Emotional intelligence (aka EQ) is the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict. It has surpassed IQ in terms of skills necessary to become an effective leader.
Over a decade ago, even before EQ was a sexy term in leadership, I tried introducing this concept with great resistance. There wasn’t a lot of respect for this kind of leadership and it was frustrating because I could see first-hand how valuable and effective it truly was.
Despite pushback, I continued to lead people with this notion of “Hug-Therapy” whether bosses embraced it or not. It was one of the key factors for loyalty, low attrition, positive culture and productivity for the company.
Leaders often have to influence people but there are many times when they must also manage and influence upwards. I never got any thanks or praise but the numbers were all there to support it. You also don’t get over 60+ unsolicited recommendations on LinkedIn by accident.
Have your bosses ever gotten in the way of you trying to build their business?
