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.
No comments:
Post a Comment