Emotional Intelligence: Is it important?

Emotional intelligence is being able to control, understand and perceive emotions of one's self and the people around them. I have always found that if this is not an area a person excels in, it can be a very hard thing to master. The real question is how emotional intelligence relates to leadership and to answer that, a person really has to understand leadership to begin with.

Everyone talks about the qualities of a leader and what the need. Often in those qualities is empathy and the ability to influence and drive people towards a common purpose. Both of these qualities require emotional intelligence. A good leader should be able to understand their followers' emotions and respond in an appropriate manner. A leader who is lacking in this skill will most likely not be popular among their followers. It is also key for the leader to be able to control their own emotions in dealing with situations. People look to a leader for strength and guidance. If a leader is incapable of controlling their emotions under situations of pressure or difficulties they might not be that great of a leader. 

It can be argued that emotional intelligence itself is a quality of a good leader. This of the leaders in our society: The President for example. In situations of crisis they speak to us as a pillar of strength and understanding. Though they make it clear how they feel and how the country feels, they keep their poise and are able to maintain their leadership despite their emotions and the many emotions of the people around them.

Coaching vs. Mentoring

Coaching and mentoring are two relationships that are often confused with each other. They are also two things commonly discussed in pharmacy school. We are told by professors, colleagues and even key note speakers for professionalism events that having a mentor is extremely helpful.

I have had both mentoring and coaching relationships and here is how they have stacked up...

 

Coaches are there to direct. They tell you what to do and how to do it the best you can. I played field hockey when I was younger and a coach relationship was more of a one sided relationship. My coach gave me advice on my abilities and helped to teach me the things they knew. It was more instructive and less personal.

When it came to people I have mentored and people who have mentored me there was more of a collaborative relationship. As opposed to my coach telling me how to do things the right way, my mentor listened and helped me make decisions for myself. Mentoring is mutually beneficial and more about listening and helping impart wisdom than directly telling a person how to do things. 

I have had benefits from both mentoring and coaching relationships. Both have their place in life.