Emotionally Intelligent Leaders by Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa

Author Daniel Goleman defines emotional intelligence as, “how leaders handle themselves and their relationships” (p.6).  Great leaders have a knack for working through their emotions in order to develop strong relationships with others that promote production that produces effective organizational results. 

Effective leaders exhibit skills that move others with passion, strategy, vision, and powerful ideas.  Many researchers agree that great leaders are great not just for what they do but how they do it.  Leaders are many times considered a group’s emotional guide.  Effective leaders use emotional intelligence to drive the collective emotions of a group in a positive direction.

Emotionally intelligent leaders know that emotions and moods in an organization are important to the production of that group.  Leaders who are emotionally intelligent tend to set the emotional standard for the entire group.  These leaders understand that good moods translate into good work. 

When people feel good, they work at their best.  These leaders also understand that moods are contagious and because moods are contagious, an effective leader will work hard to make sure that moods are positive, productive, and focused on the organizational goals.

Followers look to a leader for supportive emotions and empathy.  When leaders are able to drive emotions in a positive direction, they bring out the best of everyone. 

We should all work hard to develop our emotional intelligence in order to develop relationships that promote positive moods and production as we all move toward common goals. 

The following tips will help you develop your emotional intelligence as you serve as a leader in your home and our community:

***Use active listening when communicating with others.  Really listen to what others have to say.

***Work hard at developing relationships with others.

***Develop your self awareness skills as you work toward your personal and professional goals.

Photo Credits: Google Images

Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa is a mother, educator, and wife living in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.  She is a PhD student with Our Lady of the Lake University in Leadership Studies.  Mrs. Baggerly-Hinojosa is the President of the Leadership Empowerment Group, LLC and is currently researching the relationship between the leadership of the high school principal and the high school drop out rate.  Mrs. Baggerly-Hinojosa is the author of Are You A Ten?  The Ten Characteristics of a Servant Leader.   For ordering information, please contact Mrs. Baggerly-Hinojosa at Barbara@leadershipempowermentgroup.com or visit Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com