Leadership, Psychological Safety, and Emotional Intelligence!

RANDom thought: Emotional Intelligence is more important than any skill!

Leadership is a diverse word. It means different things to different people. However, to lead, you must have followers. You can be a leader in title only where people must follow you, or you can be a leader whom people want to follow. You get to choose. I believe most of us would prefer to be a leader that people want to follow. Emotional Intelligence and Psychological Safety are two crucial qualities in a leader, personally or professionally.

Emotional Intelligence is the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions and, more importantly, be able to understand and respect the feelings of others. Psychological Safety is being a team member and having a relationship with your team members, which allows you to feel safe in saying what you think and what is on your heart and mind.

Think of your favorite boss or leader. Now, think of your worst boss or leader. How did each leader make you feel? You most likely felt connected and whole in the presence of your favorite boss or leader. They listened to you and cared about your growth and development. In the presence of your worst boss or leader, you probably did not feel cared for, safe, or listened to. They did not seem to care about you as a person or an employee.

This comparison helps you to understand the components of emotional Intelligence and psychological safety. Which person would you prefer to follow? Which leader do you want to be?

These are skills one can learn and develop. Listed below are resources
where you can gain more knowledge on these subjects.

Daniel Goldman’s book: Emotional Intelligence: More Important than IQ

Dr. Patricia Baxter’s book: Cool Change; Turning Emotions into Leadership Strengths (Dr. Pat will be presenting at the 2nd annual Women’s Leadership Conference. For more information and to register: https://www.teresarandconsulting.com/bosslady

I will discuss this topic more in a FB live mini training on the private Career Cultivators site on Wednesday at 4:30 EST. Join me there!

The Boss Lady Podcast: Episode #101 will discuss this topic. It comes out on Thursday, August 11,2022
https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/JPL2EYVjksb

Remember, as my Grandfather always said, “Take time to stop and smell the roses”!
Until we meet again, take care.