What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence (EI), also known as emotional quotient (EQ), is the ability to manage and understand one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others, and express oneself in a way that is considerate and beneficial to those around them. It also involves providing supportive and positive feedback to others in response to their emotions.

Benefits of Emotional Intelligence

Strong emotional intelligence in a leader enables them to effectively handle conflicts, foster robust relationships, and cultivate a positive workplace atmosphere. This, in turn, boosts team morale, innovation, and creativity. Conversely, poor emotional intelligence in leaders can result in significant consequences, ranging from high employee turnover to toxic behaviours among staff.

Imagine you are working on a high-pressure project, and the deadline is fast approaching. Your team is feeling stressed and overwhelmed, and tensions are running high. In this scenario, Tunde, a leader with high EQ, would take the time to understand each team member's perspective and offer support where needed. He might take a team member aside to offer words of encouragement or adjust the project plan to reduce stress levels. By doing so, Tunde can help you and other team members manage your emotions and maintain a positive attitude, resulting in a more productive and successful project outcome.

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Now imagine the same scenario, but with Funmi, a leader with low EQ. In this case, Funmi might snap at team members who express concerns, dismiss their ideas, or ignore their emotional needs altogether. This approach could lead to a tense and uncomfortable work environment where team members feel unsupported and undervalued, leading to high turnover and poor performance.

These two leaders illustrate the effects of being an emotionally intelligent leader versus a leader with low EQ. Tunde was able to inspire and motivate his team because he connected and understood their needs and was able to give support when they needed it. Tunde is a leader who connects with his team members on a personal level and takes the time to understand their perspectives. As a result, his team was highly motivated, and productive, and had a low turnover rate. On the other hand, the second leader, Funmi, struggled to build relationships with her team. She was often short-tempered and dismissive of their concerns, leading to a tense and uncomfortable work environment. Her team members felt unsupported and undervalued, leading to high turnover and poor performance.

The advantages of being an emotionally intelligent leader are clear. By prioritizing relationships and understanding the needs of your team, you can build a strong, positive workplace culture that leads to increased productivity, engagement, and success. Conversely, leading with low EQ can have serious consequences, including high turnover, poor performance, and negative workplace culture.

So, where are you on the Emotional Intelligence Quotient? If you're not sure, the good news is that emotional intelligence can be learned and developed over time. All the major skills that comprise emotional intelligence, from being aware of and managing your own emotions to empathy and other interpersonal skills, can be improved with practice. To improve your emotional intelligence, the first step is to assess where you currently stand. You can use an Emotional Intelligence Quotient test to determine your baseline. From there, you can take steps to develop your emotional intelligence further.

5 Effective Ways to Enhance Your Emotional Intelligence

Here are five practical ways to develop your emotional intelligence as a leader:

1. Develop your self-awareness

Developing an awareness of your emotional state and reactions to others can significantly improve your emotional intelligence. Recognizing feelings of anxiety or anger can aid you in processing and expressing those emotions in a constructive manner. To enhance your awareness, you can track any instances of intense emotion and make notes about the triggers.

2. Empathize with others

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. By putting yourself in other people's shoes, you can gain a better understanding of their perspective and respond appropriately to their needs. To develop empathy, practice active listening and consider how you would feel if in another person’s situation.

3. Accept feedback

Accepting feedback can be difficult, but it's essential to developing your emotional intelligence. It helps you learn from your mistakes, improve your skills, and develop empathy for others.

4. Improve your communication skills

Good communication is essential for building strong relationships and resolving conflicts. Developing your communication skills involves active listening, expressing yourself clearly and concisely and adapting your communication style to different situations and people. Strong communication skills are essential for emotional intelligence. Knowing what to say or write and when to deliver information is crucial for building strong relationships. For example, as a manager in a work environment, communicating expectations and goals is necessary to keep everyone on the same page. Try to be as communicative as possible and create multiple channels for others to communicate their feelings with you.

5. Enrol in an MBA in Lagos Business School

LBS is committed to developing leaders who are not only competent in their fields but also emotionally intelligent. Enrolling in an MBA program at LBS offers a plethora of benefits. Apart from providing a comprehensive curriculum that prepares you with the right leadership skills, LBS also equips you with the tools to develop your emotional intelligence further. By taking advantage of the resources provided, such as leadership coaching, mentoring, and access to a diverse and experienced faculty, you will be equipped to become a more emotionally intelligent leader.

Our students are exposed to real-life case studies of African and international businesses, which helps them gain a deeper understanding of business challenges and opportunities. This provides you with a well-rounded education that goes beyond the theoretical aspects of a business.

Additionally, LBS provides students with networking opportunities that can help them build relationships with other business professionals and leaders. Developing a high EQ, becoming a better communicator, mentoring your team effectively, and exposure to real-life business scenarios make LBS an excellent choice for anyone looking to make a difference in the African business landscape.

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