How Important is Emotional Intelligence as a Leader?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 11:10:39 -0400

What Every Leader Needs in a Crisis!

Do you agree that whatever the crisis, big or small, an emotionally intelligent leader will handle it better than someone without EI competencies.

The four realms of emotional intelligence – self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management – can help a leader in any crisis!

How important is it?

SGT Leslie C. Erdman, JR SPC Michael Stedman Cody Masiero Cpl Casey Meyer CPT Private RallyPoint Member SPC Mary Hargrove CPL Phillipe Farneti LT Scott O'Shaughnessy, MBA SFC Rick H Sgt Eddie Green D. Cree Crawford SFC Scott Hudnall SFC Private RallyPoint Member SSG Darrin Bovia Sgt James Baxley ] Pmc Mcb SFC Dante Alanis

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Apr 9 at 2016 11:21 AM

SPC Andrew Griffin — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 11:21:24 -0400

Very Important because you have BALANCE! You must be on an Even Keel Always! You must have Patience! Humility and Temperance!

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Apr 9 at 2016 11:21 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 11:21:28 -0400

Emotional Intelligence is synonymous with "maturity". When the fit hits the shan, everyone looks to the person who is in control of their emotions as a queue to how they should react. That person is the leader

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 9 at 2016 12:10 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 12:10:54 -0400

I kept it cool because I wanted to be available to my NCOs. We were all in it together.

I only had one instance of yelling at a subordinate. He had sent a very massive wide email with lots of inappropriate words at DFAS. I said WTF were you thinking or did you think at all? There are better ways of ending your career. We chalked up that session with don't do it again. Then I informed him I wanted a 500 word essay on the situation.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Apr 9 at 2016 12:24 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 12:24:47 -0400

I concur with CPT Jack Durish's response COL Mikel J. Burroughs.
Emotional maturity is essential to be a capable and dependable leaders. While physical maturity is much easier to gauge, emotional maturity like true leadership is best viewed under stress -especially under long periods of varied stresses.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2016 12:38 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 12:38:38 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Sir, a leader must be able to demonstrate that he can stay cool and calm when things start getting dicey. If he or she can do this, it will help to keep a bad situation from getting worse. A leader with Emotional Intelligence can get their subordinates to do things that they normally would not want to do.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Apr 9 at 2016 12:40 PM

LTC John Shaw — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 12:40:03 -0400

It is the difference between a high functioning organization and toxic leadership

Response by SFC Stephen King made Apr 9 at 2016 12:47 PM

SFC Stephen King — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 12:47:09 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I believe that a leader who has a balance of the 4 realms is an effective leader. I also believe leaders must know their strengths in a crisis and look for others who a strong in their weak areas. Teamwork and balance

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 9 at 2016 1:24 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 13:24:11 -0400

I think LTC Shaw nailed it "It is the difference between a high functioning organization and toxic leadership".

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2016 1:27 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 13:27:12 -0400

EQ is a greater predictor of success than IQ -> see Jack Welch's Management Institute for more info...

Response by SPC James Harsh made Apr 9 at 2016 4:45 PM

SPC James Harsh — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 16:45:43 -0400

Its like having a stern father. Youd be directed to your mother for emotional support. At least leaders that arent equipped to deal with it should direct to appropriate channel

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Apr 9 at 2016 11:27 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 23:27:58 -0400

Absent EI, a leader will fail.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2016 6:55 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 18:55:44 -0400

SFC Stephen King I agree it is balance, always is.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2016 7:09 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 19:09:01 -0400

Emotionally, I am hyper-ware (Severe GAD), MDD. Even when I was wrestling or baseball, I was terrified. This signifies an imbalance. I use CBT, Mindfullness and so on. It is so bad that I am aware of everthing and ready to react. When I go to the store, I have an expanded personal space. I am going to get one on one help with a Psychologist at the VA. I feel safe and trusting with that person. I continue to get more balance. It is taking time. COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Apr 13 at 2016 12:37 PM

SGT Michael Thorin — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 12:37:45 -0400

I believe it is of extreme importance.

Those without this trait can either be too emotionally involved or not enough. Being too involved can lead to hasty decisions based on how you or another person "feels." These decisions can often times put the organization second to the individual, which can have a negative impact on moral and/or the organization.

