5 Traits and Benefits of a High EQ Leader

5 Traits and Benefits of a High EQ Leader

"In a very real sense, we have two minds, one that thinks and one that feels."

Daniel Goleman

This quote sums up the difference between IQ and EQ. If leaders managed robots, emotional intelligence wouldn’t matter. However, they are dealing with human beings with all of their intricacies, nuances, and complexities. It is vital that leaders possess a particular set of qualities that bring out the best in their people.

Let’s look at the five most significant traits of a high-EQ leader.

1. Self-Awareness

High-EQ leaders fully understand their emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, and motives. They recognise how their feelings affect them and their job performance. This ability enables them to make decisions that stay true to their core values, which helps forge trust and respect with their team.

2. Self-Regulation

They can effectively manage their emotions and impulses, even during stressful situations. They maintain control and stay calm, allowing them to think clearly and act appropriately. Self-regulation includes adaptability and flexibility, maintaining high integrity, and managing change effectively.

3. Empathy

In a nutshell, empathy relates to understanding the feelings of others and putting yourself in their shoes. High-EQ leaders are skilled at recognising their people's emotions and perspectives, which helps them communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts, and foster a supportive and inclusive work environment. They are attentive to nonverbal cues and can sense unspoken emotions, which allows them to address issues before they escalate. It's a priceless skill to have.

4. Social Skills

Effective communication and strong interpersonal skills are hallmarks of high EQ leaders. They can quickly build and maintain positive relationships, network, and work collaboratively. They excel at conflict resolution, inspire and motivate others, and are skilled at managing team dynamics to achieve organisational goals.

5. Motivation

High-EQ leaders possess a strong internal drive to achieve and excel. They are passionate about their work and have a clear sense of purpose. This intrinsic motivation enables them to stay focused and persistent during challenges. Additionally, they can inspire the same level of commitment and enthusiasm in their team members. They set high standards for themselves and others and consistently work towards improving and achieving long-term success.

Collectively these traits enable high-EQ leaders to create a positive work environment, foster collaboration, and drive organisational success by effectively managing their emotions and those of their team members.

A Learned Skill

The good news is that while Emotional Intelligence may come more naturally to some than others, it isn't just an innate trait; it's a skill that can be developed and refined. Through developing self-awareness with intentional practice, anyone can enhance their EQ and transform their leadership abilities.

This is essentially the ‘Be, Do, Have’ principle in action. By becoming more aware and changing your mindset (Be), you will alter your behaviour accordingly (Do) and you will reap the benefits through stronger relationships and increased engagement (Have).

The Outcome

Let's take a closer look at what your 'Have' might look like if you harness emotionally intelligent leadership.

Here are five key benefits of a High-EQ leader.

1. Enhanced Team Performance

High-EQ leaders create a positive work environment where team members feel valued and understood. Their ability to empathise and communicate effectively helps build solid relationships and trust within the team. The result is better collaboration, higher morale, and increased productivity, as team members are more willing to work together towards common goals.

2. Improved Conflict Resolution

High EQ leaders are adept at recognising and addressing conflicts before they escalate. Their empathy and social skills enable them to understand different perspectives and mediate disputes effectively. By managing conflicts constructively, they help maintain a harmonious workplace, which reduces stress and improves overall team cohesion.

3. Increased Employee Engagement and Retention

Leaders who demonstrate high emotional intelligence are more attuned to their employees' needs and concerns. This attentiveness fosters a supportive environment where employees feel heard and appreciated. As a result, employees are more engaged, motivated, and likely to stay with the organisation, reducing turnover rates and associated costs.

4. Better Decision-Making    

Self-aware and emotionally regulated leaders can make more balanced and informed decisions. They are less likely to be swayed by emotional impulses and can consider a broader range of perspectives and potential outcomes. The result is more effective decision-making, which benefits the organisation as a whole.

5. Stronger Organisational Culture

High-EQ leaders are crucial in shaping and maintaining a positive organisational culture. By modelling emotionally intelligent behaviour, they set a standard for how employees should interact and work together. The resulting culture is comprised of respect, empathy, and cooperation, which enhances overall job satisfaction and creates a more resilient and adaptable organisation.

The benefits speak for themselves. By cultivating emotional intelligence, and harnessing these traits, you improve outcomes for yourself, your team, and the wider organisation.

Author

 Stephen McCann, Founder of Johari 360.com – MiM's EQ 360° Assessment Platform