How Leaders Can Cultivate Emotional Intelligence
Expert Panel®
Forbes Councils Member
Forbes Business Council
Being an entrepreneur requires exceptional business acumen, grit and an eye for seeing opportunities where others can’t. While these hard skills play a critical role in a business’ future and ongoing success, the soft skills a leader possesses are just as important.
Leaders with high levels of emotional intelligence are not only better able to regulate their own emotions during the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, but also effectively maintain strong communication and showcase a resilience that puts others at ease. Cultivating emotional intelligence as a leader is a lifelong process that requires care. To help, 20 Forbes Business Council members each share one way leaders can work to improve their emotional intelligence.
1. Start By Leading Yourself
Impactful leadership begins with the ability to lead oneself. The foundation of emotional intelligence is built through self-leadership and self-coaching. When leaders effectively lead themselves, they set a powerful example for their teams, showcasing the value of accountability, continuous learning and self-care. Self-reflection is also essential for enhancing emotional regulation and authenticity. - Marco Gam, Conmedia ApS
2. Engage In Active Self-Reflection
Leaders can build emotional intelligence through active self-reflection. This introspective approach involves taking time to reflect on our emotions, understand what triggers them and recognize how these emotions influence our behavior and decision-making. Once we understand ourselves, we are aware of our emotional states and respond to situations more thoughtfully. This will allow us to understand and treat our employees better. - Joe Faruqui, A.S.A.P Semiconductor
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3. Become More Self-Aware
Self-assessment is vital to improving one’s emotional intelligence as a leader. Being able to observe oneself and act accordingly and humbly allows great leaders to build empathy and enhance their social skills. These skills often contribute to better decision-making and improved relationships, which then leads to greater job satisfaction for all involved. - Melanie French, RR Living
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