Outstanding leadership requires more than strategy—it demands emotional intelligence, compassionate leadership, and continuous self-improvement. Discover how a visionary leader inspires, empowers, and fosters success through these essential qualities.
THE POWER OF EMOTION | CHAPTER 28 | LEADERSHIP
What Truly Sets Great Leaders Apart? Unlocking Leadership Excellence
What is outstanding leadership? Most definitions include a leader who displays emotional intelligence (EI), fosters leadership excellence and positively influences those around them with compassion and empathy. But let's go further than that and examine what it means to be a visionary leader who practices self-improvement and embodies the principles of compassionate leadership, along with actionable steps you can take today to become one.
Defining Great Leadership
Great leadership goes beyond managing tasks and achieving goals. It involves inspiring and empowering others, fostering a shared vision, and creating an environment where people feel valued and supported. At its core, leadership excellence combines emotional intelligence, adaptability, vision, and the ability to build meaningful connections with others.
Emotional Intelligence: The Cornerstone of Leadership
Emotional intelligence is one of the most critical traits of a great leader. It encompasses:
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Self-awareness: Understanding your emotions and how they affect your behaviour and decisions.
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Self-regulation: Managing emotions constructively, especially in high-pressure situations.
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Motivation: Maintaining a positive outlook and inspiring others to achieve shared goals.
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Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, fostering trust and loyalty.
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Social skills: Building and maintaining strong relationships, facilitating collaboration, and resolving conflicts effectively.
Research shows that leaders with high emotional intelligence drive higher employee engagement and organizational performance. For example, a study by Harvard Business Review revealed that emotionally intelligent leaders can increase team productivity by as much as 20%.
Actionable Steps to Develop Great Leadership
If you aspire to be a great leader, here are some practical steps to take today:
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Practice Active Listening: Pay full attention when others speak. Avoid interrupting and show genuine interest in their perspectives.
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Foster a Culture of Feedback: Encourage open communication by seeking and giving constructive feedback. Use it as a tool for growth, not criticism.
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Lead with Empathy: Make an effort to understand the challenges your team members face. Offer support and solutions that show you care about their well-being.
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Invest in Continuous Learning: Stay updated on industry trends and leadership strategies. Consider attending workshops or reading books on emotional intelligence and leadership. Take an EQ-i 2.0 Leadership Assessment.
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Build a Shared Vision: Collaborate with your team to define a clear and inspiring vision. Help your team understand their role in achieving that vision.
Real-Life Examples of Leadership Excellence
As these leaders show, leadership is not just about strategy, it’s about people. Consider Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, who transformed the company by fostering a culture of empathy and innovation. Nadella's focus on emotional intelligence and his ability to inspire a growth mindset across the organization have been key to Microsoft's success. Similarly, Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, exemplified compassionate leadership through her empathetic handling of crises, winning global admiration for her ability to connect with people on a human level.
Reflection and Call to Action
Leadership excellence is a journey, not a destination. Take a moment to reflect on your leadership style. Ask yourself:
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Do I actively listen to my team members?
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Am I fostering an environment of trust and collaboration?
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How can I better demonstrate empathy and understanding?
Commit to one actionable step today to help you grow as a leader. Whether practicing active listening, learning more about emotional intelligence, or setting aside time to connect with your team, every small step brings you closer to leadership excellence. Great leaders are not born; they develop through continuous effort, self-awareness, and a commitment to personal growth.
If you're serious about mastering emotional intelligence to elevate your leadership, dive deeper into the strategies outlined in my book, The Power of Emotion, A Practical Guide to Making the Most of Your Emotional Intelligence. Click here to order your paperback or eBook copy today!
This article was originally published on November 23, 2021, and has been updated (February 2025).
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