Knowing the Right Answer Isn't Enough

My clients are CEOs and business owners, and most of them are men. A lot of we men were taught that emotions are weakness, and that’s a darn shame since understanding emotions is fundamental to being a good leader and living a happy life.

How do you make decisions if you don’t base them on what makes you happy (feel good) and what makes you unhappy (feel bad)? How do you know what to go toward and what to back away from in your business and in your life?

As usual, it’s a question of balance. In this case, to be a good leader (and a happy person) you need a healthy balance between your rational skills and your emotional skills. We all know people who are too “emotional” because they seem to overreact to every emotional impulse they have, so we tend to avoid them. We also know people who are too “rational” because they are so emotionally detached that they could make a roller coaster ride seem boring, so we tend to avoid them too.

As a leader you have great power and control over your followers. You control their money and their career prospects, so they have many reasons to try not to displease you. That’s basic compliance.

We know, however, that sustained business success is about attracting and retaining talent, so how do you create real excitement and engagement in your team? Sure, you know the answers, i.e., what needs to be done, but how do you get your team excited and engaged so that they contribute to achieving those answers with their full potential?

Through your emotional intelligence, that’s how. If you understand emotions and what motivates people, then you are golden. Think about what makes you happy and apply that to your team. Fundamentals: 1) unambiguous role and authority 2) fair market value pay 3) autonomy to do the job their way 4) regular feedback and acknowledgement of a job well done 5) opportunities for growth so they can meet their personal goals.

Congratulations—now you’re “working smart” as an emotionally intelligent leader!

Don’t be a stranger. (770) 993-1129. tdockery@TheResolveFirm.com