EQ: The What
The journey to becoming an effective leader in law enforcement is challenging. Many officers rise through the ranks thanks to their technical expertise and dedication to the job. However, as your careers progress, the demands of leadership shift beyond tactical skills and procedural knowledge. Successful police leadership now requires the ability to build strong, collaborative relationships, manage conflicts with empathy, listen to others’ needs, and inspire both the team and the community.
True leadership in policing requires deep self-awareness—a profound understanding of one’s own strengths, limitations, and emotions to guide and support others effectively. This calls for the development of Emotional Intelligence (EQ), a crucial skill for effective policing and leadership. EQ involves recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions, both within oneself and in interactions with others. By strengthening your emotional intelligence, you can improve your resilience, enhance your relationships, and create a positive impact on the communities you serve. Emotional Intelligence is a game-changer!
And here’s the exciting part: Emotional Intelligence is like a muscle that you can strengthen throughout your life. In his book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, researcher Daniel Goleman reminds us that emotional fitness, much like physical fitness, grows through consistent intention, habits, and practice… so let’s get started!
Self-Assessment:
EQ - The What
Please take a few moments to contemplate the following self-reflection questions. Where can you identify opportunities for personal growth in your leadership approach?
Do I take the time to reflect on how my emotions influence my decision-making and interactions with others?
How effectively do I manage my emotions, especially in challenging or stressful situations?
How well do I handle criticism or feedback, and do I use it as an opportunity to learn and improve?
How often do I make an effort to understand the emotions of others, particularly those who may be angry, upset, or afraid?
Do I actively listen to others without judgment and try to see situations from their point of view?
Am I able to keep my personal biases in check and approach each situation with an open mind?
Do I recognize when stress or frustration might be influencing my behavior, and am I able to manage it effectively?
How well do I connect with my colleagues and the community members I serve, building trust and rapport?
Remember, this self-assessment is just a starting point for understanding your knowledge of Emotional Intelligence. It's essential to reflect on your responses and actively work on areas where improvement is needed. Additionally, seeking feedback from others and working with your ECFL Leadership Coach can provide valuable insights into your emotional intelligence strengths and weaknesses.
“Let’s not forget that the little emotions are the great captains of our lives and we obey them without knowing it.”
What is Emotional Intelligence - EQ?
Emotional Intelligence, coined by researchers John Mayer and Peter Salovey in 1990, refers to our capacity to comprehend and regulate our own emotions while also identifying and influencing the emotions of others. Building on Mayer and Salovey’s ideas, Daniel Goleman highlights the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership in his 1998 Harvard Business Review article "What Makes a Leader.” He states that effective leaders possess a high level of emotional intelligence, which Goleman argues surpasses the importance of IQ and technical skills. He underscores that while these skills are necessary for executive roles, emotional intelligence is indispensable for exceptional leadership.
EQ aids in stress reduction, while promoting effective communication and empathy. Additionally, EQ plays a pivotal role in overcoming challenges and resolving conflicts. Strengthening emotional intelligence builds stronger relationships, enhances performance in academic and professional settings, and facilitates the achievement of personal and career objectives. It also enables you to connect with your emotions, translating intentions into actions and making well-informed decisions aligned with your priorities.
What does this mean for you?
By developing your EQ, you can communicate more effectively, build trust and rapport with others, and inspire motivation and commitment. You will be better equipped to manage conflicts, make sound decisions, and adapt to change. With a strong EQ, you will be more adept at recognizing and leveraging the strengths of your team, promoting a sense of belonging and empowerment. Ultimately, cultivating your Emotional Intelligence facilitates the creation of positive work environments where individuals thrive, teams excel, and organizations achieve sustainable growth and success.
Throughout history, we find examples of people who have demonstrated high levels of Emotional Intelligence, both in their regular daily interactions and in the face of historic challenges. Among these notable leaders was Abraham Lincoln.
Abraham Lincoln was a model of Emotional Intelligence. Not only was he able to remain calm and composed under pressure, but he was always mindful of the needs and concerns of others. He communicated skillfully in both writing and speech and was able to build strong relationships with people from all walks of life.
Lincoln's EQ was particularly evident in his leadership during the American Civil War as he united the country behind a common cause, navigating the many challenges of the war with wisdom and compassion.