Being emotionally detached or void of emotion can often times put a person in a position of "The Dungeon Master", and can often times lead to a hostile work environment where a "me against them" organization which has little chance of attracting or retaining quality personnel.

I like to refer to these cases as the "Scrooge Priciple." First, Scrooge was petty and hard. He did not care for his clients or his 1 employee. This did not benefit Scrooge or his company.

After his visits, he began throwing his money to everyone and his spirits were lifted. Bob Cratchit became compensated extremely well and Scrooge started medically supporting Tiny Tim's medical problems, officially becoming the first corporation to provide medical insurance for an employee, LOL.

As great and touching a story this is, if Scrooge continued to be so touched by every sad story out there, how long do you think he would have to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy?

In both cases, there is an extreme; one leads to corporate demise or stagnant growth by no emotional investment, and the other leads to corporate demise or decreased output because the leader cares too much.

People do not like hearing that. They don't like to know that more times than not in life their individual emotional feelings have to take a backseat to "the greater good."

We see it everyday in the news. Individuals and groups changing laws because something offends them. Our Country has been trying for the last 20 to 30 years to make everyone "happy." Now, everyone in our Country believes it is the Federal Governments job to make them happy.

Same thing with work; employees now want to tell the employers what they can and can't do.

As an opinion, all of these are due to a staggering lack of emotional intelligence.

Captain Durish, I couldn't agree with you more on your comment.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2016 5:18 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 17:18:27 -0400

As some large corporations and military senior leaders will blatantly attest - emotional IQ is extremely important! It influences our decisions, interpersonal-relationships, public image, self image and how hard a person will work. Its huge.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2016 9:07 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 21:07:16 -0400

I feel, as a lower ranking member, it is sometimes difficult to be able to keep my emotions in check when dealing with something as I do not as as much experience as some of the others posting on here. I personally have been in certain situations where I have lost control of my emotions and have had to step away and regain my composure. I guess it goes back to what CPT Durish said with Maturity. Hopefully it just comes with age and its something I can learn from my leaders, such as yourselves, and pass down to junior sailors in the future. I got a lot out of this discussion and the comments. Thank you.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2016 11:02 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 11:02:09 -0400

If possible, check your women/men's test scores( ASFAB. I'm sure the scoring has changed (USARACC 1970) but there were 4 categories of recruit scores. These scores will give a small picture of your troops ability to comprehend when you use EI. Cat 1, High score, smart but hard to train, Cat 2, Medium/High score, easy to train and will be receptive, Cat 3, Medium/Low score, Suppose to be the easiest to train, Cat 4, Low scores, might have the desire but can have trouble understanding some of the more rigorous mental MOS's. If you can see their 201 File & Form 20, combine the WK and AR, word knowledge and arithmetic reasoning. That will give you the GT score.

Response by LTC Terrence Farrier, PhD made Apr 14 at 2016 1:30 PM

LTC Terrence Farrier, PhD — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 13:30:49 -0400

Synergistic relationships between all and the proper time to use it...matters! Yes! Toro!

Response by MSG Nathan Ellison made Apr 14 at 2016 4:50 PM

MSG Nathan Ellison — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 16:50:10 -0400

I concur LTC Shaw, he has summed it nicely. Having and applying E.I. Doesn't necessarily mean group hugs, sensing sessions, and drum circles but it is indicative of leadership that thinks before they speak and takes the time to understand the situation before making decisions.

Response by SSG Leonard J W. made Apr 23 at 2016 8:27 PM

SSG Leonard J W. — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 20:27:49 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, this is a great discussion! I have read a lot of awesome responses on here. My response sums in the words of a wise man: "A gentle response turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath." Great leaders must know when to apply the boot to someone's backside and when to place their hand over their mouth. Some crises are not really crises at all - they are just misunderstandings blown out of proportion. Occasionally, there really isn't a response required. Wise leaders will gather facts and resolve the situation as quickly and calmly as possible. That will sometimes leave others upset, but everyone will benefit from the correct resolution.

