Leading with Emotional Intelligence (Cont.)

Emotionally intelligent leaders are distinguished by their:

• Team leadership
• Organizational Awareness
• Self Confidence
• Achievement Drive
• Leadership

It's important to keep in mind that our economy is replacing our manufacturing perspective, with the new direction becoming more value-added and service oriented, making relationships the core of this change, including:

• Interpersonal relationships - between two or more people
• Intergroup relationships - the way in which people in groups perceive, think, feel, or act towards those belonging to other groups
• Interdepartment relationships - the relationsip between departments

Therefore, a new premium on relationship team competencies is required. These skills include:

• Communicating and openly listening
• Effectively managing conflict, negotiating, and resolving disagreements
• Inspiring and managing change
• Collaborating and cooperating with others towards shared goals

Many organizations value the interdependency that exists among groups and are paying more attention to a manager's ability to listen, cooperate with others, and build stronger relationships. EQ can be applied to leadership by practicing these four principals:

1. Transfer ownership for work to the people who do the work
2. Create an environment where the transfer of ownership can take place - one that encourages each person to be responsible for their own performance
3. Develop individual capability and competence
4. Create conditions in the organization that challenge each employee to continuously learn

While IQ has held its place, a leader requires high emotional intelligence in order to align with their personal and subordinate goals to accomplish what they want and should never be underestimated in the workplace. A strong leader is an individual who is able to control their emotions and impulses - yet able to put others at ease.