L : Chapter 6 : Developing Emotional Intelligence and Cultural Literacy to Strengthen Leadership Communication

Leaders need strong interpersonal skills and an understanding of and appreciation for cultural diversity. Without these skills, leaders cannot communicate with and manage others effectively. For leadership communication, emotional intelligence and cultural literacy are as important as the strategy, writing, and speaking skills. Emotional intelligence is emotional and social knowledge and the ability to
1. Be aware of, understand, and express yourself.
2. Be aware of, understand, and relate to others.
3. Deal with strong emotions and control your impulses
4. Adapt to change and to solve problems of a personal or a social nature.
Steps to Achieving Emotional Intelligence
1. Who do you want to be ? Imagine yourself as a highly effective leader. What do you see ?
2. Who are you now ? To see you leadership style as others do, gather 360- degree feedback, especially from peers and subordinates. Identify your weak-nesses and strengths.
3. How do you get from here to there ? Devise a plan for closing the gap between who you are and who you want to be.
4. How do you make change stick ? Repeatedly rehearse new behaviors – physically and mentally – until they are automatic.
5. Who can help you ? Do you try to build your emotional skill alone – identify other who can help you navigate this difficult process.