What are the best ways to measure emotional intelligence and strategic thinking in leadership performance?

1 Emotional Intelligence Tests

One of the most common ways to measure emotional intelligence is to take a standardized test that evaluates your abilities in four domains: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. These tests typically consist of multiple-choice questions, scenarios, or self-report scales that measure how you perceive, express, understand, and regulate emotions. Some of the most widely used emotional intelligence tests are the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT), the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i 2.0), and the Emotional and Social Competency Inventory (ESCI). These tests can provide you with a comprehensive profile of your emotional intelligence strengths and areas for development, as well as feedback and recommendations on how to enhance your emotional intelligence skills.

2 Strategic Thinking Assessments

Another way to measure strategic thinking is to take an assessment that evaluates your abilities in three dimensions: analysis, synthesis, and execution. These assessments typically consist of case studies, simulations, or exercises that measure how you identify, analyze, and solve complex problems, how you generate and evaluate alternative solutions, and how you implement and monitor your actions. Some of the most widely used strategic thinking assessments are the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA), the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST), and the Strategic Thinking Indicator (STI). These assessments can provide you with a detailed report of your strategic thinking skills and competencies, as well as feedback and suggestions on how to improve your strategic thinking capabilities.

3 360-Degree Feedback

A third way to measure emotional intelligence and strategic thinking is to collect feedback from multiple sources, such as your peers, subordinates, supervisors, clients, or stakeholders. This method is known as 360-degree feedback, and it can provide you with a holistic and balanced perspective of your leadership performance, as well as insights into how others perceive and experience your emotional intelligence and strategic thinking skills. You can use a standardized tool, such as the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI), the Leadership Effectiveness Analysis (LEA), or the Leadership Circle Profile (LCP), or design your own customized questionnaire, to gather 360-degree feedback from various raters. You can then compare your self-assessment with the feedback from others, and identify your strengths and gaps, as well as opportunities for growth and improvement.

4 Coaching and Mentoring

A fourth way to measure emotional intelligence and strategic thinking is to work with a coach or a mentor who can help you assess your leadership performance, provide you with constructive feedback, and guide you through your development journey. A coach or a mentor can be a professional, such as an executive coach or a leadership consultant, or a trusted colleague, such as a senior leader or a peer, who has the expertise, experience, and skills to support your learning and growth. A coach or a mentor can help you set specific and measurable goals, monitor your progress, challenge your assumptions, and celebrate your achievements. A coach or a mentor can also help you leverage your emotional intelligence and strategic thinking skills to enhance your leadership effectiveness and impact.