Emotional Intelligence
Another area where executives often limit their future is Emotional Intelligence. What is emotional intelligence, and why is it so important?
Emotional intelligence is the mastery and insight to reading emotions, using emotions, understanding emotions, and managing emotions in yourself and others.
Jim. I don’t care about soft skills! Getting too emotional is not for me!
Opposite of what you say!
You just got emotional with me. This statement has been stated to me many times by many executive leaders. It tells me that there is some form of self-imprisonment taking place, and the leader would greatly benefit by being set free to be their authentic self.
I use a self-assessment to help executives gain insight into how well they have measured this part of their leadership offer. On a scale of 1-10 over the areas noted above, the AVERAGE score for all executives that have used this assessment is under 5! No matter the title, experience, education, etc.
Emotions are vital part of relationships
Leaders use some form or degree of emotions to interact with others. Relationships are all about emotional intelligence! It is often not the words that are used but the way it “felt” to the other person. Another way of saying this is, “it is not what you say to others but how you make them feel!” Inspiring leaders understand this mastery.
The other side of the truth about emotions is that leaders too often use limiting emotions and not elevating emotions. Let me share a list;
Limited Emotions Elevated Emotions
Doubt Gratitude
Fear Love
Anger Joy
Insecurity Inspiration
Worry Peace
Anxiety Wholeness
Hostility Peace
Guilt Trust
There are others, but you can quickly see the difference. Modern science reveals to us that to be an inspiring, game-changing leader, you MUST master and practice Elevated Emotions.
How is your emotional intelligence making others feel? EQ can be a big key to future success!
Dr. Jim
