Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence is defined by Psychology Today as ‘the ability to identify and manage your own emotions and the emotions of others.’ This is a simple definition of a very powerful concept that, if fully developed, can make a huge difference in your success as a leader. In his article, Howe casually mentions that he believes successful entrepreneurial leaders have high EI. I would imagine this is correct.
Most of us are familiar with Emotional Intelligence thanks to the research by Daniel Goleman – a psychologist and the bestselling author of Emotional Intelligence, which he wrote in 1995. Goleman’s groundbreaking research helped make the link between our intellect (IQ), our EI and being a successful leader (Entrepreneurial or otherwise). In his most recent book, Focus: The Hidden Ingredient in Excellence, Goleman makes yet another connection – this time between EI, the science of attention and the ability to produce extraordinary results.
If you don’t have time to read the book, please do yourself a favour and read Why professionals need focus, a Forbes interview with Goleman where he describes the three types of focus – ‘the hidden ingredients’ – that will help us excel in business and in life. Hope I kept your ‘focus and attention’!
Dave Veale is a business and leadership coach and founder of Vision Coaching Inc. in Saint John. Email Dave at Dave@VisionCoachingInc.com or follow him on twitter @dave_veale. Don’t miss any of Dave’s interviews with leaders…get blog updates in your inbox by signing up over here, at the top of the right column ==>