Emotional intelligence in leadership in leadership is a puzzle many researchers and scholars of leadership are trying to solve. Maybe the first man in Eden also struggled with it when God created the world and asked him to "master and subdue it and have dominion over it" (Gen. 1:28) and to work and keep it' (Gen. 2:15) The responsibility of man is to be the CEO so to say, manage and develop what God has created and put in his charge; He, man is to use the resources given to him both natural and human. Man is still faced with this dilemma of mastering himself, the earth and all that is within it. Man is called to be stewards of the gifts that has been given to him. We are called to manage the gifts and talents that God has given to us and put it to good use. (Mt.25:14-30) For a community, ministry, organization, or country, parishes, religious congregations or household to run smoothly, good leaders are needed. For this reason, governmental institutions, churches and families, social organizations spend a lot of resources in the formation of the present and future leaders.
Much has been written on leadership, many theories and model which help us to better understand and develop our leadership skills. In Daniel Goleman's (Best of Havaard Business Review 1998) research article; What makes a leader? it discusses "Emotional Intelligence". The author believes that intelligence quotient (IQ)
Goleman states that 'leaders need to have three skills (accounting, business planning), cognitive skills (analytical reasoning), and emotional skills (ability to work with others: self -awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills). He further stated that "most effective leaders are alike in one crucial way: they all have a high degree of 'emotional intelligence'. The study found that emotional intelligence was twice as important as the other two (technical skills and IQ). He addresses the components of emotional intelligence:
Self-knowledge: This is the ability to recognize and understand one's moods, emotions and drives, as well as their effects on others. This is expressed as self-confidence, not a stand offish attitude. This self-confidence in a leader is founded and rooted in humility and driven by charity towards those in his/her charge. Leaders are filled with knowledge and wisdom. One of the great doctors of the Catholic Church, St. Teresa of Jesus of Avila, used to tell her daughters, for a spiritual guide, it is better a man of knowledge and wisdom than a pious person.
Self-discipline: This is the ability control unruly impulses and mood swings. Such individuals weigh matters before making decisions; they are not erratic or irrational in their decision making process, they are trustworthy and have integrity as their motto. They are not rigid, and are open to meaningful change.
Driven: These individuals have motivation, a passion to work for reasons that go beyond money, power or status. They have a proclivity to pursue goals with drive and persistence. They are undaunted by difficulties and have mastered the ability to rise above set backs, failure and even disasters. They are committed individual. They can be counted on.
Empathy: The ability to understand the emotional makeup of the other people. Leaders are aware and have the skills in treating and dealing with people according to their emotional reactions. It includes the ability build and retain talent, cross-cultural sensitivity, and service to clients and customers. Leaders are all about service.
To be continued.
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