Learning Reflections Project Management
What makes a leader? – Emotional Intelligence
Daniel Goleman Article
• According to Goleman Emotional Intelligence (E.I.) is the defining characteristic of top quality leadership
• Really effective leaders combine traditional traits (IQ, toughness, determination, vision and technical skill) with EI traits
• E.I. (as defined by Goleman) has 5 aspects: o Self-Awareness o Self-Regulation o Motivation o Empathy o Social Skill
• First 3 elements – Self Mgt. Skills; last 2 deal with managing relationships with others
• It is argued: direct ties between E.I. & measureable business results
• Looking for “the right stuff”; more art than science
• His research found that E.I. was twice as important as technical skills & I.Q.at all levels in an organisation but increasingly so at top levels
Self-Awareness
• Understand your emotions, strengths, weaknesses, needs & drives
• Honest: not overly critical or hopeful
• Realistic self-assessment: admit to past failures, sense of humour, know capabilities
• Accept constructive criticism
Self-Regulation
• Manage your emotions/biological impulses, bad moods
• Acknowledge poor performance without rushing to judgment
• Analyse failure & develop solution
• Master emotions: better able to roll with change
• Increased integrity: ability to ignore impulses to take advantage of an opportunity that may be dishonest etc.
• Benefits: Create trust & fairness; reduce politics and infighting
Motivation
• Achieve beyond expectation
• Achieve for the sake of achievement not monetary gain, title etc.
• Signs: Passion, love to learn, energy, willing ness to explore new approaches, track results, optimism
Empathy
• Consider employees feelings when making decisions
• Leading teams: understand diff viewpoints
• Globalisation: cross-cultural communication (body language, ethnic differences)
• Retain talent: coaching & mentoring (know what buttons to press)
Social Skills
• Friendliness with a purpose
Daniel Goleman Article
• According to Goleman Emotional Intelligence (E.I.) is the defining characteristic of top quality leadership
• Really effective leaders combine traditional traits (IQ, toughness, determination, vision and technical skill) with EI traits
• E.I. (as defined by Goleman) has 5 aspects: o Self-Awareness o Self-Regulation o Motivation o Empathy o Social Skill
• First 3 elements – Self Mgt. Skills; last 2 deal with managing relationships with others
• It is argued: direct ties between E.I. & measureable business results
• Looking for “the right stuff”; more art than science
• His research found that E.I. was twice as important as technical skills & I.Q.at all levels in an organisation but increasingly so at top levels
Self-Awareness
• Understand your emotions, strengths, weaknesses, needs & drives
• Honest: not overly critical or hopeful
• Realistic self-assessment: admit to past failures, sense of humour, know capabilities
• Accept constructive criticism
Self-Regulation
• Manage your emotions/biological impulses, bad moods
• Acknowledge poor performance without rushing to judgment
• Analyse failure & develop solution
• Master emotions: better able to roll with change
• Increased integrity: ability to ignore impulses to take advantage of an opportunity that may be dishonest etc.
• Benefits: Create trust & fairness; reduce politics and infighting
Motivation
• Achieve beyond expectation
• Achieve for the sake of achievement not monetary gain, title etc.
• Signs: Passion, love to learn, energy, willing ness to explore new approaches, track results, optimism
Empathy
• Consider employees feelings when making decisions
• Leading teams: understand diff viewpoints
• Globalisation: cross-cultural communication (body language, ethnic differences)
• Retain talent: coaching & mentoring (know what buttons to press)
Social Skills
• Friendliness with a purpose