Feeling the Real Deal
Being the boss looks pretty sexy from the outside, doesn't it? But it isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Leading is tough, and that’s on a good day when the chips aren’t down.
Sustainability is a buzzword we’re associating with the life of the planet, but it can also be applied to how we build out our teams and operate within them. In that sense, leading isn't about flexing your authority or showing who's boss. Rather, it's about understanding your people.
"The sign of a great leader is not how many followers they have, but how many leaders they create." - Steve Jobs.
You see, the game is changing, and it's all about empathy now; it's about emotional intelligence (EI/EQ). Emotional intelligence, really? Isn't that just a touchy-feely trend? What if I told you it's just the secret sauce of effective leadership?
So how can you lead with EQ?
Self-awareness: Start by understanding your own emotions and how they impact your thoughts and actions. Take time for self-reflection and identify your strengths and weaknesses in managing emotions.
Active listening: Practice active listening skills to better understand others' emotions and perspectives. Give your full attention, maintain eye contact, and show genuine interest in what others are saying.
Empathy exercises: Engage in empathy-building exercises to develop a deeper understanding of others' emotions. This can involve putting yourself in someone else's shoes and imagining their experiences and feelings.
Emotional regulation: Learn to manage your own emotions in challenging situations. Practice techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or taking a step back to calm yourself before responding.
Seek feedback: Actively seek feedback from others to gain insights into how your emotions and actions impact them. Be open to constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity for growth.
Develop social skills: Enhance your interpersonal skills by building strong relationships, resolving conflicts effectively, and communicating clearly and empathetically. Practice active collaboration and teamwork.
Remember, developing emotional intelligence is an ongoing process that requires self-reflection, practice, and a genuine desire to understand and connect with others.
Mastering it sees you reading off a different hymn-sheet, long a new-age songbird ready to create a symphony.