Response by MSgt Ken "Airsoldier" Collins-Hardy made May 10 at 2016 6:10 PM

MSgt Ken "Airsoldier" Collins-Hardy — Tue, 10 May 2016 18:10:30 -0400

Great question COL Burroughs. From a military crisis (i.e., institutionalized force) perspective, I agree that leadership reactions directly correlate to a surplus or deficit in EI-competencies, especially as propaganda is cryptically designed to induce irrational emotional responses from rank and file global citizens as a by-product of collectivist-contrived education and media policies. Edward G. Griffin, The Hidden Agenda - http://bit.ly/1WoiYj7

Consequently, countermeasures to these institutions such as EI courses, bottom-up hisotoriography, alternative news and social media have surfaced in the open-source intelligence space. Had these institutions previously emphasized the importance of EI-competencies in relation to global economics as they do to global entertainment, it's highly probable that the contemporary international leadership could've repelled the misdirection that socially-engineered the emotional reactions to the 9/11 attacks and other contingencies. Yugoslavia: The Avoidable War - http://bit.ly/1WZiHBD

For example, the Arabic word "jihad" is often translated as "holy war," however, having an EI-understanding that the purely linguistic sense of the word " jihad" means struggling or striving offers a secular alternative to parochial religious reactions employed by the Bush Administration and supporting think tanks and round tables. Jihad: A Misunderstood Concept from Islam - What Jihad is, and is not REF: http://bit.ly/1T81Zk5

Hidden Agenda Transcript

American Media/Reality Zone offers documentary books, audios, and videos dealing with freedom, health, monetary issues, and dramatic events of history.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2016 8:09 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 May 2016 20:09:58 -0400

Yes an EI Leader would handle the crisis better because that leader is considering all involved in the crisis and not focused on the crisis alone. That leader would discuss with all involved and his staff before making and acting on a decision, In the Military we call this the MDMP Military Decision Making Process which the same principles an be applied to military and civilian.

Response by SGT Robert George made May 19 at 2016 9:25 PM

SGT Robert George — Thu, 19 May 2016 21:25:52 -0400

I guess I never gave it much thought but , those seem to be key factors of a great leader !!!

Response by SrA Leah Murchie made May 20 at 2016 2:16 AM

SrA Leah Murchie — Fri, 20 May 2016 02:16:00 -0400

It is essential for communication and understanding as well as seeing what's under the surface. Emotional Intelligence is what will saves lives. You would see signs of suicide or someone that is volital that my be a loose cannon. It also is what you use to truly lead people. Men and woman will die for you if they know you care and you preceive there emotional needs. It is how comrades and a true team are built. To be able to read emotion should be one of the top skills taught as it effects all of us in every communication we have with one another.

Response by Cpl Michael Crowley made May 20 at 2016 9:44 AM

Cpl Michael Crowley — Fri, 20 May 2016 09:44:23 -0400

EI competence is vital because:
*If you don't know your capabilities and limits, than you over estimate or underestimate yourself.
*If you don't accurately estimate your personal resources, than you take too many risks or too few; both of which will slow your potential rate of growth.
*If you can't interpret your social environment, than you won't utilize your followers efficiently. Some leaders don't realize quite how dedicated their team is to the team leader's vision. Other leaders push too hard with followers that aren't as dedicated.
*If you don't nurture a relationship with your people, than even a perfectly constructed set of talents will break down because of a lack of kinship.

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2016 9:45 AM

1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 May 2016 09:45:44 -0400

I knew a battalion commander who was about as emotionally intelligent as an android. Needless to say, it was pretty obvious and awkward at times.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2016 9:35 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 May 2016 21:35:48 -0400

I may have answered this before but I think it's good to know infor. Some have called it Psych 101. I think it goes a little farther than that. 3 books, entitled " I'm OK your OK", deals with the 4 distinct personalities that are formed by our environment, How we were raised, what kind of guidance did we receive, how other people's influence can shape how we view the world. " Games people Play" is just what the title says. EVERYONE plays games, regardless of how often you got kicked out of school because you don't play and wouldn't go out for recess. " Born To Win" identifies the numerous situations we are placed in as we grow, and how we respond and or learn depending on the situation.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made May 22 at 2016 4:42 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Sun, 22 May 2016 16:42:24 -0400

Any computer can make an unemotional decision, maybe good, maybe bad. The ability of a good leader is to be able to make a decision in an emotional environment, so emotional intelligence is critical. If emotion isn't cranked into the decision making process you might as well not have a leader and just use the computer.

