Emotional Intelligence is at the Heart of Leadership. The emotionally intelligent leader has the ability to recognize and manage his emotions, and can empathize with a diverse range of people. In addition, he possesses a highly fluid, many sided personality composed of a broad range of personality opposites.
An emotionally intelligent leader can share himself authentically, even in the presence of fear.
Leaders who demonstrate Emotional Intelligence inspire loyalty, and trust, retain talent, create atmospheres in which creative ideas flourish and have better bottom lines. No less important, emotional intelligence is a protective force in the battle against the nation's number one killer, heart disease. Leaders with emotional intelligence are able to discharge toxic emotions which effect the heart. Secondly, they are able to create intimate relationships which protect the heart. Finally, they manage their emotions in ways that promote heart healthy behaviors.
Leaders who are inauthentic or self deceptive often face difficulties retaining talent, inspiring trust, and remaining competitive. Perhaps more discomforting, leaders who wear masks increase their odds of succumbing to a heart attack. Continuous secretion of stress hormones, unhealthy behaviors, and compromised relationships increase the risk of heart disease, particularly in those leaders who already have one or more of the known risk factors.
Leaders with emotional intelligence are more likely to have a "Survivor Personality". Their endorsement of a combination of personality opposites allows emotionally intelligent leaders to empathize with a diverse set of people, promoting social harmony and shared values. Such a leader maximizes his chances of creating a vibrant and competitive company, as well as increasing his longevity.
In contrast, leaders with an "At Risk" personality have unipolar personality traits, the product of defensiveness. Disowning or denying significant aspects of himself creates blindspots in the leader. The "banishment" of large parts of himself, leaves the leader vulnerable to excessive stress and makes him less adaptive to change in the workplace.
Emotional Intelligence increases the odds of long term survival for the company, as well as the company's leader. Leaders who are able to recognize and manage their own emotions, and can draw upon a wide range of personality traits, increase the bottom line and maximize their chances of survival.
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