w h at m a k e s a l e a d e r ?
The Five Components of Emotional Intelligence at Work
Self-Awareness
Definition
Hallmarks
the ability to recognize and understand
your moods, emotions, and drives, as
well as their effect on others
self-confidence
realistic self-assessment
self-deprecating sense of humor
Self-Regulation
the ability to control or redirect
disruptive impulses and moods
trustworthiness and integrity
comfort with ambiguity
the propensity to suspend judgment –
to think before acting
Motivation
a passion to work for reasons that go
beyond money or status
openness to change
strong drive to achieve
optimism, even in the face of failure
Empathy
a propensity to pursue goals with
energy and persistence
organizational commitment
the ability to understand the emotional
makeup of other people
expertise in building and retaining
talent
skill in treating people according to
their emotional reactions
cross-cultural sensitivity
service to clients and customers
Social Skill
proficiency in managing relationships
and building networks
effectiveness in leading change
persuasiveness
an ability to find common ground and
build rapport
divisions outperformed yearly earnings goals by
20%. Meanwhile, division leaders without that
critical mass underperformed by almost the same
amount. McClelland’s findings, interestingly, held
as true in the company’s U.S. divisions as in its divisions in Asia and Europe.
In short, the numbers are beginning to tell us a
persuasive story about the link between a company’s success and the emotional intelligence of its
leaders. And just as important, research is also
demonstrating that people can, if they take the
harvard business review
November–December 1998
expertise in building and leading teams
right approach, develop their emotional intelligence. (See the insert “Can Emotional Intelligence
Be Learned?”)
Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is the first component of emotional
intelligence – which makes sense when one considers that the Delphic oracle gave the advice to
“know thyself” thousands of years ago. Self-awareness means having a deep understanding of one’s
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