62
Part 1 • Self-Awareness
executive positions, individuals who distinguish themselves as leaders tend to be substantially higher in EI than lower level managers.20 The most effective leaders are more aware of their own emotions, exhibit self-confidence, regulate emotional impulses, empathize emotionally with others, and apply a wider range of social influence tactics than nonleaders.21 So what’s the bottom line? It is commonly believed that organizations that attract and retain the smartest people will have a competitive advantage because cognitive intelligence helps workers to process large amounts of increasingly technical information.22 Current research, however, suggests that EI compensates for low cognitive intelligence. Consequently, organizations can also be successful if they attract and retain people who have high EI.23 What Can You Do To Apply EI? EI has been validated with about 25 major skill areas, many of which are covered in this book, that can improve your worth at work and enhance your career. These EI skills can count for far more than regular IQ when it comes to being a “star performer” at just about any job and for reaching the top of any career ladder. Successful people use their EI to manage feelings both appropriately and effectively to achieve the common good and goals of the work group. The key EI skills that affect all aspects of work include accurate self-assessment, self-confidence, self-control, conscientiousness, adaptability, innovation, commitment, initiative, political awareness, optimism, understanding others, conflict management skills, team capabilities, communication, and the ability to initiate or manage change (Exhibit 4.2).24 In general, coworkers seem to appreciate managers’ abilities to control their impulses and anger, to withstand adverse events and stressful situations, to be happy with life, and to be a cooperative member of the group. Leaders who possess these characteristics are more likely to be seen as participative, self-aware, composed, and balanced. The Center for Creative Leadership has determined that the key behavioral skills leaders need to apply EI effectively include the following:25 BE SELF-AWARE AND ACT CONGRUENTLY The most respected leaders are those who accurately understand their strengths and weaknesses, are aware of their feelings, and have control of their impulses. If you get anxious in difficult and challenging situations or explode into anger easily, but deny feeling these ways, it is likely that others will interpret this as a lack of self-awareness.
• • • • • • • • • •
Participative management Putting people at ease Self-awareness Balance between personal life and work Straightforwardness and composure Building and mending relationships Doing whatever it takes Decisiveness Confronting problem people Change management
EXHIBIT 4.2
Areas Where Higher Emotional Intelligence Causes Better Performance.
Source: Ruderman, M.N., Hannum, K., Leslie, J.B., & Steed, J.L. (2001). Leadership Skills and Emotional Intelligence, Research Synopsis Number 1, Unpublished manuscript (Greensboro, NC: Center for Creative Leadership, 2001).