Response by MAJ Raymond Haynes made May 23 at 2016 12:36 AM

MAJ Raymond Haynes — Mon, 23 May 2016 00:36:38 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Emotional Intelligence (EI) was, is, and will continue to be a integral part of effective team leadership. A "leader" who does not have a clear picture of the emotional state of the personnel under his/her command has no real estimate of how they will perform given an assigned task. The textbook answer is that they will perform to the best of their ability, because that's what good solders do. I submit that "the best of their ability" is a direct function of the individual's and the collective unit's state of mind toward completion of the task. I am not advocating that a unit has to feel zippy to do a good job, anybody who has been in the field too long can attest to that. I am advocating that a leader who does not keep his finger on the emotional pulse of the unit does not have the complete picture as to their operational readiness. Most times the key to that Intelligence, in it's most un-varnished form is discovered by establishing and maintaining a strong professional relationship with the unit's SNCO Corps. I do not mean just the 1stSGT, but the cadre who do the day to day running of the mundane tasks. I had a Skipper once, a leader who I had the greatest of respect, both as an Officer, and a man. He told me to listen to the level of complaints from the troops. When a Marine stops general bitching, he has something on his mind, find out what it is. When they are all bitching at small things as a group, there a happy family. Strange as it may seem, his men loved him, and vice versa.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jun 27 at 2016 9:50 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 21:50:09 -0400

Given the description provided, I would say that emotional intelligence is a very important trait to have, especially in a leadership position.

You are the leader of a unit that has to retake a position currently in enemy hands. Inside you feel conflicted, you don't think you're going to make it back. You lack self awareness. Your troops can read your emotions on your face. Morale drops. You fail to take the position.

Now take that same scenario except this time you do have that self awareness. You realize there is a time and a place for doubt and uncertainty and this isn't it. You have used your self awareness to enact some self-management to maintain your composure in front of your troops. You understand the general feelings of the troops with your social awareness and use relationship management in order to motivate and inspire your men. Given the boosted morale of your troops, they press on a little bit harder and through sheer force of will retake the position from the enemy.

We look to leaders to get us through the toughest times. So even if the leader is an emotional wreck, he needs to present an image of calm, cool, and collected. Otherwise, the fight is lost before it even began.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2016 8:43 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 08:43:27 -0500

Emotional Intelligence is critical towards cultivating, and sustaining a highly functional, and safe working environment. Emotional Intelligence directly correlates to Simon Sinek's book, Leaders Eat Last, supporting Sinek's concept of the "circle of safety" in fostering a working environment where the leader(s) value, recognize, and promote their subordinates with dignity, and respect.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Nov 19 at 2016 4:36 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 16:36:22 -0500

Sir, I believe that in order to be effective in most situations emotions should be turned off. If you think using your heart, and not your mind, you'll be very conflicted and second guessing in a short amount of time. Every one of those realms can be manipulated in crisis either by outside influence, or internal conflict. It's cold and even condescending to some, but it keeps you firmly able to think clearly, and focus on the mission at hand.

Response by CAPT Michael W. Langston, PhD, DMin made Nov 20 at 2016 4:46 PM

CAPT Michael W. Langston, PhD, DMin — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 16:46:34 -0500

It's a great indicator of what's going on in your life. I teach it basic principles in my Spiritual Formation course in the Doctoral program in Columbia Biblical Seminary and in our MDiv Chaplaincy program. For most of the folks who take the course it is a worth while set of KSA's (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities) to own or understand.

Response by CH (COL) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2016 5:16 PM

CH (COL) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Nov 2016 17:16:24 -0500

Like EI is a new theory?
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”
― Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Response by SPC Matt Bowers made Dec 3 at 2016 4:12 PM

SPC Matt Bowers — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 16:12:48 -0500

Absolutely. Humans are emotional beings by nature, and to have a sympathetic leader will only strengthen moral, loyalty, and dedication to duty.

