5 Ways You Can Use Emotional Intelligence To Be A Better Leader

By Kibet Tobias
Leading a team isn’t always easy; it needs a few principles of emotional intelligence.
Whether in business or in the office, emotional intelligence (also called EQ) is essential for effective communication between employees and their management. This prevents misunderstandings hence fostering positive workplace relationships.
So what is emotional intelligence?
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand your own emotions and those of others.
When you are emotionally intelligent, you are able to solve problems in a way those does not hurt the other person.
This article outlines a few ways you can use emotional intelligence in your capacity as a leader.
1. Empathize with others
If you understand your emotional responses, you will know how to deal with others more empathically.
For example, if you’re the boss imagine yourself in your employee’s situation. How would you feel and react?
Consider a situation where a coworker is upset after dealing with an irritating client, your ability to empathize compassionately can constructively help to find ways to minimize similar situations from happening again in the future.
When you exercise empathy, you let others know that you understand how they feel. Empathy can motivate your team to want to work harder as a response.
Why is empathy so important?
If you lack empathy, it’s difficult to reflect on the consequences your actions might have on others.
How will others perceive your actions? Will your circumstances impact on their work?
As a leader, know when you’re asking too much.
2. Listen twice as much as you speak
As a leader, you should be able to fully exercise good listening skills.
When you’re socially aware and connected to the emotions of others at a personal level, you’ll understand what your colleagues or friends are going through.
Anytime you listen, you show them that they are valued. This gives them a chance to open up allow you to provide them with helpful and constructive criticism and this in the end will impact positively on their productivity.
3. Be vulnerable
At one point or another, we have all made mistakes, don’t hide them.
In order to connect with others show your emotional vulnerability by owning up to your mistakes and people will respect you more for it.
However, you can still maintain a leadership presence by passionately showing others how to engage and collaborate as a team. Address them with warmth instead of dictatorship.
Quickly See This >>> 5 Steps Towards Building A Happier & Better Future For Yourself
4. Ask for feedback
Everyone needs to hear the truth, even if the message isn’t appealing.
As a leader, you should always be the first to ask for feedback on yourself regularly.
Ask yourself questions like ‘How am I doing as a leader?’
The fact that that you don’t always receive a lot of negative feedback doesn’t necessarily mean you are a good leader. It is best to always ask and be open to receiving feedback.
5. Apologize if you are at fault
It’s not easy to do this, but it becomes easier with practice.
Be accountable and learn to apologize anytime you are at fault. This quickly helps in building trust and rapport with people.
Apologizing also creates a positive environment that comes with positive health benefits for everyone. In the end, happy people are productive people.
Finally…
It is proven that people who possess all of the above traits often achieve the greatest success in life. If you’re able to cultivate a great level of emotional intelligence, most likely you will create an immediate impact on your career and those around you.
Tobias is a content writer at Career Point Kenya. Email tobias@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke. Any query? Leave a comment below.