A Leader's Guide to Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Intelligence comes in many forms, from logical and mathematical to naturalistic, linguistic, and even musical. Each type of intelligence plays a unique role in how we understand and interact with the world. However, one type of intelligence in particular stands out as an important type of intelligence to have. And that is emotional intelligence. 

According to the Harvard Business School, emotional intelligence is one of the most "sought-after interpersonal skills in the workplace" considering that "71 percent of employers value emotional intelligence more than technical skills when evaluating candidates" (2019).

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to understand and manage your own emotions while also being aware of the emotions of others. It includes skills like emotional awareness, self-awareness, empathy, self-regulation, and effective communication. In leadership, emotional intelligence is crucial because it enables leaders to create meaningful connections with their teams.

How and Why Was This Theory Developed?

The concept of emotional intelligence is credited to psychologists Peter Salovey and John D. Mayer, who published a lowkey article in 1990 briefly mentioning the term.

Daniel Goleman, who was at the time, a journalist for the New York Times, read the article and expanded more on the idea. Goleman later published a book titled, "Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ," in the mid-1990s. Afterward, EQ really gained traction.

Goleman’s theory emerged from research that emphasized that non-cognitive skills can significantly impact personal and professional success. In fact, studies indicate that approximately 90% of top performers possess high emotional intelligence. His objective was to underscore the importance of emotional understanding in leadership, advocating that leaders who prioritize empathy and interpersonal skills build supportive environments where teams can flourish.

The 4 Components of EQ:

According to Goleman, emotional intelligence comprises of 4 key components that work together to create a well-rounded, emotionally intelligent individual:

Who Exemplifies This Theory?

A shining example of a leader with strong emotional intelligence in leadership is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. exemplified emotional intelligence in his leadership and activism, particularly in his ability to understand and connect with people, manage his own emotions, and inspire others.

He was incredibly self-aware of his own values, beliefs, and emotions of within himself and others. He understood the challenges, dangers, and sacrifices it took to be a leader during the civil rights movement. He would share his emotions and were transparent about them in his speeches.

Dr. MLK Jr. had a great ability in managing his emotions. Despite frequent threats to his life, imprisonment, and the risk of violence, he remained calm and composed, consistently advocating for nonviolence. He was strong-willed and stayed grounded. He often reminded his followers not to succumb to hatred, emphasizing that their response must reflect their commitment to love and justice.

He exhibited strong social awareness. He knew the societal and political climate and had remarkable empathy and awareness of the struggles faced by African Americans and other marginalized groups. His empath nature allowed him to speak to people's fears and frustrations.

Dr. MLK Jr. also was able to manage his relationships with the strong alliances he built with other leaders and activists. He was able to inspire, motivate, and mobilize people from all kinds of backgrounds for one overarching purpose.

What's the Dark Side of EQ?

While emotional intelligence is largely seen as positive, it’s essential to recognize its potential for misuse. People who are highly skilled at managing their emotions can sometimes use these abilities for manipulation.

The Benefit of a High EQ Leader

Leaders with high emotional intelligence can set the tone in their organizations, creating environments of collaboration where people feel understood and valued. Emotional intelligence enables leaders to respond to challenges thoughtfully and model behaviors like active listening, empathy, conflict resolution, and strategic-decision making. As a result, teams led by emotionally intelligent individuals tend to collaborate more effectively, handle stress better, and achieve higher levels of performance.

Want to Learn From the Man Himself?

Click here to listen to a podcast featuring Daniel Goleman