Emotional Intelligence (EQ) for leaders and managers

Emotional Intelligence is an ability to manage ourselves and our relationships with other people effectively, by understanding our own and other people's feelings, recognising that we human beings have an emotional as well as a rational side to our make-up.

Emotional Intelligence is made up of four competencies which relate to ourselves and our relationships with other people, not least our relationships at work. The four fundamental elements are:

1. Self-awareness. An awareness of one's own feelings (as well as thoughts and actions), an understanding of the drivers of these emotions, and the effect that these emotions can have on decisions, actions and other people. Also a knowledge of one's own strengths and weaknesses.

2. Self-management (or self-regulation). The ability to control emotional impulses which may not be appropriate and to think before acting, taking into account the potential impact on the situation and other people. Also, the ability to 'direct' oneself to take on different roles and leadership styles as the occasion demands.

3. Social awareness. On an interpersonal level, this means 'empathy', or the ability to perceive and understand other people's emotions in a particular situation and their emotional 'style' generally. The ability to take account of other people's emotional reactions and to adapt one's own actions accordingly. Also, on a wider level, an awareness of organisational politics and corporate culture as well as customers' and stakeholders' perspectives.

4. Social skills. A range of interpersonal skills, used consciously and appropriately, to lead, inspire, guide, negotiate, establish rapport, build teams and maintain good relationships. Crucially, these skills include listening to, and helping to develop, other people.

Since leadership is about leading people, not machines or processes, effective leadership requires a great deal of emotional intelligence.

There are six different leadership styles, each suited to different circumstances, which draw on the four elements of emotional intelligence, each in a different measure, according to Daniel Goleman.