Leadership and EQ (emotional quotient)

Leadership and intelligence(s) IQ = intelligence quota (how ‘smart’ you are) genetic / can be modified slightly with brain training free online IQ testhttp:// EQ = emotional quota (how well you manage yourself and your relationships) behaviourial / can be learned 100% free online EQ testhttp:// SQ = social quota (how well you mange complex social situations) behaviourial / can be learned 100%

As the old saying about Success goes... “It ain’t what you know (IQ) - Its who you know (EQ) If this is true – what does it suggest about “leadership personality”? Three useful qualities would be

Leadership and intelligence(s) To be able to be a leader you have to have ‘enough’ IQ. To be successful as a leader you have to have more EQ and SQ. AS both EQ and SQ skills can be learned, leadership can be learned. “Its better to be ‘real’ than to be ‘right’ ” (authentic leadership).

Emotions and Mood control Emotions are an open loop system in our brains. Control of the emotional system/ balance is affected from “outside” the loop. Connections with other people affect our internal emotional balance. “mirror neurons – brain cells in your (my) head that pick up on my (your) mood” The aim of a leader is to affect other peoples’ internal emotional states by connecting with them.

This Just in..... Smiling is the number one skill for leaders. Walking in to a room and smiling for about seven minutes will improve the mood of everyone in the room.

SMILE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN Smiling is one of the best ways to positively affect another person’s emotional state. As a leader if you smile a lot, you will lift the emotional state of your followers, who will then be happier work more productively be more creative etc. (at no extra cost)

Smiling Break - 15 minutes Please – leave your seat and walk around. drink some water speak to a couple of people smile at each other

Leadership is about people People are emotional. Emotions affect everything we do, think, feel, etc. The best leaders are able to establish and manage an emotional connection with their followers. Good leaders express their emotions in a positive way to affect others through connection and influence.

Leadership Styles based on EQ Six styles are identified. We all have a dominant style, but can develop other styles as needed. Successful leaders use a mix of styles – depending on situation.

Coercive - “Do what I tell you” Demands immediate obedience (military style). EQ drivers are drive to achieve, initiative, self control. Best situation for this is a crisis / emergency / with problem employees Generally negative effect on ‘climate’

Authoritative – Come with me” Moves people to reach a vision /inspiration. EQ drivers are Self-confidence Empathy Change catalyst Best situation for this is in change management / setting new strategy Most positive effect on climate of all styles

Affiliative – “People come first” Creates harmony and builds relationships with people EQ drivers are Empathy Building relationships Communication Best situation for this is to calm and motivate staff in a stressful time / after a crisis / to heal a team. Positive effect on climate

Democratic – “What do you think?” Finds agreement through discussion etc. EQ drivers are Collaboration Team leadership Communication Best situation for this is to get expert input from qualified/experienced staff, to build agreement for new plans Positive effect on climate

Pacesetting – “Do as I do, now” Sets high standards for personal and other peoples’ performance. EQ drivers are Hard worker Initiative Drive to achieve Best situation for this is to get results from highly motivated and competent team. Negative effect on climate

Coaching – “Try this” Developing people for the business and their own future. EQ drivers are Developing others Empathy Self-awareness Best situation for this is to help employee improve themselves, and to build long term capability in the business Positive effect on climate

EQ + U (emotional quotient and you) Q&A : In groups of three Which one do you feel you are most like / most unlike ? Which one(s) would you like to develop more? Why? Which ones do you see in business leaders, politicians etc?