Declining Emotional Intelligence At Work Is Leading to Bad Leaders
Hello LinkedIn family,
We'd probably all agree that the business landscape is changing. Emotional intelligence has emerged as a crucial skill for leaders to navigate challenges with empathy and compassion. And boy, we have had no shortage of challenges. One such challenging task that often falls on the shoulders of leaders is letting employees go. As someone who has experienced the impact of emotional intelligence (and lack thereof) firsthand, I believe it is essential to shed light on the role of empathy in such situations.
Firing someone is probably one of the least favorite tasks for any leader. Yet, we see thousands of employees being let go in an impersonal and emotionless manner (I'm looking at you Twitter). This adds unnecessary pain to an already traumatic situation. I recently came across an article by Daniel Goleman that resonated with me. It highlighted how important emotional intelligence is in making these tough decisions with empathy and understanding. (You can check it here )
The pandemic, remote work arrangements, and social polarization have changed the dynamics of the workplace, making in-person connections scarce. As a result, there are early signs indicating a decline in emotional intelligence levels, particularly in emotional self-regulation. People seem more prone to feelings of rage, panic, and anxiety, which can undoubtedly impact their decision-making and interpersonal skills.
Research also shows that emotional self-awareness, the foundation of emotional intelligence, plays a significant role in how leaders handle difficult tasks like layoffs. Leaders who excel in self-awareness tend to demonstrate effectiveness in emotional intelligence, which positively impacts their team's performance and overall working climate.
Imagine the best boss you've ever had—the one who managed their emotions well, understood your feelings, and treated you with empathy. On the contrary, think about the worst boss you've encountered, someone who lacked emotional intelligence, and the impact it had on your desire to leave the company.
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The good news is that emotional intelligence is not fixed; it is a skill that can be learned and developed at any stage of life. So, if you are a leader looking to enhance your emotional intelligence, know that it is within your reach.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of the modern world, we must prioritize emotional intelligence and foster a culture of empathy and understanding. By doing so, we can make difficult decisions like letting employees go with more compassion and respect, ensuring a positive impact on our team's morale and overall organizational success.
This is my journey. To help people be better leaders. To be better humans. It's a journey of emotional intelligence. Empowering ourselves and others to build stronger, more empathetic teams and organizations.
Thank you for reading!
Looking to enhance your leadership with emotional intelligence? I'm here to help! Schedule a private consultation to explore the power of emotional intelligence in leadership. Together, we'll uncover practical strategies to foster stronger team connections, build empathy, and create a positive impact in your organization.