A recent podcast between Karren Brady (Vice Chairman of West Ham Football Club and TV Personality) and Steven Bartlett (Entrepreneur and podcast creator of the Diary of a CEO) gave great insights into the crucial qualities of Leadership. One of the many qualities discussed was the importance of creating a clear vision as a leader and the values needed to achieve this.
A strong vision sets the organisation’s direction and creates shared goals that people can believe in. It creates hope, increases engagement, and fosters the courage needed to embrace the risk of change. Without a strong vision, individuals may lose their way and question whether their effort and hard work are worth it.
Emotional Intelligence wields the power for a strong vision
An essential quality that is needed for Leaders to achieve this vision and bring their people with them on this journey is the ability to harness Emotional Intelligence. Emotional Intelligence is the ability to understand our own emotions and the impact this has on our decisions. It also allows us to understand others, empathise and use this insight to develop stronger connections.
Emotional Intelligence has been found to complement our cognitive abilities and can distinguish a technically gifted leader from an inspirational one and is considered one of the most valuable skills for the new age of business.
Emotional Intelligence qualities needed for Leadership
Self-Reflection
Before supporting others, it is essential leaders can check in with how they are feeling. Leaders have a lot of responsibility to steer an organisation and support their people. To achieve this, they have to have internal awareness. Making sound decisions requires a true understanding of how you’re feeling and the impact this has on judgement, productivity and attitudes. The best leaders are self-aware of their emotions and know their limitations, weaknesses, and their strengths.
Self-Regulation
Leaders who make impulsive frantic decisions or fail to control their emotions and lash out will fail to create buy-in and gain respect. Those uncontrolled emotions can hinder any rapport or connection with employees, impacting productivity and creativity. Regardless at the speed an organisation moves, trust and belief that their leader has control of the situation is essential
Self-Expression
Leaders need to be able to articulate their vision and communicate this to others. They need to have a clear and concise approach and share their thought process to bring their organisation with them on this journey. This also requires a level of assertiveness and the ability to challenge the status quo, make difficult decisions, and have difficult conversations that are vital for growth.
Empathy
Empathy is key for Leadership but requires balance. At times difficult decisions need to be made and difficult conversations need to be had. Leaders need to separate sympathy and empathy. What we mean by this is understanding how others feel but not taking on those feelings causing negativity to your life. Finding this balance and being able to recognise how others feel creates an environment for greater consensus and a better understanding of one another. We do not leave our personalities at home. Being professional and personable allows for greater trust and empowerment and creativity within the workplace as people can be true to themselves.
Greater Resilience and Grit
Stress is commonplace in the workplace and individuals can thrive on a certain level of stress. Leaders can harness their emotional Intelligence to ensure they do not let this stress consume them and maintain good self-care practices to stay in control. They are able to create boundaries between their work and home life and mirror this for their team. Leaders significantly impact employee well-being; therefore, leaders need to model good behaviours and follow through.
Leaders not only have the power to add significant value to organisations by creating a strong vision but can create an environment where employees flourish. What distinguishes these leaders is their ability to tap into their Emotional Intelligence levels and do the necessary work to continuously develop.
Reach out to Open Door Performance to discuss your Emotional Intelligence requirements.
