As we enter into December, it can be a time of high emotions and I believe that Emotional Intelligence (EI) is crucial for effective leadership. For executives, having high emotional intelligence is essential. It helps leaders handle complex relationships, create a positive work atmosphere, and drive success.

There was a fantastic video of a sports coach when asked the question in a press conference about the absence of one of his players, who wasn’t present due to the birth of his child – If you haven’t seen it you can watch it here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0a-Nr_vRjM

Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence. It means understanding your own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses and how they affect others. For leaders, being self-aware leads to better decisions, clearer communication, and increased respect from others.

How you can boost your own Self-Awareness

1. Reflection – Regularly think about your interactions and decisions. Consider what emotions you felt and why.

2. Feedback – Ask for honest feedback from colleagues and team members. Use this input to understand your behaviour and its impact.

3. Mindfulness – Practice mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing to stay present and aware of your emotions.

Developing Empathy in your Leadership

Empathy, or the ability to understand and share others’ feelings, is another key part of emotional intelligence. Empathetic leaders connect with their team on a deeper level, building trust and cooperation.

How to develop your empathy

1. Active Listening – Give full attention when someone speaks, showing that you value their input. Avoid interrupting and ask questions to understand their perspective better.

2. Understanding their Perspective – Try to see situations from others’ viewpoints. Think about the challenges they might be facing both at work and personally.

3. Compassionate Communication – Respond to team members with kindness, especially during tough times. Acknowledge their feelings and offer support when needed.

Leading with Empathy

Leading with empathy means recognising and understanding the challenges your team faces, both professionally and personally. This approach enhances team interactions and improves overall results by creating a supportive and productive environment.

I remember once being asked to coach a top team on the understanding I would only coach them about work – I turned down the coaching as people are whole beings – not just employees and what happens to us inside and outside of work is connected!

The Benefits of Leading with Empathy

1. Increased Engagement – Employees are more engaged and motivated when they feel understood and valued.

2. Improved Collaboration – Teams work better together when empathy is a part of the leadership style, leading to more creative solutions.

3. Higher Retention Rates – Empathetic leadership can reduce turnover by fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty. And we all know the cost of a high turnover of employees both in monetary and morale terms.

Some practical steps you can take

1. Open-Door Policy – Encourage open communication and make yourself accessible to your team. This helps you understand their concerns and address them effectively.

2. Flexible Work Arrangements – Recognise that employees have lives outside of work. Offering flexibility shows empathy and improves work-life balance.

3. Personalised Support – Provide tailored support to team members based on their individual needs. This could be professional development opportunities or well-being initiatives.

Let’s look at this from a sports team view

A successful coach not only knows the game strategy but also understands each player’s strengths, weaknesses, and emotions. They know when a player needs encouragement, when they need constructive feedback, and when they need a break. By being self-aware and empathetic, a coach can build a cohesive, motivated, and high-performing team. Similarly, as a leader, your awareness and empathy can inspire your team to perform at their best and work together seamlessly.

Emotional intelligence is a vital trait for executives. By boosting self-awareness and developing empathy, leaders can improve their interactions with their teams and achieve better results. Leading with empathy is about creating an environment where everyone can thrive. In the long run, this approach leads to a more engaged, collaborative, and successful team.

I invite you to embrace emotional intelligence in your leadership journey and see the positive impact it can have on your organisation.