In Daniel Goleman’s words, “In a very real sense, we have two minds, one that thinks and another that feels.” The ability to navigate and understand the latter is what sets great leaders apart. This leads us to the second essential ‘E’ for leadership excellence – Emotional Intelligence.
Consider the example of OprahWinfrey, the iconic media mogul and philanthropist. In the face of numerous challenges, Oprah showcased remarkable emotional intelligence by first mastering her own emotions. Her powerful mantra, “Turn your wounds into wisdom,” reflects a profound self-awareness.
Self-awareness stands tall as the cornerstone of leadership development. It is the compass that directs our inner and external exploration. BillGeorge, a professor of leadership at Harvard Business School, and former CEO of Medtronic, says that selfawareness is the starting point of leadership.
When leaders identify and comprehend their emotions, they gain insight into how these emotions influence their actions and impact others. This foundational self- awareness forms the basis for managing emotions effectively.
In business, people trust you when you are genuine and authentic. Authentic leaders demonstrate a passion for their purpose, practice their values consistently, and lead with their hearts as well as their heads. They establish long-term, meaningful relationships and have the self-discipline to get results. They know who they are. As rightly said, “Leadership emerges from your life story.”
American businesswoman Ann Fudge said, “All of us have the spark of leadership in us, whether it is in business, in government, or as a nonprofit volunteer. The challenge is to understand ourselves well enough to discover where we can use our leadership gifts to serve others.”
As we delve into the intricate fabric of Emotional Intelligence and the pivotal role of self-awareness, we invite you to embark on a transformative journey to discover who you are and where you want to be as a “Leader.”