Emotional Intelligence and Leadership 2 of 5

Excerpt from John J. Errigo's Thesis titled "Emotional Intelligence: A Positive Influence on Leadership Effectivness and Cohesive Team Development" (J. Errigo, Saint Joseph's University P. 22-23, 2009).

Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Pt2

According to the research of Kerr et al. (2005), emotionally intelligent leaders can promote effectiveness in all levels in the organization. “They are the primary source of social interaction and have a strong ability to influence outcomes and behaviors of their followers” (p.268). Emotionally intelligent leaders are more effective since they influence outcomes by influencing people. The conclusions to the study of Kerr et al., using MSCEIT to measure EI in their leaders and a rating of supervisor effectiveness, “found employees perceptions of supervisor effectiveness are strongly related to the EI of the supervisor” (p. 275).
The emotionally intelligent leader is more effective since they bring emotional contexts into their relations with others. “Many studies related to leadership strongly indicate that emotion plays a significant role in leadership” (Service & Fekula, 2007, p. 23). Leaders must be able to be aware of their own emotions and the emotions of others. The interaction between the leader and their staff is important, since interpersonal communications and the quality of those exchanges impact greatly the dynamics of the relationship. The leader’s ability to manger their emotions and manage the emotions of others will greatly enhance the interpersonal dynamic with their staff. A subordinate who has a good relationship with their leader is more likely to respond to the work set forth by their leader. Good interactions between the leader and the subordinate will contribute to a much more effective working relationship which will be aligned to the leader’s goals and organizational objectives.

All rights reserved (2010) and my not be duplicated or refernced without written permission of author: John Errigo, M.S., by corporate authorization, HODT, Inc. (synergy@hodtinc.com)