The role of leaders is rapidly evolving in the hybrid workplace. A survey by HR and recruitment service LHH among more than 500 managers found that emotional intelligence is the most critical skill when leading teams through times of change. Leading with emotional intelligence has become essential for leaders to effectively manage their teams in an environment where they must constantly reconnect with their people.
An emotionally intelligent leader is able to communicate effectively, empathize with their team members, and foster collaboration. Let’s take a closer look at the importance of emotional empathy in leadership and how it can benefit both the leader and their team members.
What is emotional intelligence in leadership?
Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and manage one’s own emotions and the emotions of others. Emotional empathy in leadership involves using this skill to effectively manage teams and create a positive work environment. An emotionally intelligent leader is able to empathize with their team members, communicate effectively, and make decisions that factor in the emotional impact on their team.
The concept of an emotional quotient was initially introduced by John Mayer and Peter Salovey in 1990 and later popularized by psychologist Daniel Goleman.
(…)“The most effective leaders are all alike in one crucial way: They all have a high degree of what has come to be known as emotional intelligence. It’s not that IQ and technical skills are irrelevant. They do matter, but…they are the entry-level requirements for executive positions.” Daniel Goleman, psychologist
EQ, or emotional intelligence, has become an essential competency in recent times, with TalentSmart’s studies revealing it to be the most significant performance predictor, and hiring managers acknowledging its importance; 71 percent of employers surveyed by CareerBuilder expressed a preference for emotional emapathy over IQ, citing its benefits in enabling individuals to remain composed under stress, resolve conflicts proficiently, and exhibit empathy towards their colleagues.
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Leading with emotional empathy: How leadership styles are changing at the hybrid workplace
The global pandemic has brought about significant changes in the workplace, with many companies shifting to a hybrid work environment that combines remote and in-person work. As a result, the role of leaders has also evolved, with many needing to adapt their leadership style to effectively manage remote teams. In this rapidly changing landscape, emotional intelligence in leadership has become an increasingly important skill for leaders to possess.
The importance of leading with emotional empathy in hybrid work environments
Hybrid work environments present a unique set of challenges for leaders, including communication barriers, lack of social interaction, and difficulties with team collaboration. Consequently, leading with emotional intelligence has become even more important in these environments. Here are some ways that emotional empathy in leadership can help leaders navigate the challenges of hybrid work environments:
- Effective communication: In a hybrid work environment, communication can become more challenging due to the lack of face-to-face interaction. Emotional intelligent leaders communicate effectively with their team members through various channels, such as email, video conferencing, and messaging apps. They also ensure that their messages are clear and concise, while considering the emotional impact of their words.
- Empathy: With the lack of social interaction in a hybrid work environment, team members may feel isolated and disconnected. An empathetic leader empathizes with their team members and provides emotional support. They also pay attention to their team members’ emotional states when making decisions that affect them.
- Collaboration: In a hybrid work environment, team collaboration can become more difficult due to the lack of in-person interaction. Emotional empapthy fosters collaboration by creating a positive work environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and working together.
“Without emotional intelligence, a person can have the best training in the world, an incisive, analytical mind, and an endless supply of smart ideas, but she still won’t make a great leader.” Daniel Goleman, psychologist
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The benefits of emotional intelligence in leadership
As we all know, leading with emotional intelligence has become an increasingly important skill for leaders in today’s agile work environments. But what are the specific benefits of emotional intelligence in leadership?
Let’s take a look at some studies and research that demonstrate the positive impact of the emotional quotient in leadership in several key areas:
Improved communication
Effective communication is essential for successful leadership. A study published in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy found that emotional intelligence in leadership is positively correlated with effective communication between leaders and their team members. Emotional intelligent leaders are also effective communicators who understand the emotional impact of their words, resulting in better collaboration, and more positive relationships with their team members.
Increased job satisfaction
Leaders who possess emotional intelligence are more likely to create a positive work environment where team members feel valued and appreciated. According to a study published in the Journal of Managerial Psychology, emotional intelligence in leadership is positively correlated with employee job satisfaction. Emotional empathy creates a positive work environment where team members feel motivated and engaged, resulting in higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates.
Improved decision making
A study published in the European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology found that emotional empathy in leadership is positively correlated with effective decision-making. Emotionally intelligent leaders make more informed decisions that consider the emotional impact on their team members, resulting in better outcomes for the team and the organization as a whole.
Increased team performance
Emotionally capable leaders create a positive work environment that fosters collaboration and teamwork. According to a study published in the Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, emotional intelligence in leadership is positively correlated with team performance. Emotional intelligence fosters a productive work environment where team members feel empowered to share their ideas and to work together, resulting in increased team performance.
Emotional intelligence in leadership is an essential skill for leaders today. Studies and research have demonstrated the positive impact of the emotional quotient in leadership, including improved communication, increased job satisfaction, improved decision-making, and increased team performance. As leaders adapt to new work environments and changing expectations, leading with emotional intelligence will be a key factor in their success.
Recommended Reading
Niagara Institute: Excellent overview of statistics on the importance of emotional empathy.
