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A lot has gone into the research and the background of emotional intelligence
and the results are startling. Today most firms employ psychologists to develop
what are known as `competency models' to help them identify, train and promote
likely stars in the leadership firmament. Emotional intelligence makes the
all-important difference between a good leader and a great leader. So, what's
emotional intelligence? How is it evaluated? Can it be learned? We may not have
all the answers, but we cannot deny that it's time we asked those essential
questions.
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Emotional intelligence has five components:
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Self Awareness - It's the ability to
recognize and understand one's moods, emotions and drives as well as the
effects of the former on those around us. A self-aware person is confident, has
a self-deprecating sense of humor and most importantly, is able to make a
realistic self-assessment.
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Self Regulation - This refers to the ability
to control or redirect disruptive impulses and moods. A self-regulated person
will keep all judgements in abeyance and think before acting. Such individuals
reflect qualities like trustworthiness and integrity, are easy with any kind of
ambiguity and are open to change.
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Motivation - It's the willingness to work for
reasons other than pecuniary gain or status. Motivated individuals pursue goals
with unrelenting zeal. Motivation makes the crucial difference between
successful and very successful corporate leaders. The traits associated with
highly motivated individuals include a drive to achieve, optimism even in the
face of failure and organisational commitment.
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It's difficult to measure emotional intelligence because there's a high degree
of subjectivity involved in the process. Research has thrown up a series of
methods, and we do have what we all know as the `emotional intelligence
quotient'. But, scores can prove to be misleading.
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Now the great debate: Are leaders born or made? Is Man born with empathy or is
he fashioned by life's experiences? The answer is both. Science suggests a
genetic component to emotional intelligence. How much, is nebulous. There's one
surety: emotional intelligence increases with age.
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Now, the physiology: emotional intelligence is born in the neuron-transmitters
of the brain's limbic system, which governs feelings, impulses and drives.
Research indicates the limbic system learns best through motivation, practice
and feedback. Relating physiology to organisational behaviour, firms must
refocus training to include the limbic system. They should help break old
behavioural habits and establish new ones. True, this is time-consuming as it's
individualised in approach, but where there's a will there's a way.
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