Leading through Emotions

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The Hidden Power of EQ in CEO Leadership

In the fast-paced world of business, CEOs are often lauded for their strategic acumen, financial prowess, and visionary leadership. However, behind the scenes, there's a lesser-known but equally critical factor that separates the exceptional CEOs from the rest: their ability to lead the emotions, i.e. emotional intelligence (EI). As research continues to unveil the profound impact of EI on leadership effectiveness, it's time to uncover the hidden power that fuels the success of today's top CEOs. In this article, we'll delve into real-life examples and compelling insights to illuminate the transformative role of emotional intelligence in CEO leadership.

One of my biggest blessings in my career as an executive coach has been to learn directly from and be mentored by the father of emotional intelligence himself, Daniel Goleman.

It is hard to believe that it has been almost 30 years since his first book Emotional Intelligence was published! While the book and the theory have been around for decades, it is fair to say that the EQ framework and vocabulary only experienced a wider global recognition (especially in the context of CEO leadership) in the last decade or so.

Out of the various EQ models out there, this model is my favourite because I am a firm believer that Simplicity is Key to Brilliance and this model is something I can explain to someone at a cocktail party in a couple of minutes!

Here is my cocktail party pitch on EQ:

EQ starts with self-awareness.

Becoming fully aware of our emotions and the underlying triggers for them is what allows us to find ways to manage our emotions better (self-management).

As we are able to regulate our own emotions better, we create emotional capacity to better understand (social awareness) and manage (relationship management) the emotions of others.

In this article, we explore how successful CEOs apply Goleman's EI model to elevate their leadership and drive organizational success.

Daniel Goleman's EI model identifies four interconnected elements that contribute to effective leadership:

1. Self-awareness: Recognizing one's own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and values.
2. Self-management: Effectively managing one's emotions and impulses, adapting to changing circumstances, and maintaining a positive outlook.
3. Social awareness: Sensing others' emotions, understanding their perspectives, and empathizing with their experiences.
4. Relationship management: Building and maintaining healthy relationships, inspiring and influencing others, and effectively resolving conflicts.

Discovering the Trailblazers

Let's take a closer look at real-life examples of CEOs who embody the principles of emotional intelligence and have redefined leadership excellence:

Self-awareness

CEOs who cultivate self-awareness are better equipped to understand their leadership style, strengths, and areas for improvement. By reflecting on their emotions, motivations, and reactions, CEOs can make more informed decisions and lead with authenticity and integrity.

Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, exemplifies self-awareness by openly acknowledging his leadership philosophy and personal values. His emphasis on empathy and humility has transformed Microsoft's culture, fostering innovation and collaboration across the organization.

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, demonstrates self-awareness by openly acknowledging his strengths and weaknesses as a leader. He is known for seeking feedback from employees and stakeholders, reflecting on his decisions, and continuously striving for personal and professional growth. Cook's self-awareness enables him to lead with authenticity and humility, fostering a culture of transparency and innovation at Apple.

Self-management

Effective self-management enables CEOs to navigate challenges, setbacks, and uncertainties with resilience and composure. By practicing mindfulness, stress management techniques, and emotional regulation, CEOs can maintain focus, adaptability, and optimism in the face of adversity.

Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, exemplifies self-management through her ability to remain composed and focused in high-pressure situations. She is known for her disciplined work ethic, resilience in the face of challenges, and commitment to maintaining a positive attitude. Nooyi's self-management skills have been instrumental in driving PepsiCo's growth and navigating complex global markets with agility and confidence.

Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook, demonstrates self-management by maintaining resilience and optimism in the face of challenges. Her ability to adapt to changing circumstances and lead with grace has contributed to Facebook's growth and resilience as a company.

Social awareness

CEOs who possess social awareness are attuned to the emotions and needs of their employees, clients, and stakeholders. By actively listening, observing, and empathizing, CEOs can foster trust, collaboration, and inclusivity within the organization, leading to stronger teamwork and innovation.

Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, demonstrates social awareness by actively listening to the needs and perspectives of employees, customers, and stakeholders. She is known for her approachable leadership style, empathy for others, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Barra's social awareness has helped her anticipate market trends, strengthen customer relationships, and drive innovation at General Motors.

Relationship management

Relationship management is essential for CEOs to build and sustain positive relationships with employees, clients, and stakeholders. By communicating effectively, providing constructive feedback, and resolving conflicts diplomatically, CEOs can cultivate a culture of respect, accountability, and mutual support, driving organizational success.

Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, excels in relationship management by building and nurturing strong relationships with employees, customers, and partners. He is known for his charismatic leadership style, genuine interest in people, and commitment to corporate social responsibility. Benioff's relationship management skills have played a key role in Salesforce's success, driving customer loyalty, employee engagement, and stakeholder trust.

In a world where leadership is often measured by metrics and bottom lines, it's easy to overlook the intangible yet undeniable impact of emotional intelligence. As we've explored in this article, emotional intelligence isn't just a soft skill—it's the cornerstone of CEO success. From understanding one's own emotions to navigating complex interpersonal dynamics, EI empowers CEOs to lead with purpose, resilience, and empathy. So, let's embrace the power of emotional intelligence and pave the way for a future where leadership is defined not by titles or accolades but by the profound human connection that drives us all.

Resources:

• If you are a leader looking to learn more about EQ, head over to Daniel Goleman Website for great resources on the topic.
• If you are a leadership coach looking to apply EQ in your practice, head over to Beyond EI for their incredible coaching certification programs.

About the Author

Marina is an award winning Board advisor and CEO coach. She is currently a Co-CEO of Heimann Cvetkovic & Partners, boutique executive advisory firm.

Marina’s corporate background includes senior leadership roles such as Head of Finance, Head Executive Office, VP Strategy, Chief of Staff to the CEO in management consulting, financial services, executive search industry across Europe and US. In her last corporate role, she was the Vice President of Strategy and Chief of Staff to the CEO at Swiss Re, largest reinsurance company worldwide.

Marina is a member of the prestigious MG100 community alongside Dr. Jim Kim, Alan Mulally and other highly accomplished leaders and coaches. She is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, Fast Company Executive Board and certified coach-supervisor in the EQ Coaching Certification program founded by Prof. Daniel Goleman, pioneer of emotional intelligence. Her work has been quoted and featured by UBS, Amex, Insurance Thought Leadership, ICF, Forbes and others. She is a TEDx speaker and founder, as well as a sought-after keynote speaker on leadership and boardroom related topics (WEF, The Conference Board Executive Conference in NYC, World Forum Disrupt, Global Insurtech Leaders Summit in NYC and others). She currently serves on the board of maruu in Zurich, Charterpath in London and Boarstrong in NYC.

Marina holds an MSc in Finance and is a CFA Charterholder. She completed postgraduate studies in Board Governance at Wharton, Cybersecurity at Harvard and Digital Transformation at Berkley. She holds a PCC (Professional Certified Coach) credential from the International Coaching Federation. She graduated the Institute of Excellence in Professional Coaching program in NYC and is also a certified coach-supervisor.

What's Next? Stay tuned for upcoming episodes where we'll go deeper into the leadership principles of remarkable CEOs. Feel free to share your thoughts, experiences, or topics you'd like us to cover in future newsletters!

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Keep thriving,

Marina