The Real Game Changer
Okay, I’m going to publicly admit something here. I am not a great networker. One to one relationships I love. Small group interactions I like. But being with groups of people in a networking setting…well, traditionally that hasn’t been my thing. Now, as a business leader, I recognize that this particular ‘thing’ is an area I need to work on. Entering networking groups comfortably is a skill I want to master. Is it a natural talent for me? Nope. Is it a skill I can develop over time? Yes, indeed. That’s a pledge.
What I have come to learn, is that the act of stepping into a leadership role, whether in my business or other areas of my life, requires the humility to witness my weak muscles and the desire to build them up.
Not in a self-critical sort of way, but from the place of desiring a greater level of excellence. It’s critical to hone these skills and it matters that I do. Not only to the growth of my company, but to those that follow me and those that I serve. It’s an absolute imperative.
While leadership skill development areas abound, my experience has taught me that one particular area of skill seems to cry out for attention the most often regardless of business size. That is the area of emotional intelligence. When I speak of emotional intelligence I’m referring to a body of skills which include:
- Self-awareness
- Self-regulation
- Motivation (defined as “a passion for work that goes beyond money and status”)
- Empathy for others
- Social skills, such as proficiency in managing networks and building relationships
To my mind, that is the stuff of great leadership. Emotional intelligence is really more a matrix than a mere set of skills. While comprised of distinct components, the development of one area likely informs and influences the others. So it is with my networking aspiration. My networking practice is social skill development. Through the process of building my muscle in that one area, I will automatically touch upon and enhance the others. Now that’s efficiency.
There is a vital inter-connection between developing emotional intelligence and building a strong business.
Especially in the area of leadership. Think about it—every item on that list tends to be that which we most powerfully relate to and admire in others. It’s a body of skills that both generates high regard and gets things done. Emotional intelligence or EQ is a massive aspect of great leadership. Attending to the numbers, paying attention to the metrics and reaching revenue goals is a vital part of the game. Developing and enriching one’s EQ, however, is the real game changer.
So where are you on the EQ scale? High or low? We’ve placed a tremendous importance on IQ in business, but IQ alone will not catalyze a powerful company. For that, generous amounts of EQ are needed.
Discover 5 Tips to raise your EQ here!
5 Straightforward Tips to Become a Better Leader