How EQ can make you a better leader
Have you ever wondered whether you’re a great leader? Or felt that you weren’t really deserving of the leadership position that you currently hold? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you’re not alone.
Many companies have experienced instances where a leader within the organization shows strengths in core competencies necessary for the role, but exhibits Emotional Intelligence (EI) blind spots of which peers are taking notice. Or, a company finds an employee that exhibits great work ethic and is an emerging star amongst his/her peers, while showing comparable traits to leaders within the organization.
For this expert series, we will focus on Brian; a successful 41-year old executive newly hired to a consulting firm that works exclusively with the United States Department of Defense. Most of Brian’s direct reports are about 10 to 15 years his senior with advanced degrees. Brian’s insecurities about his age, lack of a post-graduate degree and inexperience with advanced research projects have been a cause of great stress since he’s started his new job. While working at his new job, he was introduced to an assessment focused on the Emotional Intelligence subscales, which he saw as an opportunity to sharpen his self-awareness and relationship building skills. Feeling how he had been lately; he eagerly engaged in the EI process to gain insights.
The first step for anyone engaging in this process is to have a deeper understanding of the EQ-i 2.0 model and its various subscales. These include, but are not limited to, Self-Perception, Self-Expression, Interpersonal skills, Decision-Making Skills, and Stress management. Brian was asked to do a self-assessment as to how often, easily, and consistently he engages with each element in his daily life. This helped him reflect on what his daily processes are and what helps and hinder his progress within the workplace.
Although some of Brian’s results were expected, there were some that surprised him and he was eager to improve. He decided to reach out and create a close professional relationship with a senior researcher who works for him to serve as a mentor. Through this mentorship, Brian was able to gain specific content knowledge that he lacked and helped him better engage with EI elements with which he most often struggled with – Happiness and Self-Actualization. It’s important to see your results as a stepping stone towards building a better you as Brian did. EQ can be learned so if there are weaknesses, take advantage; work with a Coach, create an action plan, and stick to it!
What it takes:
It takes more than just being in a leadership position to be an effective leader. Although Brian was in a senior position in his company, he didn’t truly feel that he was deserving. Instead of giving up, he recognized this weakness and sought help in order to be as efficient as possible in his role. Being a manager wasn’t enough for Brian; he wanted to be an inspiring leader that was the best he could be at his craft in order to be able to encourage his employees to do the same.
From this learning, you as a leader or an aspiring leader can hit the ground running by asking yourself what can make you the best possible candidate for the job you already have and how you can grow in your position. For a deeper dive into the Leadership Report and what it entails visit here.
The next part in the series will hone in on an employee’s EQ in the workplace and how that is often more integral for success than their IQ. Here you will learn about the steps before someone becomes a leader and what’s needed to achieve professional and personal goals.
About MHS:
MHS aligns extensive scientific research and powerful data with innovative technologies to create, market, and sell leading assessments that help inform critical decisions in the areas of mental health, education, talent development, and public safety. Trusted to help users accurately assess, evaluate, and improve performance in over 75 countries, MHS assessments help people around the world reach their full potential.
Founded in 1983, MHS is a growing company, powered by an exceptional team of passionate, innovative, and driven professionals dedicated to researching, programming, designing, and promoting high-quality assessments and solutions that make a difference.
The Expert Series is brought to you by choice Magazine as part of our ongoing efforts to bring opportunities for learning and growth to the coaching community. Delivered in four parts every two weeks, each series covers useful topics for business development and coaching insights, serving the needs of leaders in all areas and walks of life. Archived copies of the previous series can be found here.
