The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

Posted: April 4th, 2019

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: A Narrative Essay

Introduction

Leadership is a crucial aspect of organizational success. In the past, leadership was perceived as a skillset that revolved around the ability to manage people and resources effectively. However, with the changing business environment, there is a growing need for leaders who can connect with their teams on an emotional level. Emotional intelligence (EI) has emerged as a key factor in determining the effectiveness of leaders. This narrative essay explores the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, drawing on recent research to highlight its relevance.

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize and regulate one’s emotions and the emotions of others. It involves having empathy, social skills, self-awareness, and self-regulation. Leaders who possess high levels of emotional intelligence are better equipped to manage their emotions and those of their teams, leading to higher levels of job satisfaction and performance.

Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

Research has shown that leaders who possess high levels of emotional intelligence are more effective in their roles. For instance, a study conducted by TalentSmart found that emotional intelligence accounted for 58% of job performance in all types of jobs (Bradberry & Greaves, 2017). Leaders with high levels of EI are better able to communicate with their teams, build strong relationships, and motivate their employees. They also tend to have higher levels of job satisfaction, leading to lower turnover rates.

Additionally, leaders who possess high levels of emotional intelligence are more adept at managing conflict. Conflict is inevitable in any organization, and leaders who can manage conflicts effectively are better equipped to resolve issues before they escalate. Research has shown that emotionally intelligent leaders are better able to identify the underlying causes of conflicts and take steps to resolve them (Caruso, Mayer, & Salovey, 2017).

Furthermore, emotional intelligence is essential for leaders who want to foster a positive organizational culture. Leaders who are empathetic and supportive are more likely to create a positive work environment where employees feel valued and supported. This can lead to higher levels of engagement and commitment among employees, which in turn, can lead to higher levels of productivity.

Developing Emotional Intelligence in Leaders

Emotional intelligence is not something that people are born with; it can be developed and improved over time. Leaders who want to develop their emotional intelligence should focus on increasing their self-awareness, self-regulation, social skills, and empathy. One effective way to do this is through training and coaching programs that focus on emotional intelligence development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, emotional intelligence is a critical factor in determining the effectiveness of leaders. Leaders who possess high levels of emotional intelligence are better equipped to manage their emotions and those of their teams, leading to higher levels of job satisfaction and performance. Emotional intelligence is also essential for managing conflict, fostering a positive organizational culture, and building strong relationships with team members. As such, organizations should prioritize the development of emotional intelligence in their leaders through training and coaching programs.

References:

Bradberry, T., & Greaves, J. (2017). Emotional intelligence 2.0. TalentSmart.

Caruso, D. R., Mayer, J. D., & Salovey, P. (2017). The ability model of emotional intelligence: Principles and updates. Emotion Review, 9(4), 220-227.

Goleman, D. (2017). What Makes a Leader? Harvard Business Review, 95(1), 44-51.

Van Kleef, G. A., & Côté, S. (2017). Expressing and responding to emotion in the workplace: What do we know and where do we go from here? Academy of Management Annals, 11(1), 1-24.