HOW EFFECTIVE ARE YOU AT LEADING YOURSELF?
Whether you are in your first leadership position or running a global corporation there is always opportunity for development. Emotional Intelligence (EI) which is our ability to effectively lead ourselves and influence others around us – is the single greatest contributor to personal excellence and leadership
Dr. Ruderman’s findings was that emotional intelligence accounted for approximately 28 percent of leadership performance. This finding is consistent with a number of previous studies.
Based on their work, we’ve identified four pillars or competencies that are important for successful leadership.
1) Being centered and grounded;
2) Having the ability to take action;
3) Having a participative management style;
4) Being tough-minded.
First Pillar Of Leadership Success: CENTERED AND GROUNDED.
IMPULSE CONTROL: High performers are in control of themselves. They are seen by people around them as having a stable mood and they don’t fly off the handle when things get tough. You can predict how these leaders are going to react to things. You don’t come in to work, say good morning, and then get berated for something you neglected to do the day before.
SELF REGARD
Also, the successful leaders were more aware of their strengths and weaknesses. The most dangerous leaders are the ones who propose to know it all.
While it’s important to know your strengths and use them wisely, it’s equally important to know your weaknesses and not inflict them on everyone around you. We find that not all leaders are willing to invest the time in improving their weaknesses; however, the next best alternative is to surround yourself with people strong in the skills you lack.
SOCIAL RESPONSABILITY
Another aspect of this pillar is the ability to balance work life and personal life. While in the past there has been an overemphasis on the workaholic life style of leaders, we find that balance is associated with better-performing leaders. If you can manage your own life well—managing stress, home life fitness, diet—then chances are higher that the workplace is well managed.
SELF-AWARENESS and ASSERTIVENESS
Successful leaders are also straightforward and self-aware. People where these leaders stand on issues, as they tend not to be vague or wishy washy. As well, they are aware of their own feelings and motivators. They are consistent in their approach to issues because they know how and what they feel and believe about those issues.
STRESS TOLERANCE
Finally, these leaders are composed under pressure. They do not flare up or lose control even under difficult circumstances.
The most emotional intelligence skills in this pillar are:
Social Responsibility. Stress Tolerance, Impulse Control, and Optimism