The “Emotional Intelligence of Leaders”, a piece by Daniel Goleman, explores the association between emotional intelligence and a leader’s ability to effectively manage their organization. Goleman acknowledges that both intelligence and credentials are essential to business management and leadership, but one cannot overlook the importance of empathy and emotions. These latter aspects are needed because bosses need to interact with their workers to effectively manage a business. The author states that only one-third of the skills needed for leadership are intellectual. Most of the skills needed for effective management are not based in factual knowledge, but rather emotions used to interact with people.
Goleman goes on to explain the biological basis for the brain to reason and express emotions. He discusses how the limbic system and amygdala balance self-control and impulses. Goleman argues that the basis of emotional intelligence relies upon the balance between the thinking brain and the emotional brain. He believes that there are five dimensions of emotional intelligence that are essential for optimal leadership. The dimensions are: self-confidence, self-control, motivating others, showing empathy, and staying connected. Self-control and effective management of emotions are needed to effectively communicate and gain a positive reputation with employees. Managing impulsivity, anger, anxiety, and stress are vital leadership skills.
Self-confidence and self-awareness are critical for self-assessment. Self-assessment is important for improving the state of the organization. Self-control and effective management of emotions are needed to effectively communicate and gain a positive relationship with employees. Employees look to their leader for guidance; therefore, leaders need to be optimistic and motivating. Along with managing their own emotions, leaders need to understand the emotions of their workers. Empathy shows that the leader cares and creates respect between the worker and the manager. Staying connected and being enthusiastic in the workplace is important. Leaders have much power, including the power to change people’s emotions positively or negatively, which directly impacts productivity and the overall morale of the company. At an early age, emotional intelligence develops in children; however, anyone can achieve emotional intelligence by putting in lots of continual effort, implementing organizational support, and understanding how the emotional brain works.