Are You a Robotic Leader?

5 Questions to Gauge Your Level of Emotional Intelligence

Ever-evolving technology, globalization, and other factors have changed the way we interact as humans, which in turn changes the way we do work.

To make an impact in the workplace today, it's not just a matter of  what you know but also how you are as a person. Emotional intelligence—how we relate to and collaborate with others—distinguishes us as humans.

“As technology gallops ahead with longer strides every year, the transition to the newly valuable skills of empathizing, collaborating, creating, leading, and building relationships is happening faster than corporations, governments, education systems, or most human psyches can keep up with.”—Geoff Colvin, Humans are Underrated

So how are you as a person? How emotionally intelligent are you? 

Faced with the need to develop emotional intelligence (now!), some leaders are overwhelmed, claim it’s not in their wiring, or feel wary about connecting with others in new ways, but mastery of these skills is what sets exceptional leaders apart. You must have the ability to: 

• Read people
• Build trust
• Collaborate
• Seek genuine understanding
• Solve problems through the sharing of experiences and stories

Supervisors, Managers, Directors, and Executives: Reflect on Emotional Intelligence

1. How do my actions build trust with others?
2. What are my emotional triggers and how do I know when my buttons are pushed at work?
3. What are the concerns of the individuals on my team? Do they know that I’m aware of these concerns?
4. How do I typically handle conflict? Do I lean into it? Disengage? Avoid it outright? Come out fighting at the slightest provocation?
5. How can I become more emotionally intelligent so I improve the trust and deep collaboration in my relationships?

Reread that last question. It's important. Once you get a feel for your own development needs, be sure to identify ways you can grow your emotional intelligence. Here are some tips:

• Read about emotional intelligence and incorporate some of the ideas into your workplace.
• Lead an emotional intelligence book club discussion with your team.
• Go to training or an emotional intelligence workshop.
• Work with an individual coach or mentor to develop a higher capacity to work with others. 

Even if your emotional intelligence needs work, it’s never too late to harness its power—the required skills are learnable. Ask yourself these five questions and proactively seek opportunities to improve your emotional intelligence.

You’ll become a better leader, build stronger teams, and better position your organization to succeed. You’ll also grow personally and professionally, enhancing your relationships outside of work and making yourself more marketable in a constantly evolving world. 

Photo by Logan Ingalls with color modification / CC BY 2.0