The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Week 9 of 16
JAMES STEWART
S6 AUTOMATION NCOIC @ South Carolina Army National Guard | Information Technology
Ask any seasoned leader, and they’ll tell you—leading people isn’t just about barking orders or memorizing doctrine. It’s about connection, trust, and the ability to influence and inspire under pressure.
History is rich with leaders who exemplified emotional intelligence. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, for example, wasn’t just a strategic mastermind—he was a relationship builder. He understood that leading required more than intelligence; it required understanding the emotions of the troops he commanded. He knew that morale won wars just as much as strategy.
Breaking Down Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence and Teamwork
When teams function under emotionally intelligent leadership, they:
Think about the greatest military units in history. Their success wasn’t just a result of training; it was built on trust, communication, and understanding. An emotionally intelligent team leader doesn’t just see Soldiers or subordinates—they see individuals with strengths, fears, and motivations.
A Humorous Take on EI in Leadership
Picture this: a new lieutenant walks into a room full of seasoned NCOs and immediately tries to establish dominance. Instead of gaining respect, they receive blank stares and some well-timed sir/ma’ams that border on sarcastic. A leader with emotional intelligence? They read the room, acknowledge their team’s experience, and seek to learn before they lead. Lesson learned: emotional intelligence prevents leadership blunders!
The Call to Action: Strengthen Your EQ
The best leaders don’t just command—they connect. Emotional intelligence isn’t a ‘soft’ skill; it’s a leadership weapon. So, how can you improve?
As General Douglas MacArthur once said, “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others.” Emotional intelligence is what turns good leaders into great ones. Master it, and watch your team thrive.
Change Management Manager | Chief of Staff | Learning & Development Professional | Communications Specialist | Intel Retiree
4 天前Great definition for emotional intelligence. Too often, I think empathy and compassion get mistaken for emotional intelligence. They are part of emotional intelligence but not the whole. The ultimate aim of emotional intelligence is mission success. I have found some folks get trapped in a blind spot of empathy/compassion that is harmful to the goal in the end.
"The Last Innovation Master of Intel Corporation" | Senior Instructor of OpEx for Innovation | "He Who Disrupts, Wins Moore & More than the Other Guy"
2 周Sometimes JAMES STEWART, sometimes - Your CTA implies that everyone is of equal rank and responsibility, and just like in the US Army, that just ain't so...."Focus on building relationships rather than authority"....well, that would be nice if everyone knew what they were supposed to be doing or be able to execute to commands that need to be executed on, right? - Like when you are a Drill Instructor and you get all those newbies, with their "back on the block" attitudes, thinking that will work in the culture of the US Army. And you well know, that will not. - Authority must be established first if unit cohesion is to be met and objectives taken because the leader in that situation, even if they are a PFC, all the way to CSM, who is in charge, carries with it the responsibility to lead, teach and command as is necessitated in the situation that one finds oneself...the "fluffy bunnies"...are casualties and will also get you killed unless they pay attention to the one who authority.
Revenue Growth Strategist ?? | Sales Leadership Coach
2 周Emotional Intelligence (EQ) builds connections, but it won’t make you a great leader. Leadership isn’t about managing emotions—it’s about?owning the outcome. Focus too much on feelings, and you risk losing sight of results. Great leaders set the standard, make tough calls, and take full responsibility for success and failure. It’s not about making people?feel?good—it’s about making them?better. ???Lead by example. Own the outcome. No excuses.