As more in-demand employees search for work environments that encourage their professional development and work-life balance, the value of emotional intelligence (EI) in leadership has never been higher. Understanding how to lead with empathy and self-awareness is increasingly important in the modern, diverse workplace, where the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and controversial issues is a defining trait of effective leadership.
For those considering a career in organizational leadership, developing one’s emotional quotient (EQ) alongside traditional business skills is essential. The Eastern Washington University (EWU) online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an Organizational Leadership Concentration offers a unique program that prioritizes the cultivation of both sets of skills, preparing graduates to lead with resilience and build organizations that match their ethos.
Traits of an Emotionally Intelligent Leader
Emotional intelligence (EI) is the “capacity to recognize, understand, manage and influence your own emotions as well as those of others,” according to FCNews. Conversely, EQ measures EI and “quantifies one’s ability to use emotional information constructively and beneficially.”
Several components make up the qualities of emotional intelligence in leadership, according to an article published in the International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research. Among them are self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills. Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence. Leaders who are self-aware understand their strengths, weaknesses and emotional triggers. This self-understanding allows them to respond rather than react to challenges, maintaining a level-headed approach to decision-making, according to researchers.
Building on self-awareness, self-regulation refers to the ability to control one’s emotions in order to make rational decisions. Leaders who exhibit strong self-regulation can handle workplace stress with a calm demeanor, inspiring confidence among their teams, according to Indeed.
Emotionally intelligent leaders are also extremely motivated, less so by personal ambitions than by the success of their teams. Their enthusiasm for the whole organization is often contagious, leading to better productivity and job satisfaction from their peers and direct reports. Empathy is a pronounced element of a leader with high EQ. Effective executives make room for all perspectives, facilitate fair and respectful negotiations and transform potential conflicts into opportunities for team growth.
Researchers in the International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research point out that social skills are also essential for high EQ leaders, who must network and build relationships across differences. This skill set becomes particularly important during periods of uncertainty, when regular and open communication builds trust and enables leaders to guide their teams through challenges with clear, supportive guidance.
Building Thriving Organizations Through High EQ
The benefits of putting emotional intelligence concepts into practice in the workplace are numerous. Careerminds points to improved decision-making and better stress management for leaders who understand how to see past their own biases and remain level-headed amid high-pressure situations. In turn, managers with strong EQ can build strong relationships and enhance their team performance.
Some common steps that emotionally intelligent leaders implement are setting clear expectations for their employees, setting challenging but attainable goals and empowering workers to make their own decisions as they pursue those metrics, according to Korn Ferry. Effective leaders also recognize good performance and show employees how to reach that level while embracing their ideas for improvement.
The top corporate leaders worldwide have embraced these concepts to take their companies to new heights. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who has run the technology giant since 2014, once told a group of students: “In the long run, EQ trumps IQ. Without being a source of energy for others, very little can be accomplished.” Nadella has continued to implement that philosophy throughout his time with Microsoft and invested in a positive work environment, according to Inc. Magazine.
Many leaders use evaluation methods among their staff members to determine if their efforts to develop a higher EQ are paying off. Forbes suggests implementing regular 360-degree feedback assessments to gauge how employees perceive the emotional intelligence of leaders, peers and the overall organization. Other key performance indicators include employee retention, customer satisfaction and team productivity. Self-assessments are also helpful in building self-awareness, according to Forbes.
Cultivate Emotional Intelligence With Eastern Washington University’s Online MBA
Alongside core accounting and finance skills, graduates of Eastern Washington University’s online MBA with an Organizational Leadership Concentration program gain a greater understanding of the psychology behind effective leadership. In the Social & Emotional Dimensions of Leadership course, students explore a variety of elements like emotional intelligence, leader/follower social awareness, strengths-based leadership and the use of personal power. They also complete the Leading in an Intersectional World course, which tackles how identity and cultural issues influence leadership.
EQ improves individuals’ personal and professional lives. With a more profound sense of social dynamics and the skills to implement solutions, rising business leaders can confidently take the next step in their careers and create a more responsive, empathetic organizational culture for all.
Learn more about Eastern Washington University’s online MBA with an Organizational Leadership Concentration program.
