I am often found saying Leaders, lead! The question is, what does this mean to the average individual who is oblivious to the idea of leadership. In today's world, it takes a particular type of person to step up to the plate and submit to the charge of leading by example. When leaders lead, they share their vision by motivating others by painting a picture of "possibility." As a leader in my organization, I am often tasked with setting and maintaining the standard of excellence for my team. This task is not always easy to accomplish when dealing with the multiplicities of personality types. In the book Leadership Theory and Practice, the author states: "the skill approach provides a sophisticated map that explains how effective leadership performance can be achieved" (Northouse, 2016 p.p. 69). One of the traits I pride myself on is having emotional intelligence. This approach has rendered itself to be positive and has enhanced my efforts in being a mythological leader. By utilizing this approach, it affords me the opportunity to lead by understanding self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy not just as a leader for my team, but in my personal life. Now the question remains to be answered, is this a trait I was born with, or is this a skill I acquired through continued practice? I would say that it's both. It's essential for all leaders actions to model or be a reflection with their words.
I recall having to make tuff decisions regarding mandatory overtime when my department had a midnight deadline. I utilized emotional intelligence when dealing with employees that had small children when allowing them to leave the campus. I truly understood the agony involved with all employees; however, I had a responsibility to the organization not to impact the operation. When conducting a quarterly performance survey, eighty-five percent of my team said they trusted me because I showed genuine concern pertaining to the safety and well being of others. Over the years I have prided myself on emotional intelligence when leading. I believe that being able to interject emotional intelligence, has become staple and relevant to how I have developed as a leader.
References
Northouse, P.G. (2016). Leadership Theory and Practice (7th ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Sage.
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