Why Leading With Emotional Intelligence Matters Most Now

Emotional Intelligence (EI), often called Emotional Quotient (EQ), is a set of skills that enables you to recognize, understand, manage, and influence your emotions and those of others. Unlike IQ, which measures cognitive abilities like problem-solving and reasoning, emotional intelligence focuses on effectively navigating emotional interactions and building relationships.

Emotional intelligence in leadership is crucial for achieving success and creating positive experiences.

In other words, leading with emotional intelligence is what turns routine service into a memorable experience by ensuring that every guest feels genuinely cared for and that every employee is understood.

Why Is Emotional Intelligence Important for Leaders?

While traditional metrics like financial performance and technical expertise remain important, leadership now extends beyond those dimensions. EI allows leaders to connect deeply with their teams, encouraging trust and open communication. EI creates an environment where employees feel understood and supported, contributing to a more motivated and collaborative workforce.

The Harvard Business Review has shared a 10-year study at Google called Project Oxygen. It reveals that emotional intelligence and its resulting soft skills matter more to one's success as a manager than IQ or technical skills.  

Compounding this importance, research in human behavior predicts the demand for emotional intelligence to increase 6-fold due to the increase in artificial intelligence.

In other words, as workplaces become more reliant on technology and automation, the human element of leadership will grow in importance. Emotionally intelligent leaders will be essential in maintaining genuine human connections, bridging the gap left by machines, and ensuring that teams remain cohesive and motivated.

Recognizing the importance of EI, Cesar Ritz Colleges Switzerland enhanced its already strong curriculum with a workshop meticulously designed to prepare students for a future where leadership is synonymous with emotional acuity, empathy, and resilience.  

This initiative is a profound exploration into the core of effective leadership and personal growth, spearheaded by Dr. Givel, a luminary in Mindful Leadership. 

Yves Givel's Approach to Leadership Training

As previously mentioned, in collaboration with Cesar Ritz Colleges, Dr. Givel offered a workshop to students that explored a transformative approach to leadership training, emphasizing the importance of EI in cultivating mindful, self-aware leaders. His career, which includes senior HR leadership roles in the global hospitality industry, has been dedicated to helping individuals develop the EI needed to navigate the complexities of leadership.

Dr. Givel's leadership training focuses on the concept that true leadership starts from within. Leaders cannot effectively lead others without first understanding themselves. The workshop, Leading with Emotional Intelligence, provides a comprehensive framework for developing EI, starting with self-awareness. Dr. Givel's approach is deeply rooted in scientific research, particularly neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to adapt and change over time in response to new experiences and learning.

During the workshop, Dr. Givel introduces students to EI through practical exercises that help them recognize and manage their emotions. One of the workshop's core teachings is that leaders must be in tune with their emotional state to cultivate empathy and understanding toward others. This self-awareness forms the foundation for all other aspects of EI, such as social awareness and relationship management.

Leadership Styles Based on Emotional Intelligence

Dr. Givel identifies four primary leadership styles based on different aspects of EI. These styles are not mutually exclusive, and many leaders embody a combination of them, depending on the situation:

The Aware Leader 

• Is attuned to their guiding values and consistent in communication and actions.  

• Is authentic and demonstrates awareness of their mood and emotions. 

• Knows their strengths and limitations. 

• Understands the impact their behavior has on others. 

• Engages in learning and self-improvement. 

• Responds effectively to constructive criticism.  

The Empathetic Leader 

• Is able to attune to a wide range of emotional signals. 

• Senses the unspoken emotions in a person or group. 

• Notices when someone needs support and responds effectively. 

• Makes themselves available as needed. 

• Listens attentively and acknowledge the views and opinions of others. 

• Is able to get along with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. 

• Makes others feel appreciated. 

The Resilient Leader 

• Manages their emotions and impulses effectively. 

• Stays calm and clear-headed in challenging situations. 

• Is optimistic and demonstrates a positive, energizing demeanor. 

• Openly admits to and learns from their mistakes. 

• Continually learns and strives to improve their performance. 

