Primal Leadership : Unleashing The Power Of Emotional Intelligence

As part of this critical assignment, it is a requirement that I reflect on my own experience as a Leader where I have demonstrated a high level of emotional intelligence, as well use theories to demonstrate my learning’s.

Leadership is a process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, towards the achievement of a goal. The article “Leadership That Gets Results” by Daniel Goleman is an article that helps readers understand that there is not only one way of becoming a successful leader. Research indicates that leaders with best results do not rely on only one leadership style. Goleman, describes leaderships styles as array of clubs in a golf pro’s bag. Over the course of the game, the pro picks clubs based on the demands of the shot. Thinking is involved during the selection, but usually it is automatic. The pro is aware of the challenge ahead, quickly utilizes the right tool, and puts it to work. It has also been found that emotional intelligence

Daniel Goleman, the author of Emotional Intelligence is a well known writer and psychologist. His book was first published in 1995.

Batool, B. F. (2013) Emotional Intelligence and Effective Leadership. Journal of Business Studies Quarterly, 4(3), 84-94. (Note: Available in the Strayer Library)

150). After reviewing the qualities and characteristics of a transformational leader and the desired traits of a leader who is emotionally intelligent, it can be assumed, based on the studies done in both articles, that because Transformational leaders rely on their feelings to help convey a message, their success is due to their emotional intelligence (Lam & O’Higgins 2010; Satterlee 2013; Matthew & Gupta

In the workplace, leadership tactics can alter the entire organizational balance as it related to power and politics. Many employees in an organization lean to negative political tactics rather than positive. Emotional intelligence plays a vital role in relationships within an organization and its importance.

Leadership takes on many faces depending on the responsibilities and environments that are available (Rubino, Esparza & Chassiakos, 2014). However, some basic qualities are universal to all effective leaders. Emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills form part of crucial leadership qualities (Parker, Sakfloske & Stough, 2009). Emotional intelligence, basically, refers to the ability of an individual to understand and interpret emotions effectively. The paper is based on a self-assessment on leadership qualities.

Daniel Goleman an author and phycologist once cited that if our emotional abilities aren’t in hand and we do not possess self-awareness as well as not able to manage our distressing emotions and if we can’t have empathy as well as effective relationships, then no matter how smart we are, we are not going to get very far(Goleman, 1995).

A leader is a person who sets direction and influences others to accomplish the goals (Borkowski, 2015). It is the responsibility of the supervisor to set the direction by helping and motivating staff members see what lies ahead and face those challenges. Emotional intelligence is one of the important trait that helps leaders to work with people effectively. “Emotional intelligence involves assessing one’s own feelings, as well as feelings of others, then using those assessments to guide personal thought and action” (Borkowski, 2015, p. 239).

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Primal Leadership and was pleased that I read Managing Emotions in the Workplace prior to beginning this book. After examining the causes and effects of emotions at work and understanding existing theories and the implications of managing emotions in the workplace, Primal Leadership took me a step further. Goleman, Boyatzis, and McKee note that the use of emotion in leadership functions is a primal task or function of a true leader. The authors argue that this task is primal because it is both the original and the most important act of leadership (p 5). Their basic argument is that primal leadership operates at its best through emotionally intelligent leaders who create resonance (p38).

Leadership is a complex process by which a person sets direction and influences others to achieve their goals (Borkowski, 2015). It is the responsibility of the supervisor to set the direction by helping and motivating staff members to see what lies ahead and face those challenges. Emotional intelligence is one of the important traits that helps leaders work with people effectively. “Emotional intelligence involves assessing one’s own feelings, as well as feelings of others, then using those assessments to guide personal thought and action” (Borkowski, 2015, p. 239).

The author was given the task to explain emotional intelligence, and give two (2) example of the concept. Second, to examine, the concept of “emotional quotient” compared to traditional “intelligence quotient.” Third to suggest two to three (2-3) reasons why leaders’ need emotional intelligence to manage today’s workforce, as well as to speculate on at least two (2) possible consequences should a leader not possess emotional intelligence. Fourth, to explore the elements of emotional intelligence that leaders must be aware of to increase leadership effectiveness. Lastly, to recommend a strategy that the organization could undertake in order to improve the social skills of leaders within the organization and thereby

Emotional intelligence is an important characteristic in becoming a good leader. “Emotional intelligence is the ability to manage oneself and one's relationships in mature and constructive ways” (Kinicki & Kreitner, 2009, p.137).Being a good leader entails more than just being smart; leaders need to be able to connect to their employees emotionally and empathetically. Organizations today not only look for leaders with the skills, but leaders that can emotionally connect to employees to obtain the organization’s goal. “Leaders have always played a primordial emotional role. No doubt humankind’s original leaders-whether tribal chieftains or shamanesses-earned their place in large part because their leadership was

A leader is more than just running a group; it is some one who impacts at least one other person’s life in a positive way. A leader is someone who can guide others into accomplishing some success and goals. Furthermore, empower others is essential in the ability to maintain positive leadership. A leader is caring, must be willing to adapt and share the values of others, while still preserving their own personal values and beliefs. One aspect of being a good leader is having strong self-awareness- described as knowing your own strengths and weaknesses. Emotional intelligence, another aspect of being a respectable leader, is knowing your inner emotional state and remaining in control of it. Emotional

Born in March 7, 1946. Daniel Goleman is an internationally known psychologist who lectures frequently to professional groups, business audiences, and on college campuses. Working as a science journalist, Goleman reported on the brain and behavioral sciences for The New York Times for many years. His 1995 book, Emotional Intelligence (Bantam Books) was on The New York Times bestseller list for a year-and-a-half; with more than 5,000,000 copies in print worldwide in 30 languages, and has been a best seller in many countries.