Theyre able to connect with people on a deeper level.

This requires emotional intelligence.

We cant overstate the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership.

A woman in leadership, ceo, team leader or coaching mentor, collaboration and motivation for office employee success

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Research shows us that leadership in the 21st century is as much about EQ as it is about IQ.

Self-awareness is key to leveling up our leadership skills.

Leading without tolerance for human emotion makes for horrible leadership.

No one really knows anyone and everyone isnt quite on the same page yet.

Take the time to get to know each person and understand their strengths.

Schedule regular team huddles where people discuss strategies, ideas, and issues.

Through team-building activities, create space for people to bond with each other.

Everyone is super stressed and anxious, wondering what it means for them.

Openly address the changes, sharing as much information as youre allowed to.

Answer questions honestly, acknowledge the emotions involved, and offer your support.

Actively involve the team in the transition process.

Giving Feedback

Perhaps one of the hardest parts of a job is giving someone negativefeedback.

You dont want to hurt their feelings, but youve got to do what youve got to do.

Instead of just pointing out mistakes, start the conversation by recognizing their efforts.

attempt to offer specific feedback, focusing on improvement rather than criticism.

Offer them any support or resources they need to do better.

Conflict puts everyone on edge and emotions tend to run high.

Understand the issue from every angle.

Acknowledge everyones frustrations and address their concerns.

Bring people together to work out a fair and equitable solution.

Create an environment where everyone feels heard.

Managing a Crisis

Your team is suddenly facing an unexpected crisis.

People arent sure what to do or how to handle it.

Its important that you stay calm and composed.

Take charge and work out a plan.

Give everyone clear instructions so they know what to do.

Acknowledge thestresseveryone is feeling but show them youre confident in their ability to overcome the challenge.

Celebrating Achievements

Your team has successfully completed a challenging project or achieved a major goal.

Take the time to celebrate the success with the team.

Call out every member of the team and recognize their contributions.

Make it a point to reward their accomplishments.

Keep in Mind

We can level up our leadership skills by working on ouremotional intelligence.

Kumar S.Establishing linkages between emotional intelligence and transformational leadership.Ind Psychiatry J.

2023;9(10):e20356.

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20356

Srivastava K.Emotional intelligence and organizational effectiveness.Ind Psychiatry J.