Discuss about emotional intelligence - Essay Example

Emotional Intelligence and Leadership al Affiliation Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Emotional intelligence was specifically defined by Mayer & Salovey (1997) as the capacity to reason about emotions, and of emotions to enhance thinking. It includes the abilities to accurately perceive emotions, to access and generate emotions so as to assist thought, to understand emotions and emotional knowledge, and to reflectively regulate emotions so as to promote emotional and intellectual growth“(Mayer & Salovey, 1997; cited in Mayer, Salovey, & Caruso, Emotional Intelligence:Theory, Findings and Implications, 2004, p. 197). It was likewise explicity disclosed in the article entitled “What Makes a Leader?

” that a high degree of emotional intelligence is significantly linked to effective leadership in terms of exemplifying qualities or five components such as “self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skill” (Goleman, 1998, p. 136).In the article, Goleman (1998) conducted studies that aimed to evaluate the specific capabilities that actually emerge as the predominant variable that singles out exemplary effective leaders. After categorizing the capabilities into technical skills, cognitive abilities, and possessing emotional intelligence, the results have revealed that leaders that are high in emotional intelligence are deemed most effective.

Findings also apparently link emotional intelligence to outstanding performance, in conjunction to exemplary leadership. The five components of emotional intelligence clearly establish how possessing these traits make an ordinary leader extraordinary. Self-awareness, for instance, was defined as “the ability to recognize and understand…moods, emotions, and drives, as well as their effect on others” (Goleman, 1998, p. 137). Effective leaders were deemed to be honest of their own capabilities and those of others.

Their abilities encompass being able to admit failures; yet possessing resiliency and the ability to maintain an optimistic stance.The other component of emotional intelligence, self-regulation, shows its direct influence to effective leadership in terms of “the ability to control or redirect disruptive impulses and moods” (Goleman, 1998, p. 136). This component likewise manifests the leaders’ ability “to think before acting” (Goleman, 1998, p. 136). There is much rationalizing done prior to decision-making.

Effective leaders are good motivators; as well as they are driven by factors beyond satisfying physiological needs. As a sensitive and discerning person, a leader is able to assess the needs and drives that make workers perform. Due to their apparent strong and innate drives to achieve identified goals, they are highly motivated in their respective fields of endeavor.In another aspect, the component of empathy in emotional intelligence has been validated to be manifested by effective leaders. They have the capability to accurately assess the emotions of others; and as such, are best able to address other people’s needs.

This component, together with social skills, was deemed the leaders’ ability to effectively manage relationships with various stakeholders: subordinates, clients, superiors, and external agents. As stressed, effective leaders are found to exhibit exemplary social skills, defined as “proficiency in managing relationships and building networks” (Goleman, 1998, p. 136). These particular skills are effectively used towards the achievement of identified goals that serve the best interests of the organization which they serve.

Overall, emotional intelligence has been identified as the most crucial qualification or competency that an effective leader must possess. Goleman (1998) has likewise proffered that emotional intelligence could be learned. Effective leaders are able to discern that as the most relevant qualification for rising above the rest, they must invest time and effort to learn how to enhance and emotional intelligence to achieve the goals intended to be fulfilled.ReferencesGoleman, D. (1998). What Makes a Leader?

Harvard Business Review, 135-146.Mayer, J., & Salovey, P. (1997). What is emotional intelligence? In J. Mayer, & P. Salovey, Emotional development and emotional intelligence: Educational Implications (pp. 3-31). New York: Basic Books.Mayer, J., Salovey, P., & Caruso, D. (2004). Emotional Intelligence:Theory, Findings and Implications. Psychological Inquiry, Vol. 15, No. 3, 197-215.