with average IQs just 20% of the time, while people with average IQs outperform those with high IQs 70% of the time.

This anomaly threw a massive wrench into what many people had always assumed was the source of success – IQ. Scientists realized there must be another variable that explained success above and beyond one’s IQ, and years of research and countless studies pointed to emotional intelligence (EQ) as a critical factor.
 

Developing Emotional Intelligence Skills

Emotional intelligence is not a fixed trait but a set of skills that can be cultivated. We delve into actionable strategies for leaders to enhance their emotional intelligence. From self-awareness to empathy, discover practical exercises and resources that empower executives to strengthen their emotional intelligence toolkit.

For further insights, consider exploring Harvard Business Review’s “What Makes a Leader?”, which emphasizes the correlation between emotional intelligence and effective leadership. Goleman has found the five components of emotional intelligence (self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills) have direct ties between emotional intelligence and measurable business results.
 

Impact on Team Dynamics and Performance

The ripple effect of emotional intelligence extends beyond the individual leader, shaping the dynamics and performance of the entire team. We explore real-world examples and case studies highlighting how emotionally intelligent leadership fosters collaboration, innovation and a positive work culture.

To deepen your understanding, read Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves’ “Emotional Intelligence 2.0” a practical guide that provides strategies for applying emotional intelligence in the workplace. In the Foreword of this book, Patrick Lencioni, one of the founders of The Table Group and the pioneer of the organizational health movement, states,

“And while it (EQ) is harder to identify and measure than IQ or experience, and certainly difficult to capture on a resume, its power cannot be denied.”

As individuals enter the workforce and join organizational teams, they bring bodies of knowledge, but often lack the skills to manage emotions. This book emphasizes the power of EQ in team dynamics, decision making and problem solving.
 

The Fusion of Leadership and Emotional Intelligence

This creates a winning combination that propels individuals and teams to new heights. At Executive Agenda, we recognize the transformative power of emotional intelligence in leadership. By understanding its importance, developing essential skills and witnessing its positive impact on team dynamics, executives can unlock their full leadership potential. Stay tuned for more insights into the dynamic world of executive leadership.

 

About the Author

Sandy Siira has over 25 years of HR leadership experience, holding executive roles at Magnetek, Allen-Edmonds Shoe Corporation and FedEx. She has worked across various industries, from education to manufacturing, and holds a BA degree in Business Management from Alverno College and a Master’s in Human Resources from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Certified by SHRM, the Human Resources Certification Institute, and the International Coaching Federation, Sandy is known for her calm, insightful approach and commitment to integrity and compassion.

Sandy serves on several boards, including Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin and TEMPO Waukesha and volunteers at Alverno College. Sandy became an Executive Agenda Group Chair in 2021.