Leadership literature provides a dazzling array of helpful strategies
for success and sure-fire paths to the top of the corporate ladder. It would be
truly delightful to be able to pick up a book, absorb its contents and find
yourself successful in its afterglow.
The idea
If there were really a set of behaviours that guaranteed success it would soon be arbitraged away. However, there
does seem to be a secret sauce to effective leadership that we almost all agree
on and that is that it is extremely challenging to get to the top, and stay
there, without a healthy dose of emotional intelligence.
Danger zone It’s
easy to assume you are emotionally intelligent, especially if you are socially
popular with a large circle of friends. Absolute honesty and the opinions of
those around you do sometimes paint a more sobering picture of you emotional
capacity.
In practice
Try answering the questions below yourself and then ask a friend,
colleague or spouse who knows you well, and doesn’t mind being honest, to
complete it for you.
TRUE
|
FALSE
|
Statement
|
I
never try to avoid tough conversations.
|
||
I
know exactly what makes me angry.
|
||
If
I can’t get along with someone, I know exactly why.
|
||
I
know what makes me sad.
|
||
I
always consider how my words or actions will make someone else feel.
|
||
I
put time aside everyday to think about my behaviour and interactions.
|
||
I
never say things that I regret later.
|
||
I’m
OK with saying sorry.
|
||
I
know exactly what I do well.
|
||
I
know exactly what I can’t do well.
|
||
I
can say NO to my boss when I know I can’t meet his/her expectations.
|
||
I
am interested in hearing other people’s opinions.
|
||
I
am always respectful of other people, even those younger than I am.
|
||
Colleagues
value my feedback.
|
||
People
tell me I am patient.
|
||
I
am always calm under pressure.
|
||
I
think very long and hard about my mistakes.
|
||
I
think very long and hard about my successes.
|
||
I
love challenges that no one else can solve.
|
||
I
can listen to someone without interrupting.
|
||
My
mood never affects my interactions with other people.
|
||
I
don’t mind if plans change.
|
||
I
don’t mind if MY plans are changed.
|
||
I
don’t get irritated if someone can’t follow my instructions.
|
||
I
try not to lose my temper in public.
|
||
Grand total
(True = 1, False = 0)
|
||
How
did you score?
20
– 24 true: Super
human
12
to 20 true: Emotionally
gifted
below
12 true: Human
like the rest of us with the potential to improve
Copyright Tremaine du Preez @2012, all rights reserved.
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