Entrepreneur and co-founder of Virgin, Richard Branson, is another person who is recognized for his high EQ. Branson has recognized the influence and importance of strong Emotional Intelligence, noting in a LinkedIn interview, "I think being emotionally intelligent is more important in every aspect of life—and this includes business. Being a good listener, finding empathy, understanding emotions, communicating effectively, treating people well, and bringing out the best is critical to success. It will also help you build a business that really understands people and solves their problems, and it will make for a happier and healthier team too." He added: "If I had let my IQ and my school grades determine my success, I certainly wouldn't be where I am today."
As a police officer, developing strong emotional intelligence (EQ) is essential to effectively serving the community, building trust, and handling the complex emotional demands of your job.
Here are some of the many ways that possessing a high EQ can benefit you:
Improved Communication and De-escalation: Police officers often find themselves in situations where tensions are high, and emotions are charged. A strong EQ enables them to recognize their own emotions and stay calm, while also understanding the emotions of others.
Better Community Relations and Trust: When people feel understood and respected by law enforcement, they are more likely to cooperate and trust officers. This trust is essential for effective policing, as it encourages open communication and collaboration between the police and the community.
Enhanced Decision-Making: Officers who develop EQ can balance logic with empathy, leading to more thoughtful decision-making. They’re better able to consider the human impact of their decisions, which is crucial in high-stakes situations.
Resilience to Stress and Burnout: Policing is a high-stress profession, and a strong EQ helps officers manage stress, recognize when they need support, and develop healthier coping strategies.
Increased Team Cohesion and Morale: Officers who are attuned to their colleagues’ emotions help create a more collaborative and respectful work environment, boosting both morale and team cohesion. This support system can make a significant difference by improving resilience in difficult times.
Ability to Manage Biases and Personal Reactions: Officers with strong EQ are more aware of their own biases and emotional triggers, allowing them to approach each situation more objectively.
Greater Adaptability in Diverse Situations: Whether interacting with children, individuals experiencing mental health crises, or those from different cultural backgrounds, officers with strong EQ can adapt their communication style to a variety of situations as needed.
“When dealing with people remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion.”
Knowing the benefits, who wouldn't want to improve their Emotional Intelligence?
Research shows that strong EQ can boost career growth, entrepreneurial skills, leadership abilities, well-being, and even relationship satisfaction, humor, and happiness. Individuals with higher EQs often create more positive and fulfilling interactions, making it a powerful skill for managing stress and building a healthy work environment. However, it's imperative for leaders to remember that while emotions are a key part of emotional intelligence, decisions should still be balanced with clear, rational thinking. Here are some best practices you can use to build your EQ:
Cultivate emotional awareness. The first step in developing your EQ is becoming more aware of your own emotions. Start by noticing your own emotions throughout the day. Try to identify what brings on different feelings to build a clearer picture of your emotional responses.
Learn to manage your emotions. Once you are more aware of your emotions, you can start working on managing them more effectively. This includes finding healthy ways to cope with stress or anger and expressing your emotions in a constructive way.
Practice empathy. Empathy is about understanding and sharing the feelings of others. To develop your empathy, try putting yourself in others' shoes and viewing things from their perspective.
Build strong relationships. Meaningful connections are essential for success in both your personal and professional life. Fostering strong relationships requires us to be genuine, authentic, and willing to listen to others.
Be mindful of your communication. Your communication style greatly influences how others perceive you. Pay attention to your tone of voice, body language, and word choice.
Remember that cultivating your EQ is a journey that takes time and dedication, but the rewards make it a valuable investment. By enhancing your EQ, you will not only become a more effective police officer but you will also forge stronger relationships with others. Before we explore the components of EQ in our next session, let's take a moment to reflect on the insights we’ve gathered as you continue on this path toward both personal and professional growth.
Reflection Question:
Do the people you work with know how much you care about your work? About your teammates? About your community? About those things you are truly passionate about?
Enhance your understanding of Emotional Intelligence by reviewing the following resources. Take this opportunity to enhance your leadership effectiveness and expand your influence within the department and community.
What Makes a Leader?
Daniel Goleman
What People (Still) Get Wrong About Emotional Intelligence
Daniel Goleman
Emotionally Intelligent People Embrace These 10 Simple Rules
Justin Bariso