13 Mar

Some people say leaders are born, others say leaders are made. Regardless of your position on this, leaders possessing certain behaviors and skill-sets obtain greater results and are more likely to have satisfied, higher producing, and more collaborative team members.

As leaders we need to be aware of our behaviors and actions, understand how they impact others, and manage their expectations in order to obtain the results we desire. We don’t just need to be intelligent and knowledgeable, we also need to be emotionally smart.

Psychologist, Steven Stein, and psychiatrist, Howard Book, state that strong leaders have both a high IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and a developed EQ (Emotional Intelligence Quotient). Intelligence will only go so far; leaders must also be aware of how they present themselves and respond to others.

Research shows convincingly that EQ is more important than IQ in almost every role and many times more important in leadership roles.
–Dr. Stephen R. Covey

EQ Can Increase Through Self Development

While our IQ is considered to be non-dynamic and is an indicator of how we perform intellectual tasks Our EQ does not follow this rule. It consists of 4 areas.

  1. Self Awareness is critical when engaging in communication
  2. Self Management is key for managing emotions in difficult situations
  3. Social Awareness leverages awareness of others to perform at your peak
  4. Relationship Management manages relationships to increase job performance and integrates EQ professionally and personally
Emotional intelligence is the genuine ability to feel emotions, understand what you’re feeling and why, understand how others are feeling, and respond appropriately. Having a high EQ builds relationships and fosters communication even in the most difficult of times.
Some consider EQ to be the single biggest predictor of performance in the workplace and the strongest driver of leadership and personal excellence. By developing our EQ, we position ourselves to more successfully cope with organizational demands and pressures.

Do you know your EQ?

Here’s a Wealth of Information

Each week we’ll partner with QwikCoach and provide the ability for you to reinforce or expand your knowledge of a prior topic.

Last week’s tip focused on Interview Preparation.

Go to QwikTips to read more! There are two different versions–one for visitors and one for licensed QwikCoach users.

Help turn your leadership knowledge into leadership action!

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