Emotional Intelligence: Why You Need It And How To Spot It
Emotional intelligence (EI) has become an increasingly important skill for entrepreneurs and business leaders.
As an angel investor, I encounter numerous entrepreneurs who are enthusiastic about their ideas and aspirations. However, they often fail to understand the crucial aspect that will drive their success. Many of them believe that their technical abilities alone will drive innovation, but I have come to realize that sheer determination is not enough.?
Sheryl Sandberg, the highly respected COO of Facebook, was in awe of Dan Rose's relentless work ethic. Impressed by his dedication and drive, she called him into her office to offer him a senior leadership position within the company. But as she prepared to make the offer, she decided to conduct a 360 performance review with his team to get a better understanding of his leadership style.
What she discovered shocked her to the core. Dan's team gave him the worst review she had ever seen, citing a lack of emotional intelligence (EI) as the primary reason.
As we know, emotional intelligence (EI), is? the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions as well as the emotions of others.? In Dan's case, his lack of emotional intelligence (EI) had a profound impact on his team and their perception of his leadership.
His employees felt disrespected and undervalued, and his impulsive, brash management style had created a toxic work environment. Dan's lack of self-awareness also played a role in the poor review. He was unable to recognize the impact his emotions had on others, and was unable to step outside of himself to view his emotions from a different perspective.
Sheryl knew that she couldn't ignore the feedback from Dan's team. She realized that without emotional intelligence (EI), even the most talented individuals can struggle to succeed. She ultimately declined to offer Dan the senior leadership position, opting instead to give him the opportunity to work on developing his emotional intelligence (EI) skills.
The story of Dan Rose serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of emotional intelligence (EI) in the workplace. Without it, even the most talented individuals can struggle to succeed and build strong, productive relationships.?
Entrepreneurs need emotional Intelligence (EI) to succeed, and experienced investors know how to spot it. Here is how:
Effective communication: Emotional intelligence (EI) provides entrepreneurs with the tools to truly understand their team members, customers, and other stakeholders on a deeper level. By recognizing and responding to their emotions, entrepreneurs can foster a more collaborative and productive work environment, build stronger teams, and create meaningful connections that lead to long-term success.
Better decision making: Entrepreneurs with high emotional intelligence (EI) are better able to control their emotions and make rational decisions. This enables them to think more strategically, consider multiple perspectives, and make better-informed decisions.
Increased empathy: Entrepreneurs who possess high emotional intelligence (EI) have a powerful tool in their arsenal - empathy. By truly understanding the emotions and perspectives of their customers, employees, and other stakeholders, they can create deeper connections and more authentic relationships. This level of understanding allows entrepreneurs to provide better customer experiences, develop loyal followings, and ultimately, set themselves apart from the competition.
Reduced stress: Entrepreneurs with high emotional intelligence (EI) are better equipped to manage stress, both in themselves and others.Their ability to stay calm, composed, and focused under pressure enables them to maintain productivity and problem-solve effectively. Moreover, they can help their team members manage stress and build resilience, creating a work environment that is supportive and collaborative even in the face of adversity.
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How to Spot Emotional intelligence (EI) in Entrepreneurs:
Active listening: Entrepreneurs with high emotional intelligence (EI) are skilled listeners. They pay attention to what others are saying and take the time to understand their perspectives. This involves paying attention to nonverbal cues, showing engagement, reflecting on what is heard, and being responsive to emotions. Nonverbal cues such as body language and facial expressions can provide insight into the emotions and perspectives of others. By observing these behaviors, angel investors can gauge the level of active listening and emotional intelligence demonstrated by the founder.
Self-awareness: Entrepreneurs with high emotional Intelligence (EI) are self-aware and able to recognize their own emotions and how they impact others. They can regulate their emotions and respond appropriately to different situations, leading to better outcomes and more successful business ventures.
Adaptability: Being adaptable and flexible means entrepreneurs are able to adjust their communication style, decision-making process, and other behaviors to fit the needs of the situation and the people involved.
Validation: Having high emotional intelligence (EI) enables entrepreneurs to comprehend the effects of their actions on those around them, resulting in feelings of worth and appreciation. People who possess high emotional intelligence (EI) are able to recognize the impact they are making, allowing them to feel valued.
The hidden truth about emotional intelligence (EI) is understanding the importance and utilizing your self awareness will drastically improve your chances of success and make a lasting, positive impact on your personal and professional life..
As an angel investor with a passion for AI, healthcare, and climate change, I am dedicated to providing valuable advice and support to the founders and teams I work with. My strong network and comprehensive process for evaluating investment opportunities allows me to identify and support the most promising startups in these impactful industries. I am committed to leveraging my expertise and resources to drive positive change through technology and innovation. Furthermore, I possess strong strategic thinking and communication skills, which are essential for success in the world of startups.
Gina Lim, great insights. Thank you for sharing. If you are an Investor or want to start Investing seriously, you might want to look at Keiretsu at https://bit.ly/2Zful6i, one of the largest Angel Investors networks in the World, recognized by Pitchbook.