Leading by instinct

Saturday 17th March, 2007
Leading by instinct


SOMETHING IS STIRRING in the corporate world as companies finally start to recognise the paradox they have created.

Taking hearts and minds into account on path to EI

Know your Stakeholders
In any decision, the stakeholders can include everyone from senior management to colleagues, customers, vendors, regulatory authorities and the taxman. The key is to understand as much about these people as possible. This makes it possible to develop a higher degree of awareness and empathy, so that you know what they need and expect, and what they may want to see changed. With these insights, you can anticipate their reactions and understand what is important to them. Knowing about their achievements, present situation and future goals will make it easier to understand their viewpoint on rational things, as well as the more emotional elements. When making a decision, you can then take into account what is in their heart and in their head.

Developing Skills
With self-awareness and observation, it becomes easier to interpret your own emotions and other people's. To improve in this respect, pay attention to the following points. Consider how you currently confirm that stakeholders have committed to a decision you have made. Ask yourself if you are doing enough to convince them. In addition, make it a habit to consider the emotional aspects, not just the basic data, before finalising any decision. Finally, reflect on how you usually acknowledge other people's feelings in the work environment. It can be a good idea to adopt three additional techniques to show or clearly explain that you have taken account of the different feelings surrounding a particular issue.

Personal Action Plan
Enhancing one's skills in any area - whether learning a foreign language, mastering a software program or developing better leadership abilities - requires planning. Developing emotional intelligence (EI) is no different. The first step is to set your mind to it. Then, take a good look at the work processes or personal behaviour you may need to change to achieve your new goals. Finally, be ready to keep adapting as you move forward on the path to becoming more emotionally intelligent.

Classified Post, with Simitri Group, has prepared weekly tasks for you to complete in your own time to help you develop your emotional intelligence.

Be sure to complete the free Emotional Intelligence test too, where you will be able to receive a report in just 24 hours. To take part, click here.