By Ms. Sonica Aron
That the last few years have been challenging and turbulent would be an understatement. As companies emerged from the Covid Pandemic, with extensive plans of recouping lost ground, the word saw several other big shifts. The evolving workforce demographics, with Zillennials joining the workforce, the tug of war between working models- remote/ hybrid and from office, changes in business models and ways of working along with the increasing adoption of AI and ML. The year 2023 saw very large stable companies layoff people in huge numbers. The year also saw macro-economic and geo-political disturbances.
In all this, what really happens to the emotional and mental wellbeing of our leaders. There is always a lot riding on them. In the realm of leadership, technical prowess and strategic acumen are often over-emphasized. Yet, the true hallmark of effective leadership lies in a quality less tangible but profoundly impactful: The ability to handle and channelise emotions, both their own and that of others.
While it is commonly understood that HR is the ’People’ function, it is also very important to take cognizance of the fact that it is Leaders who set the tone of the culture of the organisation. An employee experiences an organisation through their managers, peers and leaders. The kind of work environment that they experience is a function of the leaders’ Emotional Intelligence.
Emotional intelligence encompasses a range of competencies, including self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills. It’s the capacity to recognize and understand emotions in oneself and others, and to use this awareness to guide behaviour and relationships effectively. A deeper dive into emotional intelligence reveals its multifaceted impact, extending beyond surface-level interactions to encompass nuanced situations and responses.
Today when employees feel a sense of survivors’ guilt, when an organisation announces mass layoffs, or when the rapid adoption of technology in one’s area of work leads to feelings of fear and insecurity, or when a team is unable to meet their targets because of reasons completely out of their control, how the leader deals with the situation will define the morale, ownership and productivity going forward.
Consider the scenario of a team facing a setback. A leader high in emotional intelligence would not only comprehend the team’s frustration but also offer support, enablement, and a constructive path forward while in no way taking away ownership or accountability. This ability to navigate and positively influence emotions within a group is pivotal in fostering resilience, the ability for the team to get back after the setback, and to re-energise for way forward. By fostering an environment of psychological safety, where team members feel understood and valued, leaders can cultivate a culture of trust and collaboration.
The Impact of EI on Leadership
Research consistently demonstrates the profound impact of emotional intelligence on leadership effectiveness. A study by the Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations found that leaders with higher EI tend to create more positive work environments, foster stronger employee engagement, and achieve better organizational outcomes. The ripple effects of emotionally intelligent leadership extend far beyond individual interactions, shaping organizational culture and driving long-term success. Research conducted by Harvard Business Review found that companies led by empathetic CEOs experienced a 20% higher profitability than those led by less empathetic counterparts (Weisinger & Seidman, 2011)
EI in Conflict Resolution
Conflict is inevitable in any organization, in fact if managed well, it is even beneficial. Cognitive diversity and difference of opinions will lead to debates and coming up with joint solutions. How Conflict, or differences in opinion or ways of working are managed can make or break a team’s cohesion and productivity. Leaders adept in emotional intelligence approach conflicts with tact, empathy, and a focus on resolution rather than escalation. They recognize that conflicts often stem from underlying emotional triggers and strive to address these root causes with empathy and understanding.
Developing EI in Leaders
While some individuals may possess a natural inclination toward emotional intelligence, it’s a skill that can be nurtured and developed over time. Leadership development programs increasingly prioritize EI training through workshops, coaching, and experiential learning activities. These initiatives provide leaders with the tools and techniques to enhance their emotional intelligence competencies and apply them effectively in real-world scenarios. By providing actionable strategies and feedback, such programs empower leaders to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics with confidence and authenticity. Developing EI in leaders is no longer an option, but business critical.
The ROI of EI Investment
Investing in the emotional intelligence development of leaders yields substantial returns on investment. Organizations that prioritize EI in leadership development initiatives impact metrics that matter- better retention, higher employee satisfaction, lower absenteeism, higher innovation and greater overall performance. By equipping leaders with the emotional intelligence skills needed to inspire and motivate their teams, organizations create a ripple effect of positive outcomes that extend throughout the entire workforce.
Emotionally intelligent leaders serve as role models for their teams, fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment where individuals thrive and contribute their best.
Conclusion: The Future of Leadership
In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership cannot be overstated. Leaders who prioritize EI not only navigate challenges with grace and resilience but also inspire and empower those around them to achieve collective success. As organizations strive to thrive in dynamic and volatile environments, they must recognize the transformative power of emotional intelligence in leadership development. By fostering a culture that values empathy, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills, they pave the way for enduring success in the ever-evolving landscape of leadership. As we look to the future, it’s clear that emotionally intelligent leadership will continue to play a central role in driving organizational effectiveness, fostering innovation, and creating workplaces where individuals can thrive and fulfil their potential.
(The author is Ms. Sonica Aron, Founder Marching Sheep, and the views expressed in this article are her own)
