The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

90 / UNDERSTANDING LEADERSHIP

Applying self-knowledge

The benefits of self-knowledge in the

workplace may not be immediately

apparent when set alongside other,

more practical and cognitive skills, but

its value has been acknowledged by

psychologists for decades. The term

Emotional Intelligence (EI) was coined

to describe an ability to identify,

discriminate between, and use one’s

own and others’ feelings to guide your

thoughts and actions. The importance of

EI cannot be overstated—there are many

studies that indicate that EI is a far better

indicator of leadership potential than

standard measures of intelligence

such as IQ. The emotions that leaders

experience affect the culture of an

organization, shaping productivity,

employee satisfaction, and loyalty, and

so having a real influence on results.

COMMIT TO CHANGE

Seek out an experienced coach

to guide you in building EI. The

transformation will entail

changing your attitudes and

habits, as well as learning

new skills, and requires a

real commitment—in time

and resources—from you and

from your organization.

Tip

The emotions that

leaders experience

affect the culture

of an organization

Using competencies

intelligence

RECOGNIZING EMOTIONS

EMPATHIZING

REGULATING EMOTIONS

NURTURING

USING EMOTIONS

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