• Is flexible and quickly adapts to new circumstances.  

The Inspiring Leader 

• Offers a sense of common purpose and helps team members understand their  

contribution to the organization. 

• Fosters psychological safety in their team. 

• Develops trust and maintains a positive work environment. 

• Is a team player and provides relevant support and guidance. 

• Provides constructive feedback on behavior and performance.  

• Helps facilitate team member development and career advancement.

Four Components of Emotional Intelligence

EI is often broken down into four key components, each playing a crucial role in effective leadership:

1. Self-Awareness - At its core, self-awareness involves understanding your emotions, strengths, and the impact of your actions on others. Self-aware leaders are mindful of how their mood affects decision-making and how they communicate with their teams. They are also more open to feedback, acknowledge their limitations, and continuously seek to improve.
2. Self-Management - Once leaders are aware of their emotions, they must develop the ability to regulate them effectively. Self-management involves controlling impulsive feelings and behaviors, managing stress in healthy ways, and maintaining a positive outlook even during challenging times. Leaders who excel at self-management maintain professionalism in all situations, inspiring team confidence and stability.
3. Social Awareness - Social awareness is the leader's ability to understand others' emotions, pick up on social cues, and empathize with different perspectives. Socially aware leaders can sense when morale is low, someone feels excluded, or conflict is brewing.
4. Relationship Management - The final component of EI involves managing relationships effectively. Relationship management encompasses many skills, including clear communication, conflict resolution, and inspiring and influencing others. Leaders with strong relationship management skills can build trust within their teams, create an environment of psychological safety, and guide their employees through change.

Strategies for Developing Emotional Intelligence

Developing EI takes practice, but it's something you can improve with intention. Here's how you can strengthen your EI and become a more influential leader:

• Build self-awareness - Start by journaling or practicing mindfulness. The more you understand your reactions, the better you'll be at making thoughtful decisions and improving your relationships.
• Practice active listening - When you talk with your team, really listen. Avoid interrupting or judging, and focus on understanding their feelings and perspectives. This approach will help you connect better with others and create a work environment where people feel heard and appreciated.
• Manage stress effectively - You can't lead well if stress takes over. Try mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, or even regular physical activity to control your emotions. Staying calm under pressure allows you to lead with clarity and confidence.
• Ask for feedback - Don't hesitate to ask your peers, mentors, or team for feedback. They can offer valuable insights into how you're perceived and where you can improve. Seeking feedback shows humility and a real commitment to growing as a leader.
• Keep learning - Emotional Intelligence isn't something you develop once and forget. Keep honing your skills by attending workshops, like those by Dr. Yves Givel, or seeking out new strategies. Continuous learning will help you stay ahead and lead with empathy and resilience.

Conclusion

Through the Leading with Emotional Intelligence workshop, the collaboration between Cesar Ritz Colleges Switzerland and Dr. Yves Givel signifies a pivotal step towards nurturing leaders adept at managing businesses and champions of well-being, inclusivity, and positive change. As we look toward the future, the principles of emotional intelligence and mindful leadership will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow—leaders who are prepared to navigate the complexities of the professional world with grace, empathy, and a deep understanding of the human experience. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to identify a lack of Emotional Intelligence?

A lack of emotional intelligence can be identified by several indicators, such as difficulty in understanding or expressing emotions, poor conflict resolution skills, frequent emotional outbursts, and a lack of empathy toward others. Leaders with low EI often struggle with maintaining positive relationships and may find it challenging to inspire or motivate their teams.

Is higher emotional intelligence linked to better employee engagement?

Yes, leaders with high emotional intelligence tend to foster a more engaged workforce. These leaders can create a supportive work environment that promotes loyalty, motivation, and productivity by understanding and addressing employees' emotional needs.

What are the benefits of emotional intelligence in an organization?

Organizations prioritizing EI experience numerous benefits, including better teamwork, improved communication, reduced conflict, and higher employee satisfaction. EI also leads to more harmonious workplace relationships and a positive organizational culture.