LeadWithGOOD June 2016 | Page 11

5 Determinants of Emotional intelligence in Leadership - Tanya Saggi Leadership is a process in which an individual aims at achieving a certain goal with a group of people. It takes intelligence, compassion, self-awareness, self-regulation and social skills to make a leader. No matter how qualified a person is, unless he isn’t emotionally intelligent he cannot lead a team towards progress. Emotional quotient is the core essence of leadership. Mahatma Gandhi, the father of India nation, had studied law from England. If he didn’t understand the situation and responded according to the needs of the environment, he wouldn’t be one of the great revolutionary leaders. That is where emotional intelligence comes in. He was self-aware, he was compassionate and well-educated. That’s the reason he could manipulate the British with non-violence approach. The “people’s president”, A.P.J Abdul Kalam, was a scientist primarily who turned into a politician, author to various books as well. He was honored with Bharat Ratna which is the most prestigious award. A person without emotional intelligence would not be able to achieve so much in a single life. Ka- lam was intellectual, aware of his surroundings and balanced within. He was a gem in the Indian history. Clarrisa “Clara” Harlowe Barton, an independent personality in the medical field, served in the American civil war and founded the American Red Cross. Evidently, she’s an inspirational personality. She served the soldiers in a period where a few women used to work. Thomas Jefferson also sets a great example of emotional intelligence in leadership. You cannot be a leader to a whole country unless you are in complete control of yourself. Jefferson was the third president of the US and he was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. There are 5 determinants of emotional intelligence in leadership: Self-assessment. It is the ability to differentiate between your own emotions and the others’, and the impact they have. A leader analyzes his strengths and weaknesses to work in a manner of achiev11 ing better productivity. Self-regulation. Keeping a regular check of the disruptive emotions and simultaneously controlling and adapting with the change in the environment.One of the best qualities, which a leader possesses, is keeping himself disciplined. Calmness of a leader can create a peaceful environment. Empathy. Empathizing and being understanding as a leader generates a sense of security and compassion in the environment Relationship Management. Effective management of the human resources can maintain a positive aura in the environment.A leader keeps the work environment light and easy to work in. Effective communication. Being able to communicate to your team and investing such confidence in them to do so themselves is a crucial factor.Emotional intelligence is in itself the backbone of success.