Index IntroductionEmotional intelligence in 4 simple stepsConclusionIntroductionLeadership is an important skill to develop if you want to be successful in your chosen profession. You don't need to be in a leadership position to be a great leader, developing strong leadership skills will benefit you no matter where you are in the organization. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay So, what makes a good leader, and how does emotional intelligence play a role? Leadership is all about communication, how you relate to and engage others. Effective communication is based on presence, trust and influence. If you want to be an effective leader, you will need to evaluate how well you relate to others and how comfortable they feel communicating with you. This can be addressed by looking at your Emotional Intelligence (EI). Those with high levels of emotional intelligence are able to communicate because they are aware of themselves and others. They also have the ability to control their own emotions and those of people around them, no matter how stressful or frustrating a situation may be. So, what exactly is emotional intelligence and why is it important for a leader? Simply put, emotional intelligence is about emotional awareness and control of yourself and others. Emotional Intelligence in 4 Easy Steps There are four fundamental aspects of emotional intelligence, as outlined by leading emotional intelligence expert Daniel Goldman: Self-Awareness Know and understand yourself, including your strengths and weaknesses. With strong self-awareness you have the ability to observe and manage your emotional responses. You also appreciate the way others respond to your emotional responses. Self-Management You have full control of your responses and behavior. Don't react without considering the impact your actions will have. Those leaders who have a strong ability to manage their own behavior tend to build a high level of trust with their followers. Social Awareness Knowing and understanding your own emotions is one thing, having the ability to understand the emotions of others is something completely different and extremely helpful in developing strong leadership skills. Considering the emotions of others will allow you to communicate emphatically in a way that resonates with each of them. Social Skills This item is almost self-explanatory. A leader who has good social skills knows how to communicate effectively. A leader who can manage the social environment whether positive or negative, will be able to engage staff, manage conflicts and build a strong and productive team. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion The goal of every leader is to achieve desired results in as productive an environment as possible, while building a strong team and positive culture. This becomes much easier if communication flows in a positive and engaged manner. Staff will step up and work to leverage their strengths when they feel they are heard and recognized. A workplace with a negative and stressful environment will have the opposite results.