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Essay on Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

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The premise of emotional intelligence in leadership is that emotional intelligence should be the premise of leadership. Before tasks, followers, goals and styles can be defined or critiqued, the leader’s emotional intelligence must first be assessed (Goleman, Boyatzis & McKee, 2002, pg 5). Emotional intelligence then becomes the predictor of how effectively the leader will be able to lead in any given situation, set of tasks or followers. In this paper, the author will compare this premise of emotional intelligence with the Leader-member exchange (LMX) theory and the situational approach to leadership (Northouse, 2010). Also, the author will evaluate, in terms of resonance and dissonance, how appropriately an emotional intelligence …show more content…

Therefore, leadership effectiveness is directly proportional to that leader’s emotional intelligence. The LMX contrasts with emotional intelligence in that the LMX is founded on a different premise. The LMX is a leadership theory that describes both the two-way exchange between leaders and followers, and the amount of influence one has on the other (Northhouse, 2010). As a theory, the LMX is less a model for leadership, and more a description of a particular leadership dynamic that offers “insights that managers could use to improve their own leadership behavior” (Northouse, 2010, pg. 157). Central to the LMX are the in- and out-groups: a relational distinction based upon the follower’s choice to either fulfill or exceed his or her job expectations given the opportunity by the leader (Northouse, 2010). If the follower is exceptional beyond basic tasks, the theory posits, then that individual is considered to be in the in-group. In the in-group, the leader is more likely to give administrative preference to that individual, and will also allow that individual to influence the decisions the leader makes (Northouse, 2010). Conversely, members in the out-group are competent subordinates, but do not expand the scope of their responsibilities beyond that which is clearly defined (Northouse, 2010). In comparison to emotional intelligence, the LMX seems to be complementary in some respects, and conflicting in others. If the

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