Today, we live in a world that is changing at an unprecedented pace and in unexpected ways. A lot of leaders find themselves struggling and feel as though their capacity to deal with this change is not growing at a proportionate pace. 

Traditional approaches to leadership development that heavily focus on technical training seem to have limited application in the modern workplace context. Sustainable change in leadership behavior requires a different focus, with the emphasis shifting to long-term personal well-being and emotional intelligence.

In fact, the @ World Economic Forum’s top skills for leaders in the 21st century now include Emotional Intelligence (EQ) as a critical capability for success, alongside other capabilities like Cognitive Flexibility and Resilience to Stress. 

First coined in 1990 by researchers John Mayer and Peter Salovey, EQ refers to the “ability to monitor one’s own and others’ feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them and to use this information to guide one’s thinking and actions.” 

This theory hasn’t been included in previous leadership and business growth methodologies but is now evolving alongside traditional coaching structures. 

Some leaders may feel as though personal development, like enhancing Emotional Intelligence, is too separate from their work life, but it is time to close that gap and squash the stereotype. 

The key is to learn EQ in the context of being a leader, such as how to emotionally deal with employees and stakeholders, making major decisions, burnout and much more. 

Emotional Intelligence can typically be broken down into four main components: 

👉 Self-Awareness

Being self-aware of personal strengths and weaknesses is a great asset for a leader to have, but it must include the ability to reflect on how their emotions affect their team’s performance and job satisfaction level.  

👉 Self-Management

In the ever-changing business landscape, unexpected events are always happening. It’s important for leaders to manage their reactions to change, particularly in stressful situations. 

This also encompasses a leader’s ability to regulate their own emotions when navigating high-pressure situations or responding to the emotional challenges of colleagues and team members in the workplace.

Whilst understanding personal emotions is a must, being able to recognise the emotions of others and how to respond appropriately in the relevant social context. Leaders who are socially aware practice empathy, which is a huge element of Emotional Intelligence training. 

👉 Relationship Management

In all workplaces, cohesion between colleagues and employees is critical to long-term productivity and success. As a leader, this refers to the ability to coach, mentor and effectively lead others, as well as develop professional and stable relationships with stakeholders and investors. 

Emotional Intelligence not only benefits leadership development but positively impacts other areas of life, too. Research suggests that higher EQ leads to enhanced well-being, such as lower levels of stress and better overall health. 

It also helps build and successfully maintain interpersonal relationships. For example, it has been found that good Emotional Intelligence accounts for around 40.8% of marital satisfaction and results in more fulfilling relationships, whether that be platonic, professional or romantic. 

Looking at the different areas of emotional intelligence and figuring out how to improve them all can feel overwhelming. 

The good news is that rather than working on each one separately, you can focus on strengthening your mental fitness, which naturally enhances emotional intelligence.

Positive Intelligence employs factor analysis to uncover the core drivers of emotional growth and a growth mindset. Addressing these foundational elements offers a more straightforward approach to enhancing all aspects of emotional intelligence

By re-wiring the brain to be naturally positive through Positive Intelligence* coaching leaders can enhance their Emotional Intelligence skills and help individuals and teams become more resilient, optimistic and collaborative. 

Positive Intelligence* provides practical tools that strengthen the Positive parts of our Brain, leading to enhancement in key executive capacities such as empathy, compassion, gratitude, curiosity, and the joy of creativity, while also fostering a state of calm, clear-headed, and laser-focused action. 

If you’re ready to elevate your leadership, enhance team dynamics, and unlock your full potential, improving your Emotional Intelligence is the key. 

Start by taking the Complimentary Positive Intelligence (PQ) Self-Assessment Test—a powerful first step toward uncovering the hidden mental patterns that may be holding you back in performance, well-being, and relationships. Don’t let unconscious saboteurs limit your success—reach out today and begin your transformation. 

Reach out at [email protected] for the Test link. For more information, you can also access the Positive Intelligence Website.

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My 10-week Positive Intelligence* Coaching program, which combines powerful insights from Positive Intelligence*, Neuroscience & Positive Psychology, is designed to help leaders and professionals rewire their brains to remove negative emotional patterns that give rise to stress, anxiety and burnout, thereby empowering them to build a fearless, calm & positive mindset. DM to learn more.

*PQ & Positive Intelligence are registered trademarks of Positive Intelligence LLC

Post caption: 

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is now a critically required skill for leaders to succeed in the 21st century. 

Traditionally, EQ hasn’t been a part of leadership development coaching or training, but it is time to close the gap and help leaders realise their full potential. 

Positive Intelligence employs factor analysis to uncover the core drivers of Emotional Intelligence and a growth mindset. By addressing these foundational elements, it offers a more straightforward approach to enhancing all aspects of emotional intelligence

Positive Intelligence* offers a neuroscience-led approach to building Emotional Intelligence. Research conducted at Stanford University has demonstrated that raising PQ* automatically develops 17 of the 18 emotional intelligence (EQ) competencies.

In the latest edition of our Newsletter, The Inner Game of Work & Life,  we dive deep into:

💫 The link between leadership and Emotional Intelligence

💫 How EQ benefits your personal life

💫 How PQ* helps develop EQ abilities 

Ready to elevate your leadership impact & take back control over your emotions?

Read the full article below👇

#EmotionalIntelligence #Wellbeing #PositiveIntelligence #EmotionalIntelligenceCoaching 

References

https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epdf/10.2190/DUGG-P24E-52WK-6CDG

https://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-021-00593-8 
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4361820/