When you think about an effective leader, what characteristics come to mind? You probably picture someone who's approachable, kind, and great at listening, someone who stays calm under pressure and can make clear objective decisions. People like this have a high degree of emotional intelligence. But, what exactly is emotional intelligence? It's the ability to recognize and understand your own emotions and how they affect those around you. It also means you can pick up on other people's emotions, which allows you to manage relationships better and avoid potential conflicts. Daniel Goleman, the American psychologist who popularized the idea, identified five traits that emotionally-intelligent people demonstrate. The first is self-awareness. When you're self-aware, you know how you're feeling all of the time, and you understand how these feelings may affect others. You're confident and trust in your own intuition. You're also honest about your strengths and weaknesses, and know what you need to do to improve. The second trait is self-regulation. This is your ability to control your emotions and impulses. When you self-regulate, you don't allow yourself to become angry or jealous. You act with integrity, and are able to think critically and objectively. The next element of EI is motivation. This means you look beyond short-term results and instead, focus on putting in the the work needed to reach your long-term goals. You also enjoy taking on challenges and being productive. The fourth trait is empathy. This is when you can recognize other people's feelings and see things from their perspective. When you're empathetic, you understand other's wants and needs, even when they aren't obvious. Finally, good social skills are essential to emotional intelligence because they allow you to build strong relationships and collaborate with others in a positive and meaningful way. Emotional intelligence is a key skill in today's workplace, especially if you're a leader. Not only can it enhance your understanding of yourself, but it can also help you connect with others and it's a skill we can all develop, starting today. © 2023 Mind Tools Ltd.