Develop Authentic Leadership with Emotional Intelligence
Who is the most authentic person you know? I’ve asked this question to leaders at all levels and the most common answer is usually a spouse, partner, close relative, or lifelong friend. I’d like you to think about why the level of authenticity is so strong in this relationship. What occurred in the relationship was an investment towards building it. Investing in growing a personal connection with another creates trust, credibility, loyalty, authenticity, and transparency. It fosters a natural disposition towards buy in of the other person’s thoughts, ideas, concepts, and keeps open doors of communication even during the most challenging situations and difficult conversations. A high IQ might earn you respect of your intellectual abilities but it doesn’t mean people see you as trusting or authentic.
Emotional Intelligence is a trending topic in leadership development but the concept has been around close to 30 years in various models. The model I use and refer to is the EQ-i 2.0® (Emotional Quotient Inventory), which is a scientifically validated, based on 20 years of research, and has been used globally for the last 15 years. The EQ-i 2.0® measures one's self-reported emotional potential across composites of Self-Perception, Self-Expression, Interpersonal, Decision Making, and Stress Tolerance. Multi Health Systems or MHS a leading international provider of psychological assessments publishes the EQ-i 2.0 model of emotional intelligence. MHS has been researching the link between emotional intelligence and leadership for more than 15 years. Recently they published research showing a direct link between the 15 emotional intelligence skills of the EQ-i model and 4 dimensions of leadership. These dimensions or leadership competencies are Authenticity, Coaching, Insight, and Innovation.
MHS defines Authenticity as: An authentic leader serves as a role model for moral and fair behavior. A transparent approach commands esteem and confidence from employees. Through their research they identified 6 emotional intelligence skills that support our success as authentic leaders. These skills are Self -Actualization, Reality Testing, Self-Regard, Emotional Self Awareness, Social Responsibility, and Independence. In a deeper examination of these skills we see Self Actualization: Operates with a connection to a greater plan and sets inspiring goals. Reality Testing: Grounded, fair, and unbiased. Self-Regard: Confident and aware of personal strengths and limitations. Emotional Self Awareness: Mindful of their emotional impact on the performance of others. Social Responsibility: Team Player who models and supports company culture, norms, and rules. Independence: decisive, accountable, makes decisions aligned for the good of the overall organization. Combing the impact of these skills creates a leader who clearly models authenticity to those around them.
The exciting news is that unlike our IQ or personality, which are relatively static, our emotional intelligence can be developed. Measuring our emotional intelligence and increasing the use of the skills that enhance authenticity will generate greater trust, credibility, loyalty, authenticity, and transparency. It will allow leaders to generate greater buy in to their thoughts, ideas, concepts, and enable them to keep open doors of communication during the most challenging situations and difficult conversations.
Big goals require strong relationships and strong relationships are authentic relationships.