In the workforce, emotionally intelligent leaders are more likely to drive their teams to success by challenging and motivating their employees to be their best. If you’re new to the concept, these tips will ensure you’re leading with emotional intelligence in no time.
Be Self-Aware
There is a difference between reacting to something and understanding how you react. Emotional intelligence requires looking inward, noting how you respond to different scenarios, then delving into why. What is driving you to react the way that you do? How do you take bad news vs. good news? How does your reaction impact how you lead your team? When you pay attention to these questions, you can better regulate your emotions, which is an asset to any leader.
Keep It Real
Emotional intelligence is often equated with “being real.” For instance, during a pandemic, emotionally intelligent leaders can talk about their fears and thoughts about the world around them. Honest conversation is a great way to build trust between managers and their reports and may even open avenues of conversation that enhance the organization’s ability to do business.
Regulate Yourself
Emotionally intelligent leaders know when to share their personal feelings about a situation and when to keep things to themselves. When it comes to leading your team, some things should not be disclosed. Managers who are close with their direct reports have difficulty, as the line between friend and employee can be blurry. That said, it’s important to keep things professional at work. Partaking in gossip is a recipe for a toxic workplace, and disclosing your personal beliefs when they aren’t relevant can influence your employees. As a general rule: Emotionally intelligent leaders think before they speak.
Manage Your Relationships
Employees often leave their bosses, not their jobs. For this reason, make sure you are managing your relationships with your employees. Don’t let conflict go unresolved. Listen to their concerns, and act on them when appropriate. Pay attention to context clues and team dynamics. The more you see, the more you can adjust your management style to address issues with your team.
Prioritize Self-Care
Taking care of yourself – and encouraging your team to do so – is important for emotional intelligence. Demonstrate to your team that using your accrued vacation days, finding that work-life balance, and taking time for yourself are all critical elements of being effective at your job. Leading by example ensures that your team knows how vital self-care is, making them more likely to practice it themselves.