Article By – Manish Behl and Published by The Firstpost

When you think of a ‘great leader’, who comes to your mind?

Often, the person who is reliable, listens attentively to their team, makes thoughtful decisions, fosters collaboration, and creates a comfortable environment is the one who remains composed, no matter the challenges. These are all signs of someone with a high level of emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence (EQ or EI) is a crucial skill because it enables you to understand and manage your emotions, which in turn improves your performance. As the saying goes, “emotions drive people, and people drive performance.” EQ is one of the most researched psychological concepts of the 21st century, though it’s not a new idea. Ancient Indian texts, such as the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita, have explored the psychological aspects of human behavior for thousands of years. Thanks to scholars like Peter Salovey, John Mayer, Dr. Daniel Goleman, Dr. Richard Davidson, and Dr. Richard Boyatzis, emotional intelligence is now widely understood.

Dr. Daniel Goleman, a pioneer in the field, explains, “When I discuss Emotional Intelligence, there’s a universal understanding that we can become more self-aware and manage our emotions better by remaining calm, centered, and empathetic with others. Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence, and mindfulness is the practical application of that self-awareness.” Dr. Goleman, who spent two years in India studying mindfulness, lived in McLeodganj, the home of the Dalai Lama. He notes, “India’s ancient wisdom recognized the importance of mindfulness in shaping the mind, rather than being passive victims of external circumstances. While bringing these insights back to the West took time, the solid evidence supporting mindfulness has allowed it to spread widely.”

Emotional Quotient (EQ) VS Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

Most of us are familiar with Intelligence Quotient (IQ), which measures our logical reasoning, memory, and ability to recall information. In contrast, Emotional Intelligence (EI) enhances our empathy and our ability to understand the emotions of others.

Historically, it was believed that individuals with a higher IQ would outperform those with a lower IQ. However, recent studies have demonstrated that people with higher EQ tend to perform better in life, with emotional intelligence now recognized as a key driver of success.

In my 30 years of professional experience, I’ve witnessed many instances where individuals with high IQs, technical skills, and expertise struggle when promoted to senior leadership roles or tasked with managing larger teams. Conversely, leaders who maintain composure, handle complex social situations with ease, and make others feel at ease often excel in leadership. So, which is more critical – EQ or IQ? While both are valuable, it is clear that emotional intelligence, or the soft skills related to interacting with others, often have a greater impact on organizational success than raw intellectual ability.

Emotional Intelligence has grown popular in organizations:

Organizations have come to understand that having employees and leaders with strong emotional intelligence is crucial for success. When it comes to leadership, who is more likely to succeed – a leader who loses their temper and shouts at their team during stressful situations, or one who remains composed and thoughtfully evaluates the circumstances?

Today, recruiters prioritize emotional intelligence (EQ) as a critical factor in evaluating a candidate’s potential for performance, teamwork, resilience, and long-term success in a role. This focus on EQ is a key reason why emotional intelligence has gained widespread recognition as an essential element for achieving superior performance in both education and professional settings.

Why do organizations want leaders with high EQ?

As emotional beings, we often make decisions and respond to situations driven by our emotions. Consequently, our capacity to develop emotional intelligence (EQ) significantly influences how we manage relationships, make decisions, and seize opportunities. Emotionally intelligent leadership operates through understanding emotions, using this ability to foster positive feelings within teams and organizations. These positive emotions then shape the organizational culture, leading to enhanced performance and overall well-being for everyone involved.

Key qualities such as teamwork, critical thinking, emotional regulation, and a blend of authenticity with compassion and empathy are vital for successful leadership today. Leaders who lack self-awareness and the ability to understand their team’s emotions are unlikely to achieve positive outcomes. As organizations seek high EQ in their workforce, they aim to excel rather than remain average. Emotional intelligence brings numerous benefits to organizations, including:

• Increased sales
• Higher employee retention rates
• A happy and productive workforce
• Improved customer service
• Stronger interpersonal relationships
• Elevated morale and a harmonious work environment
• Enhanced communication
• Distinctive business branding

Pillars of Emotional Intelligence:

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) can be understood through four key traits: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, and Relationship Management:

Self-Awareness / Emotional Self-Awareness: Self-awareness is the foundational step in developing emotional intelligence. It involves paying attention to our inner experiences, observing our thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, behaviors, and reactions. Recognizing how we feel and why we respond in certain ways allows us to understand ourselves better.

Self-Management: Self-management refers to the ability to recognize and regulate our emotions, controlling how we express them. This involves keeping disruptive emotions in check, managing reactions in challenging situations, and staying composed under stress. It also includes using our emotions constructively in tasks like problem-solving and creative thinking.

Social Awareness: Social awareness involves understanding and interpreting the emotions of others. It is expressed through empathy, organizational awareness, and service orientation, all of which help in recognizing the emotional needs and concerns of others. This awareness includes reading non-verbal cues and body language, which foster deeper connections and promote trust in relationships. This skill is crucial in professions that require constant human interaction, such as law enforcement, healthcare, and the military.

I recently conducted a training for 55 police officers at one of the country’s largest police academies, focusing on emotional intelligence. Over just four days of intensive training, I witnessed a significant improvement in their leadership abilities and emotional awareness. Leaders who possess this sensitivity consistently outperform others and play a key role in enhancing team performance through understanding and compassion.

Relationship Management:
Success, both personally and professionally, depends on how well we collaborate and build relationships. Relationship management is a critical social skill that requires us to understand and respond to the emotions of others effectively. If we fail to manage our emotional reactions or lack empathy, it can damage relationships. Effective leaders must develop the emotional skills to influence, resolve conflicts, inspire teams, and build long-term support. Key aspects of relationship management include communication, conflict resolution, and motivating others.

The great news is that Emotional Intelligence, like a muscle, can be developed over time. With consistent training, we can enhance our EQ, leading to improved leadership, better self-management, and healthier, more fulfilling lives for ourselves and those around us.

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