Enhancing Emotional Intelligence for Effective Leadership

Full Transcript

“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects the wind to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”

I’ll repeat it.

“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”

This is a quote from author and motivational speaker Dr. William Arthur Ward.

To put it another way, "A poor sailor blames the wind!"

I'm sure at your credit union there's some blame that goes around. Perhaps there is some chatter among coworkers. Maybe there’s a manager who micromanages, or team members who have an inability to handle conflict. Is there a VP that uses public humiliation to damage an employee's self-esteem?

These are all examples of low EQ, or Emotional Intelligence. Emotional Intelligence is the cornerstone of effective decision-making. After all, leadership isn't just about making tough calls; it's about navigating the complex landscape of human emotions. Emotional intelligence empowers leaders to connect with their teams on a deeper level.

By recognizing and responding to the emotions of others, leaders can foster an environment of trust and collaboration, which are essential for achieving collective goals.

At its core, emotional intelligence comprises of four fundamental components: self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management.

Self-awareness is the foundation upon which wise decisions are built. It's the ability to recognize our own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses, and how they impact our choices.

Self-regulation is the key to maintaining composure in turbulent times. It's about controlling impulses and emotions, even in the face of adversity.

Social awareness allows leaders to read the room, understanding the emotions and perspectives of those around them. It's the empathy that bridges the gap between individuals, fostering a culture of inclusivity and understanding.

Finally… Relationship management is the culmination of emotional intelligence. It's the art of inspiring, influencing, and guiding others toward shared objectives, creating a cohesive and high-performing team.

Now…. Now that you understand what emotional intelligence is, let me give you 3 strategies to enhance your own EQ:

First up, seek feedback. Ask trusted members of family, friends or colleagues for honest feedback about your emotional tendencies and how they perceive you. Now, I get it. This is the step you're going to want to skip, but they are the ones who will help you identify any emotional blind spots. Trust me. You'll gain some good insight when you do.

Number two, pause before reacting. When faced with strong emotions, take a moment to pause and consider your response instead of responding impulsively. Sometimes we feel like we have to respond, but if we take a quick time out, we’ll often find that the sense of urgency is really in our head. And when we are driven by strong emotions, we can often say something or do something that we wish we hadn't. Take a pause and take control of your emotions rather than letting your emotions take control you.

Number three, empathize with others. Put yourself in someone else's shoes to understand their feelings and experiences. Can you see where the other person is coming from? It's great when you can. You can build trust and rapport and find a constructive resolution. But let's say you can't. Then, ask, “Why can't I?” Try tearing down those walls. There's probably a root cause you can uncover with greater sensitivity and empathy. There’s may be some new insight you never thought of, and you’ll walk away with greater perspective.

By implementing these strategies consistently and intentionally, you can enhance your emotional intelligence and improve your ability to understand and manage emotions effectively. Approach conflicts with an open mind and a focus on finding mutually beneficial solutions.

And remember… Ideas spark change; actions ignite them.