Are you ready to build the competitive value of collaboration and emotional intelligence in leadership? As a technology leader in a global pharmaceutical company, I have seen how developing emotional intelligence – EI – can transform teams and organizations. But I’ve also experienced the negative consequences of ignoring EI in the workplace, from burnout to decreased productivity. In this article, I’ll share my personal story and insights into the importance of EI for building strong and resilient teams in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. So let’s dive in and discover how we can prioritize empathy, communication, and emotional awareness to drive innovation and progress in our organizations and beyond.
Reflecting on my journey as a leader, I recall an instance where I made a critical error in judgment due to a lack of EI. One of my team members was struggling with cross-cultural issues and the pressure of advancing our company’s digital transformation. Without realizing the toll it was taking on him, I pushed him harder to meet his targets, leading to burnout and a period of sick leave. This experience taught me the importance of being attuned to the emotions of my team members and finding ways to support them.
EI is essential for leaders who want to build strong and resilient teams. The recent Harvard Business Review article, “When Leaders Struggle with Collaboration,” highlights the importance of collaboration and EI for a company’s competitive value. The article emphasizes the need for leaders to collaborate across silos and understand their own emotional triggers in order to build trust with their peers. Similarly, leaders who lack EI may struggle to build trust with their team members and may miss important signals that can lead to burnout, low morale, and turnover.
As a technology leader, I’ve seen the ways in which EI can drive innovation and progress within organizations. By leveraging the power of human connection and emotional awareness, leaders can unlock the full potential of their teams, enabling them to work collaboratively towards shared goals. The rapid pace of technological change has made EI more important than ever. In today’s business landscape, leaders who prioritize EI will be better equipped to navigate the challenges of digital transformation, build strong and resilient teams, and drive lasting success.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on the significance of EI intelligence in our personal and professional lives. Investing in the development of EI intelligence can improve our leadership skills and create a better future for ourselves and those around us. I invite you, the readers of this blog, to join me in this effort to prioritize empathy, communication, and emotional awareness in our interactions with others. As leaders, it is crucial for us to recognize the importance of EI in driving innovation and progress in our rapidly changing world. By working together to create more connected, collaborative, and successful organizations, we can build a better world for all.
