In today’s work environment, leaders need to think of needs and wants for their teams or, as Jackie and Three Carpenter teach us, People First. However, to do that, leaders must develop their emotional intelligence first.
Emotional intelligence involves managing one's emotions effectively and influencing those of others. This theory is applicable across various industries, including the club industry.
First, we need to understand the main competencies of Emotional Intelligence that are vital for any leader to understand. Maintaining emotional intelligence during challenging times can be difficult. Leaders must show they are emotionally invested in their mission and consider what inspires and motivates their team.
Emotional experiences have three components:
Subjective experience,
Physiological response,
Behavioral or expressive response.
Failure to understand our own or team members' EI triggers a person feels stressed or afraid, response, leading to the fight or flight mode. Self-awareness is a crucial element of emotional intelligence, which includes knowing the five core emotions and their intensity levels.
Core Emotions:
Anger
Fear
Sadness,
Disgust
Enjoyment
Intensity Levels of Emotion are:
Visceral,
Behavioral,
Reflective
Other tools to help with EI are:
Active listening is also crucial for enhancing self-awareness, but it requires time and practice to master.
Self-management is another vital part of emotional intelligence. It involves assessing emotions and behaviors and thinking logically, even in stressful situations.
Building a culture of listening and learning to recognize emotions in others can help leaders manage their emotions effectively.
Relationship management requires building bonds, teamwork, and collaboration.
Conflict management is also essential to resolve conflicts quickly and decisively.
Show you are Vulnerable. One of the things that most leaders are afraid of showing is being Vulnerable. However, the vulnerability will help you develop your Emotional Intelligence. Vulnerability is tuning into and managing your emotions as you interact, encouraging authenticity and genuine connection.
Now one of the most crucial pieces is having a well-developed EI is Communication.
Communication is truly the key when it comes to change management and emotional intelligence. Leaders must effectively communicate with their peers to motivate their team and everyone to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Emotional intelligence is a crucial competency that will help leaders manage their emotions and influence the emotions of others, making them more effective leaders.
Developing your emotional intelligence can help you show team members how to use their emotions for personal and professional growth. According to Bradberry and Greaves, only 36% of people could accurately identify their emotions in a study.
What are you doing to improve your Emotional Intelligence and that of your team members? Remember, you are only as strong as the team around you.
Please share your thoughts and ideas.
Skip Avery, CCM, CCE Director of Club Development of Stone Group Architects; we are more than designers; through our process, our mission is to be focused on Positively Impacting People and Place.
For information on Stone Group Architects and the Division of Club Development: