LEADING WITH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

JACK DURKAN IPPN SUPPORTS & SERVICES MANAGER

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognise and understand one’s own emotions and the emotions of others, and to use this knowledge to manage oneself and one’s relationships effectively. Leading with emotional intelligence means using emotional intelligence to guide one’s leadership style and interactions with others. This article will explore why leading with emotional intelligence is important and how it can be applied in the workplace.

effectively with their team members. They are better able to understand their team members’ emotions and adjust their communication style accordingly. This can lead to more effective communication and fewer misunderstandings use active listening to understand their team members’ perspectives and build stronger relationships

4. Enhances decision-making: Leaders who are emotionally intelligent are able to make better decisions. They are able to consider the emotions and perspectives of others when making decisions, which can lead to better outcomes.

How can leaders apply emotional intelligence in the workplace?

4. Collaboration: Emotionally intelligent leaders are able to collaborate effectively with their team members. They understand that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, and they work to create an environment where everyone’s contributions are valued. This leads to a more productive and positive work environment

Why is leading with emotional intelligence important?

1. Builds trust: Leaders who are emotionally intelligent are able to build trust with team members. They are able to understand their team members’ perspectives and show empathy, which helps to create a positive work environment

2. Increases engagement: When leaders lead with emotional intelligence, they are better able to connect with their team members on a deeper level. This connection leads to increased engagement, as team members feel more valued and appreciated

3. Improves communication: Emotionally intelligent leaders are able to communicate more

1. Self-awareness: Leaders who are emotionally intelligent are selfaware. They understand their own emotions and how these impact their own behaviour. They are able to regulate their emotions and avoid reacting impulsively. Self-awareness can be developed through practices such as meditation, journaling, or seeking feedback from others

2. Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Emotionally intelligent leaders are able to put themselves in their team members’ shoes and understand their perspectives. This helps them to communicate more effectively and build trust with their team members

3. Active listening: Active listening is an important skill for emotionally intelligent leaders. It involves fully focusing on what the other person is saying, without interrupting or thinking about what to say next. Emotionally intelligent leaders

5. Conflict resolution: Conflict is a natural part of any workplace, but emotionally intelligent leaders are able to resolve conflicts effectively. They are able to understand the emotions and perspectives of all parties involved and work towards a mutually beneficial solution.

In conclusion, leading with emotional intelligence is important for building trust, increasing engagement, improving communication, and enhancing decision-making. Emotionally intelligent leaders can develop self-awareness, empathy, active listening, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills, to create a positive work environment and build strong relationships with their team members. By prioritising emotional intelligence, leaders can create a workplace culture that values empathy, communication, and collaboration, which can lead to increased productivity and employee satisfaction.