LeadHER: Emotional Intelligence and Leading You

Aug 1

Written By: Cathie Ostapchuk

I grew up in an education system where those gifted in math and sciences made the wall of fame. I never seemed to find my name on that wall! There wasn’t a place for posting the high standings of those of us who lived more with their heart than with their head. I was a creative, a contemplative, a high achiever, but in areas of expression that did not have a commensurate evaluation system.

Over the years I struggled with comparison to those with seemingly higher IQ. Emotional Intelligence (EQ), has surfaced with a different set of competencies – all ones that can be learned, and even lead to transformed character.

The understanding and ability to meet our “self” needs comes from our emotional intelligence.

A research project conducted by Daniel Goleman in 121 companies and written in his book, Emotional Intelligence, shows that ”two out of three of the abilities deemed essential for effective performance were emotional competencies. Compared to IQ and expertise, emotional competence mattered twice as much. This held true across all categories of jobs, and in all kinds of organizations.”

Increasing EQ has been correlated with better results in leadership, sales, academic performance, marriage, friendships, and health.

Emotional intelligence counts more than IQ or expertise for determining who excels at a job – any job – and…for outstanding leadership. It counts for almost everything.

Emotional Intelligence contributes 80 to 90 percent of the competencies that distinguish outstanding from average leaders – and sometimes more.

Emotional Intelligence is our capacity to take care of ourselves and our relationships with others in a way that creates positive outcomes.

EQ is the distinguishing factor:

that determines if we make lemonade when life hands us lemons, or spend our life stuck
in bitterness;
that enables us to have wholesome, warm relationships or cold distant contacts;
between finding and living our life’s passions or just putting in time;
that draws others to us or repels them;
that enables us to work in concert and collaboration with others or withdraw in dispute.

Focusing on increasing emotional intelligence brings a high rate of return. It forces you to become aware and make choices about who you are going to be in the world. Because before you can lead others, you need to begin to lead yourself. We will be unpacking several aspects of emotional intelligence over the next few weeks.

I look forward to meeting you here again!

In life, in leadership,

Cathie

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