How Emotionally Intelligent Leaders Kill it at Work Culture

Emotional Intelligence In The Workplace

Have you ever wondered what makes great leaders so amazing? It often has to do with their level of emotional intelligence (EI) — which is defined as being aware that emotions can drive our behavior and impact people (positively and negatively), and learning how to manage those emotions – both our own and others – especially when we are under pressure. As they say in Remember the Titans, ‘attitude reflects leadership.’ Here’s how emotionally intelligent leaders cultivate winning work environments.

They are self-aware

Leadership requires one to understand and keep their emotions in check. Low EI leaders are not aware of how their behavior affects their team. If the workplace is a stressful environment, employee morale and productivity can take a dip. Highly emotionally intelligent leaders realize the impact of their emotions and how that plays into the work culture. They take this understanding and build a positive workforce that strengthens the overall business. It doesn’t stop there, though. Great leaders are empathetic towards others too.

They are aware of the feelings of others

Another part of having high emotional intelligence understands the feelings of your team and how that impacts the business. Even when delivering bad news, great leaders can empathize with their people. They take the time to craft meaningful communication because they understand that feelings are at play and respect is critical.

They drop the ego

Effective leadership understands that teamwork is about ‘we’ and not ‘me.’ When you’re at the helm of a team, there are a lot of moving parts. Employees are incredibly different. Some may need verbal encouragement, while others may be self-motivated. This means that your team requires leadership that knows how to work with their employees at varying levels. Astute leaders know that their management style is not a “one size fits all” endeavor. This level of leadership occurs when you let go of the ego. By doing this, you take yourself out of the equation and are able to focus on what’s best for your team.

Bottom Line

While some leaders are naturally intuitive, aspiring leaders can strive to higher their EI. Start with gauging where you sit with your team. Get feedback from them. It may not be pretty, but it’s a step in the right direction to creating a culture that drives employee satisfaction and productivity. It’s never too late to improve your leadership abilities. In the long run, the organization will thrive due to those efforts.

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