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Dr. Michael Brown Sr. educates individuals on the value of emotional intelligence in leadership, while also recognizing the setbacks typically associated with it

Emotional Intelligence: Unite Your Team by Choosing the Right Leaders

By Elizabeth Leber on Sep 11, 2017
picture of team collaborating
Dr. Michael A. Brown Sr., an esteemed professor at Florida Atlantic University, researcher, Air Force retiree, and editor of the IGI Global title Motivationally Intelligent Leadership: Emerging Research and Opportunities, delves into the subject of leadership and how emotional intelligence is an important component for any leader to possess. Individuals who are emotionally intelligent are very self-aware when it comes to who they are and their emotions. It also allows leaders to understand employees and respond to them in the most effective way, so why does it typically seem like an undervalued soft skill in businesses?

“Paying attention to emotions can save the leader time by directing energies more effectively and expanding opportunities. Emotional intelligence has three driving forces: build trusting relationships, increase energy and effectiveness, and creating the future,” states Dr. Brown.

Strong emotional intelligence in leadership can be a very effective approach. That's why it is important to recognize its value, even for the most intellectual leaders because it allows them to better convey their messages. An interesting study was conducted outlining emotional intelligence as it relates to various leadership levels. The study visually shows that emotional intelligence is an area of opportunity in the business realm.

Dr. Brown elaborates, “the advantage you gain through emotional intelligence is a way to connect with your team on a deeper level. By understanding their emotions, you can create an open dialogue that provides valuable feedback. Feedback enhances the communication by allowing the parties to gain shared understanding.”

On the other hand, the leader who has a higher level of emotional intelligence needs to use that self-awareness to pull strengths from team members to get the job done in a more collaborative effort where everyone plays off their team members’ strengths.

“The leader with the high IQ can benefit from emotional intelligence by finding the best way to create a bond with her or his team. The leader who is not necessarily a Rhodes scholar needs emotional intelligence to create working relationships that allow the best and brightest on the team to share their technical expertise with solid recommendations for action. In each instance, emotional intelligence can help build a collaborative culture, emphasizing everyone’s strengths, and work to improve weaknesses,” explains Dr. Brown.

As with everything, balance is always a key consideration to keep in mind. While there are many benefits of emotional intelligence in leadership, why does there tend to be less focus on it?

Dr. Brown mentions, “First, there is a danger if the leader becomes too emotionally involved and starts to make impulsive decisions. Second, while leaders should recognize and try to understand emotions and feelings, business decisions require doing what is right. I understand that sometimes the right thing may not feel good in a particular situation, but this is where the relationship is important. Third, focusing on emotions can be a roller coaster ride, so leaders have to avoid too much or too little emotion and find a balance for each day. Fourth, emphasize empathy over sympathy to ensure that emotions don’t totally take over. Businesses still need level-headed, rational decisions.

“If people know you care, and that you considered them in your deliberations, they are more likely to follow you. […] They have to listen; but they don’t have to follow. There’s a difference.”
Do you want a team that follows the leader because they want to or because they have to? Begin to learn how to strengthen your organization by understanding the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership by reading Motivationally Intelligent Leadership: Emerging Research and Opportunities, which is a must-have reference source that examines the necessary leadership traits to create positive partnerships and work ethic in business environments. For more information on the publication, please watch the video below:



Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of IGI Global.

QUESTION: In the comments section below answer the following: Do you think focusing on emotional intelligence can help propel businesses forward? Why or why not?
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