The Power of Emotionally Intelligent Leadership in Times of Crisis
Stand Out as a Leader
Uncertain times. You probably hear this phrase several times a day. The impact of COVID19 continues to be felt around the globe. It is impacting just about every aspect of our lives. As we emerge on the other side of “the curve”, our nation is in a heated debate on the how and the when in terms of what comes next. People are struggling to decipher fact from fiction. This is exactly where emotionally intelligent leadership rises to the top.
As a leader, people naturally look to you for guidance. Usually, this is a role you are comfortable with. However, leading during this health crisis is different. What we know (or think we know) changes every minute. How do you lead with certainty and calm?
One thing I have learned over the last 2 months is this situation affects everyone differently. Your family dynamic, your age, your beliefs, your physical and mental health, your economic situation, and even your geographic location can influence how you view this crisis. With that, the need for emotionally intelligent leadership is more important than ever to ensure those who look to you for guidance feel valued, heard, and safe.
Emotional intelligence is not new – quite the opposite. It is a concept that has been around for decades. And times like the present remind us just how truly valuable this type of leadership capability can be. All five of the components of emotional intelligence – self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills – are important. However, two of these stand out as critical in times like these to level-up your emotionally intelligent leadership:
Self-Awareness
To help others cope in times of crisis, you must be mindful of how YOU feel first. Your beliefs and fears, whether you like or not, influence how you interact with others. Having a sense of self-awareness gives you perspective – inside and out.
Empathy
You may not feel a strong risk when going to the grocery store right now, but another person could be living a completely different reality. Resist the urge to tell others how they should think and feel. Instead, leading with an empathic mind and heart is sure to build trust.
Right now, people want answers, they want to know things will be okay. Unfortunately, we as leaders may not have all the answers just yet – but what we can do is listen, empathize, and create a safe space for our people. Keep in mind – there will be an after. Your people will remember how you responded as a leader during these uncertain times…make it a great memory. Make it emotionally intelligent.
Looking to strengthen your emotional intelligence? Head on over to our website to download your copy of Emotional Intelligence and Balanced Leadership. If your organization could benefit from a new perspective during this challenging time, I encourage you to contact my team and I at East Tenth Group today.
