Empowering Emotional Intelligence for the Next Generation of Leaders

Nobody wants what's best for their kids more than any parent. In our minds, our children will one day hold the most esteemed positions in society, from chief executive officer to vice president to prime minister or perhaps president. The possibilities for our children's future are endless.

This is why, right from the start, we need to seriously consider the qualities, principles, and teachings we want to impart to our children. Leadership is about setting an example, not about getting a formal title, therefore, it's a win-win situation for everyone involved.

If you are interested in shaping your children into future leaders, let’s find out how you can help them cultivate emotional intelligence:

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So, Why Is It Important to Foster EI in Children?

The percentage of a person's success in life that can be attributed to their intelligence (IQ) is, according to psychologist Daniel Goleman, at most 20%. The other 80% may be explained by characteristics including capital, temperament, family education levels, luck, and emotional intelligence.

UNICEF explains that:

“In time,?emotionally intelligent children?become?balanced adults who?can?manage rationally and calmly complicated situations.?Emotionally intelligent children?are?aware of?their?emotions and speak freely about them while recognizing the emotions of those around?them.?They?know how to manage?their?negative?feelings and have reasonable behaviour even when things don’t?go as?they?would like?to. They?don’t?abandon an activity when it becomes problematic.?“

?Although cognitive abilities such as verbal comprehension, memory, reasoning, and processing speed may undoubtedly aid in academic pursuits, they will not guarantee success in other aspects of life. In addition to high IQ, successful people also have strong social and emotional abilities, such as intrinsic drive, self-control, resilience, strategy, and the capacity to postpone pleasure.

As such, emotionally intelligent children are more likely to be empathetic and sympathetic, traits that might serve them well in their future relationships. By helping children learn to recognize and name their emotions, as well as by validating those feelings and providing a safe space for them to express them, you can help them develop emotional intelligence.

We should feel free to express and explore any and all emotions; doing so may help us better understand and manage our feelings. We should welcome our feelings, but we must resist the temptation to act badly when we are upset. Being upset is OK, but acting out of rage is not. To help children grow more self-aware, you should explain how their words and actions may influence others when they play with and interact with others. This will help them understand that their words and actions can affect others differently.

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Understanding the Dynamics between Emotional Intelligence and Leadership

Successful leaders possess high levels of emotional intelligence. Inspiring others, making educated judgments, and navigating intricate social relationships are all made possible by it. Harvard Business School indicates an empathic leader has a 40% better track record of employee engagement, better decision-making, and better coaching. Emotionally intelligent leaders are more attuned to their teams' wants and requirements, allowing them to create a more harmonious workplace conducive to teamwork and efficiency.?

Emotional intelligence is an essential aptitude that is not inherently innate. So, it is important to provide this knowledge at an early stage. In simple terms, emotional intelligence is the capacity to accurately notice, comprehend, regulate, and proficiently use our emotions and sentiments. It encompasses both the acknowledgment of our own emotional states and the interpretation of the emotions shown by others.

It has been widely believed for a long time that leaders are born with specific attributes and talents that are natural to them. But, this misconception ignores that leadership is a talent that can be cultivated throughout one's lifetime.

?Although some people may naturally possess characteristics conducive to leadership, such as charisma or confidence, they must note that these attributes do not ensure good leadership on their own. Astute leadership attributes extend beyond the mere act of overseeing a team or assuming control in a professional setting. The focus is on cultivating a mentality in youngsters that empowers them to serve as role models, engage in critical thinking, and motivate others.

Through establishing limits, promoting autonomous thinking, and facilitating practical encounters that facilitate development, we can meld the forthcoming cohort of humans who will assume leadership roles and positively impact their surroundings and beyond.

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How to Cultivate Emotional Intelligence in Children

• Cultivate Awareness - Anyone can facilitate children's emotional intelligence development by engaging in open conversations about their emotions and equipping them with the necessary language to articulate their inner experiences. It is advisable to prompt them to remain mindful of their emotions during the day and to express their sentiments to others in a suitable way.
• Facilitate Empathy - At all times, openly show empathy by actively listening to your child and acknowledging the validity of their emotions. For their own well-being, children should be encouraged to contemplate the potential emotions of others in various scenarios and to react with empathy and sympathy.
• Support Self-Regulation Skills - Instructing youngsters in various techniques to effectively handle their emotions, such as using deep breathing exercises, practising the art of counting to ten, or taking a little respite when confronted with overwhelming feelings, may prove to be quite beneficial. It is advisable to motivate children to engage in self-regulation and effectively communicate their emotions in a courteous and acceptable way.
• Build Up Social Aptitudes - Adults can facilitate avenues for children to engage with their classmates, fostering the growth of social connections and cultivating friendships. Teach them effective communication tactics, honing conflict resolution skills, and recognizing the importance of respecting others' emotions and viewpoints.
• Empower Innate Motivation - It is extremely helpful to instil in children the practice of establishing personal objectives and maintaining determination when confronted with obstacles. Commend their accomplishments and assist them in acknowledging the significance of individual development and contentment rather than just fixating on extrinsic incentives.

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Bottom Line

Leadership is a journey that begins at home, where parents and guardians play a crucial role in nurturing these abilities in their children. To cultivate emotional intelligence in children, we must start by creating an environment where emotions are acknowledged and discussed openly. Encouraging children to identify and express their feelings and teaching them to understand the impact of their actions on others, are essential steps. Empathy, self-regulation, social skills, and intrinsic motivation are vital, resilient competencies that can be developed and strengthened over time.

Explore additional perspectives on emotional intelligence within the pages of my book: “Leading with Emotional Intelligence“.

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