Does being an emotionally intelligent leader mean that you have to ‘vomit your psyche’ on a daily basis? Does it mean you have to share personal details of your relationships and feelings with others? Does it entail crying in public on a regular basis?
We sure hope not! Many people believe that as soon as the word ‘emotion’ is used, science and reason go out the window. Others believe that Emotional Intelligence is about being ‘mushy’ with everyone and that an emotionally intelligent leader goes around asking others how they ‘feel’.
These assumptions about Emotional Intelligence are based on old stereotypes and misinformation. So, to set the record straight, here are six facts you need to know:
- Simply put, emotionally Intelligent leaders use and trust emotional information to benefit themselves, others, and their organization.
- When we use Emotional Intelligence, we interpret and effectively use information coming to us through our emotions and/or the emotions of others.
- Unlike IQ, which is relatively stable, we can increase our Emotional Quotient (EQ) by learning new skills in emotional intelligence. All it takes is knowledge, intention, and practice!
- There are at least 15 different areas that make up Emotional Intelligence and specific strategies that can be learned to enhance each area.
- Businesses and organizations that invest in improving the Emotional Intelligence of their leaders reap rewards in regards to productivity, employee retention, more positive corporate culture and even increased financial profits.
- Having greater Emotional Intelligence makes a difference across all areas of life! People who have higher Emotional Intelligence are happier, healthier, and feel more fulfilled than those who score lower on measures of emotional intelligence.
Would you like to learn how to be come an emotionally intelligent leader? Join us on September 17 and 18 in Edmonton for Growing to Greatness with Emotional Intelligence, a new course in the Great Supervision Series. You will leave with specific strategies to enhance your emotional intelligence and grow to greatness as a leader and beyond. Click here to register.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Nancy McLeod, M.Ed., CHT. & Kathryn Graff, M.Ed, R. Psych.
Flourish Consultants
Kathryn Graff, M.Ed., R.Psych. (AB)
Co-Presenter, Flourish Consultants
Kathryn is a Registered Psychologist in Alberta. She is experienced in business and has held many leadership roles in organizational settings. In addition to co-managing a successful family business, she is a Consulting Psychologist to Neurodevelopmental and FASD Assessment Clinics in central Alberta for Alberta Health Services and serves as the Clinical Supervisor to a Family Enhancement Program in Wetaskiwin, Alberta. Kathryn has training and expertise in organizational consultation, psychological and intellectual assessment, leadership development, counselling, executive and lifestyle coaching, and workshop facilitation. Kathryn’s ease in connecting with people, together with her refreshing approach to training, inspires leaders to grow.
Kathryn and her partner delight in their four adult children. She takes pleasure in adventure, reading, and yoga.