“To lead people, walk behind them.” – Lao Tzu
AS we navigate the complexities of modern leadership, we discover that the most effective leaders are not those who dominate with authority but those who inspire through emotional intelligence (EI or EQ). It’s no longer just about the bottom line; it’s about the people, the culture, and the emotional resonance behind the decisions we make. Leadership Intelligence (LQ) transcends traditional leadership skills, urging leaders from all walks of life to delve into the emotional depths of their own and their team’s experiences.
In this exploration of Leadership Intelligence, we will introduce the acronym S.E.L.F., representing four core components of Emotional Intelligence: Self-awareness, Empathy, Listening, and Flexibility. Through this framework, we aim to equip leaders to foster deeper connections, boost team morale, and enhance overall performance.
Self-Awareness: The Foundation of Leadership
Self-awareness is the cornerstone of emotional intelligence. A leader must first understand their own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and triggers before they can effectively lead others.
Consider the iconic leadership of former President Barack Obama. He epitomises self-awareness. Obama has often spoken about the importance of understanding one’s emotions and how they influence one’s reactions. He consistently displayed an ability to reflect on his responses to criticism, adapting his tone and approach accordingly. This self-awareness not only made him a more effective communicator but also helped him build rapport and trust with a diverse array of individuals.
Empathy: Connecting on a Deeper Level
The second component, empathy, is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. A leader who possesses empathy can gauge the emotional climate of their team and respond effectively. Empathetic leadership nurtures a supportive work environment where every team member feels valued and understood.
Take the example of Madam Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand. Known for her empathetic approach, she demonstrated a profound understanding of her constituents’ feelings during crises such as the Christchurch shooting and the COVID-19 pandemic. By addressing the nation with compassion and understanding, she not only reassured her citizens but also fostered a sense of collective resilience. Her leadership style exemplifies how empathy can inspire loyalty, trust and collaboration.
Listening: The Art of Engagement
Active listening is a powerful tool within the Leadership Intelligence framework. It goes beyond hearing words to understand the message behind them. Leaders who engage in active listening promote open dialogue, making team members feel heard and respected.
One prominent example is Simon Sinek, a motivational speaker and author known for his work on leadership and team dynamics. Sinek emphasises that great leaders listen to the concerns of their team members before making decisions. By fostering an environment where ideas and feedback are valued, Sinek demonstrates how active listening can lead to innovative solutions and greater team cohesion.
Flexibility: Adapting to Change
In a dynamic world, leaders need flexibility – the last element of the S.E.L.F. acronym. Being adaptable is crucial, necessitating shifts in strategies based on changing scenarios.
Embracing feedback and making necessary adjustments are also vital. Take Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, who shifted the culture towards a “learn-it-all” mindset, fostering adaptability and innovation.
This approach encourages continuous improvement, creating a growth-oriented environment that boosts performance and satisfaction. Leadership today requires emotional intelligence and genuine connection. The S.E.L.F. framework – Self-awareness, Empathy, Listening, and Flexibility – guides us in nurturing these qualities within ourselves and our teams. Let’s delve into how we can embody these traits effectively.
Reflect Daily
The journey to self-awareness begins with daily reflection. Renowned author John Maxwell once said, “A leader knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Spending just a few minutes at the end of each day to assess your emotions and reactions can reveal insights that help you grow as a leader. For instance, consider the former CEO of Starbucks, Howard Schultz, who often took time to reflect on how his decisions affected employees and customers. This practice not only made him aware of his impact but also guided him in making adjustments that aligned with his values and the company culture.
Practice Empathetic Engagement
Empathy sits at the heart of effective leadership. Mahatma Gandhi famously said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Engaging with your team authentically can bridge gaps and create a supportive atmosphere. For example, when Satya Nadella took over as CEO of Microsoft, he revamped the company’s culture by emphasising empathy. He made it a point to connect personally with employees and understand their challenges, transforming the organisation into a more collaborative environment.
Prioritise Listening
Successful leaders know that listening is a powerful tool. “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply,” said Stephen R. Covey. Incorporating regular feedback sessions or one-on-one check-ins creates a platform for open dialogue. For instance, former US President, Barack Obama, often hosted informal gatherings with his staff, encouraging them to voice their concerns and ideas. This approach not only strengthened team dynamics but also led to innovative solutions during his administration.
Embrace Change
Flexibility is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. Albert Einstein once said, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” Leaders should encourage experimentation and view failures as stepping stones to success. Indra Nooyi, during her tenure at PepsiCo, exemplified this by diversifying the company’s products to adapt to shifting consumer preferences, showcasing the power of embracing change. Such leaders cultivate trust, innovation, and shared success.
In today’s corporate landscape, emotional intelligence is gaining prominence among leaders. Compassionate leadership prioritises employee well-being, resulting in higher job satisfaction and retention rates. Studies show that 90 per cent of top performers have strong emotional intelligence, leading to enhanced organisational performance and customer satisfaction. Emotional intelligence in leadership directly correlates with a company’s success.
Accepting and Acting on the Need for Change
As leaders, we must not only understand the importance of emotional intelligence but also commit to integrating these principles into our daily practices. Change does not happen overnight – it requires consistent effort, training, and a willingness to step outside of one’s comfort zone.
The first step is acceptance. Recognise that emotional intelligence is not merely a buzzword but a vital competency that can and should be developed. Begin conversations around emotional intelligence within your organisation and encourage team members to share their experiences and insights.
Next, create resources and opportunities for self-improvement. Workshops, reading groups, or mentor relationships can foster a culture of growth and reinforce the importance of emotional intelligence throughout your organisation.
The Future of Leadership
In today’s intricate world, the demand for emotionally intelligent leaders is crucial. Through the S.E.L.F. model – Self-awareness, Empathy, Listening, and Flexibility – we can forge a new era of leadership rooted in human connection and collaboration.
Regardless of background, every leader can enhance their Leadership Intelligence by recognising the significance of emotional intelligence. True leadership entails serving others with compassion and understanding, fostering growth and unity.
By embracing Emotional Intelligence in leadership, we not only evolve personally but also cultivate environments conducive to individual and organisational success. Let’s together redefine leadership for a brighter future.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writers can be reached at argenisangulo@gmail.com and lawleepoh@gmail.com.
