6 Top Behaviors of Leaders with High Emotional Intelligence

Leadership is not solely about managing tasks and making decisions; it also involves effectively understanding and managing emotions. Leaders with high emotional intelligence possess a unique set of behaviors that enable them to build strong relationships, inspire their teams, and drive organizational success. In this article, I will explore the six top behaviors of leaders with high emotional intelligence, with examples from the business world and politics.

1. Listen More Than You Talk: Leaders with high emotional intelligence understand the importance of active listening. They create a safe space for their team members to express their thoughts and concerns. By actively listening, leaders can gain valuable insights, build trust, and foster collaboration. For instance, Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, was known for her exceptional listening skills. She often engaged in one-on-one conversations with employees to understand their perspectives and encourage open communication.
2. Emphasize the How and Why: Effective leaders with high emotional intelligence focus not only on the "what" but also on the "how" and "why" behind their decisions and actions. They communicate the rationale and purpose behind tasks, providing clarity and fostering a sense of purpose among team members. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, regularly emphasizes the importance of the "why" in his communications, inspiring his employees to work towards a shared vision.
3. Engage and Recognize Team Contributions: Leaders with high emotional intelligence understand the significance of recognizing and appreciating their team members' contributions. They actively engage with their teams, providing feedback, and acknowledging individual and collective achievements. A prime example of this behavior is Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors, who regularly recognizes the efforts of her employees and celebrates their successes.
4. Handle Conflict with Open Communication and Emotional Awareness:- Leaders with high emotional intelligence possess strong conflict-resolution skills. They manage conflicts by fostering open communication, empathizing with different viewpoints, and finding mutually beneficial solutions. Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany, demonstrated her ability to handle conflict with emotional intelligence by building consensus among diverse political parties during challenging times.
5. Understand What Energizes People and Create the Right Environments: Leaders with high emotional intelligence are attuned to the needs and motivations of their team members. They create environments that foster employee engagement, productivity, and well-being. Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, recognizes the importance of creating a positive work environment. He encourages innovation, provides flexibility, and supports initiatives that promote employee satisfaction and happiness.
6. Encourage Long-Term Team Member Satisfaction and Effectiveness: Leaders with high emotional intelligence prioritize the long-term satisfaction and effectiveness of their team members. They invest in professional development, provide growth opportunities, and create a culture of continuous learning. Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook, advocates for the development of her employees. She supports mentoring programs, encourages personal growth, and champions diversity and inclusion.

Leaders with high emotional intelligence possess a unique set of behaviors that set them apart in the business world and politics. By listening actively, emphasizing the "how" and "why," recognizing contributions, handling conflict effectively, understanding employee motivations, and prioritizing long-term satisfaction, these leaders inspire and empower their teams to achieve exceptional results. By adopting these behaviors, aspiring leaders can enhance their emotional intelligence and create a positive impact in their organizations and beyond.