Response by MCPO Mark Durland made Dec 5 at 2016 1:38 PM

MCPO Mark Durland — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 13:38:31 -0500

I'm not generally one who gets wrapped up in trait typing (which is in itself interesting since my educational background is psychology and workforce education). Here's my take on it...if you experience something, the experience as well as the "something" become part of your inventory. In other words, you can get a bike for Christmas and you can get really excited about the bike. Both the thing and the feeling become part of you for a while. If those feelings get reinforced time and again they construct you. If you're fortunate enough to have a lot of experiences and also fortunate enough to take inventory of them from time to time you become aware of yourself, your traits, and may learn how to use them. Not exactly Pavlov's dogs. Experience, reinforcement, and awareness.

I could not be as aware of my leadership strengths and shortcomings 20 years ago as I am now, due in part to new experiences, reinforcement of some old experiences, and my ability to look back and connect them. That didn't make me a poor leader back then, but a growing leader.

I also think this works outwards. It's difficult to perceive emotions in an individual if you know nothing about them (how they react, etc). So building that knowledge may take some time. Again, a growth.

So...emotional intelligence (like any other intelligence) is based on knowledge (obtained over time) as well as our ability to apply that knowledge (which evolves as we get more experience).

Response by LCpl Donald Faucett made Dec 5 at 2016 5:50 PM

LCpl Donald Faucett — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 17:50:57 -0500

How to act or react to a situation and radiate confidence to your team. Emotional control is learned behavior.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2016 7:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 19:31:18 -0500

I think it depends on the situation honestly. Having been planted in a few "places" as soon as word got out of an investigation. Even the calmest of leaders and EIs ran around not knowing what to do. Lol.. Kind of chomical to watch actually.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2016 5:19 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 17:19:11 -0500

“You have to lead men in war by bringing them along to endure and display qualities of fortitude that are beyond the average man’s thought of what he should be expected to do. You have to inspire them when they are hungry and exhausted and desperately uncomfortable and in great danger; and only a man of positive characteristics of leadership, with the physical stamina that goes with it, can function under those conditions.”
“Remember this: the truly great leader overcomes all difficulties, and campaigns and battles are nothing but a long series of difficulties to be overcome The lack of equipment, the lack of food, the lack of this or that are only excuses; the real leader displays his qualities in his triumph over adversity, however great it may be.”
“Army officers are intelligent. Give them the bare tree, let them supply the leaves.” ––GEN George Marshall

Response by MAJ Dick Farnsworth made Dec 9 at 2016 12:07 PM

MAJ Dick Farnsworth — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 12:07:11 -0500

Hey Sir: The thing I've noticed is you never really know how you are going to react until the "fit hits the sham." Certainly I'm not advocating anyone willing engage in a crisis but if in that crisis the "leader" freezes he/she is of no use to anyone. I always worried that I would fail but when my first crisis hit I was surprised to find that I was calm and in control.

Response by Jenn Moynihan made Dec 23 at 2016 9:54 PM

Jenn Moynihan — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 21:54:37 -0500

This is quite timely for me. Emotional Intelligence is key especially when you are working in an emotionally charged environment (in-theater, first responders, police, etc...or where I am currently - 40-bed men's detox unit); top that with many staff members who do not have, unfortunately, the capability to reign in there own emotions. As the good CPT Jack Durish said it's key when "fit hits the shan"!

I need to print this graphic out and put it up in my cubicle until I find a new job.

Response by GySgt Melissa Gravila made Dec 25 at 2016 3:54 PM

GySgt Melissa Gravila — Sun, 25 Dec 2016 15:54:58 -0500

As a chef- I have to show "grace under pressure" keeping my calm through the storm so to speak, and we also have a saying, "put the aces in their places". I feel in order to do that, one has to have and demonstrate the proper balance in order to have and lead a cohesive unit. In the kitchen timing is everything, and if people don't hit their marks, the meal is a huge failure. Not only do I have to know myself and my strengths/weaknesses, but those of my staff as well- when it goes well, it's a thing of beauty- when it doesn't, well...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2016 12:10 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Dec 2016 12:10:23 -0500

Being able to balance your emotions in the military in very important. If it's dragging you down leave it at the door and try not to pick it up on your way out.