Module Two: Emotional Intelligence

“It is a mystery to me. It seems that as a person increases his or her responsibility or position in an organization, their ability or willingness to exercise EQ (emotional intelligence) decreases. The same is true in our personal lives. Many times, when we find ourselves in a position of power or leverage, we forget or refuse the importance of EQ in relationships. Toxic work environments are created because of a lack of EQ. Relationships that are struggling can almost always point to a failure by one or both parties to exercise strong EQ. I will admit that developing and demonstrating strong EQ is hard work. However, the data is clear, refusing to infuse EQ in your daily life will result in lower job and life satisfaction.

It’s really not a mystery. Choose to demonstrate EQ with those you lead and love and you will make a difference.”

Larry Little
Eagle Center for Leadership

In today's fast-paced and competitive landscape, Emotional Intelligence emerges as a critical communication skill for fostering productive working relationships. As a Supervisor, you play a vital role in shaping the culture and direction of your company. To ensure your company not only survives but also thrives, it's imperative that you develop a high degree of Emotional Intelligence.

Emotional intelligence, also known as emotional quotient or EQ for short, is especially important for Supervisors, because mastering these skills directly influences your ability to guide teams and propel organizational achievements. With a high EQ, you can demonstrate a profound awareness of your own emotions and those of your peers, enabling you to navigate intricate interpersonal relationships with empathy, authenticity, and resilience.

Cultivating emotional intelligence is not merely beneficial; as researcher Daniel Goleman frequently emphasizes, it is the “secret weapon” for leaders. EQ is indispensable for those aiming to foster a resilient and successful working environment. For Supervisors, enhancing your EQ is crucial for effectively managing daily operational challenges and supporting your team in achieving both short-term and strategic goals.

“It is very important to understand that emotional intelligence is not the opposite of intelligence, it is not the triumph of heart over head — it is the unique intersection of both.”

— David Caruso

In The Areté Way Emotional Intelligence Module, we explore the role that a robust emotional intelligence (EQ) plays in effective leadership practices. Within the rapidly evolving and competitive business world today, the role of leadership transcends traditional metrics of success. While technical skills and strategic acumen are undoubtedly important, it's increasingly recognized that effective leadership hinges on something deeper: emotional intelligence. 

Your ability to understand and manage your emotions, as well as those of the team you lead, is pivotal in driving organizational success. With this in mind, this module has been crafted to explore the significance of Emotional Intelligence in leadership, provide practical insights into its application, and equip you with the tools necessary to enhance your emotional intelligence and lead with greater effectiveness. Join us on this journey as we delve into the essential components of EQ and discover how it can transform not only your leadership approach but also impact your entire life. Growing your EQ will empower you to make better decisions, cultivate stronger bonds, and live having fewer regrets in each of your relationships.

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Emotional Intelligence Skills
Self-Assessment

Below, you will encounter a series of statements related to effective emotional intelligence practices. Please rate your agreement with each statement using the following Likert scale:

1 - Strongly Disagree: I struggle significantly with this aspect of emotional intelligence.
2 - Disagree: I have some difficulty with this aspect of emotional intelligence.
3 - Neutral: I am neither particularly skilled nor unskilled in this aspect of emotional intelligence.
4 - Agree: I am proficient and generally successful in this aspect of emotional intelligence.
5 - Strongly Agree: I excel at this aspect of emotional intelligence.