Happiness: What and Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Authentic Leadership

There is a positive correlation between authentic leadership and employee happiness. When managers are authentic and happy in their leadership role, employees are more satisfied and productive. When managers are negative, employees become negative. This highlights the importance of emotional intelligence for leaders. If leaders can be aware of and manage their own emotions, they are more likely to create a positive work environment.

It's important to note that emotional intelligence is not just about being happy all the time. It's also about being aware of and managing negative emotions. Leaders who can do this effectively foster trust, build relationships, and create a positive work environment. In short, emotional intelligence makes good leaders great.

So, if you're wondering what kind of mood your boss is in today, it will impact your work day. Pay attention to their emotional state and see how it affects your own. You may be surprised at the connection between your happiness and productivity.

Most of the technical leaders I work with want to do better, and they want their colleagues to do better. When I work with executives, it's often at the intersection of elements described in this article: authentic leadership, emotional intelligence, and the happiness that results from personal integrity.

1. The benefits of authentic leadership

Authentic leadership has been shown to have a number of benefits, both for leaders and those they lead. When leaders are genuine, they tend to be more effective overall, and their employees are more likely to be satisfied with their work and feel engaged with their company. Authentic leaders also create a more positive work environment, which can boost morale and productivity. And because they build trustworthiness and credibility, authentic leaders are more likely to earn the respect of their employees.

2. What authentic leadership looks like

Authentic leadership is about being true to yourself and your values. It's about being genuine in your interactions with others and leading with integrity. Authentic leaders create a positive ripple effect in the people and organizations they lead. People trust and respect you when you're an authentic leader because they know you're genuine. You're also more likely to inspire others to be their best selves.

3. How to develop authentic leadership skills

There are a few key things that you can do to develop authentic leadership skills. First, being aware of your values and beliefs is essential. What motivates you? Why do you want to be a leader? Once you are clear about your motivations, staying true to yourself and maintaining integrity in your actions will be easier. Second, listen to others and be open to feedback. Understanding the needs and perspectives of those you lead is important, and listening is a crucial way to do this. Finally, don't be afraid to show vulnerability. Leaders are not perfect, and being able to admit mistakes and learn from them will earn the respect of those around you.

4. The consequences of not being an authentic leader

When leaders are inauthentic, employees pick up on it. This contributes to distrust and leads to resentment. Employees may not be as willing to follow an inauthentic leader, which will impact the team's overall performance. In addition, inauthentic leaders may find it challenging to build trust and credibility with their team. If you want to be an authentic leader, make sure your actions match your words. Be genuine in your interactions with others and stay true to your values and beliefs. Your colleagues will respect you for it.

5. Tips for becoming a more authentic leader

Authentic leaders are congruent in what they think, say, and do. They are also aware of their emotions and how they might impact their employees. To become a more authentic leader, try the following tips:

• Be self-aware: Pay attention to your emotions and how they might affect your employees. If you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take a step back and check in with yourself.
• Be transparent: Share your thoughts and feelings with your team openly and honestly. This will help build trust and respect.
• Be genuine: Show that you care about your team members by being interested in them as people, not just elements of production. Ask about their lives outside of work, and show that you care about their well-being.
• Be authentic: Be true to yourself and your values. Your team will respect you for it.
• Be positive: A positive attitude is contagious. If you're happy and upbeat, your employees will likely follow suit.

6. The role emotions play in authentic leadership

When we think about leadership, we often think about two key components: authentic leaders must be competent and have integrity. However, there is another important component that is often overlooked: emotion. Emotions play a critical role in authentic leadership, shaping how leaders interact with followers and influencing the leader's overall effectiveness.

Authentic leaders are able to effectively manage their emotions, using them to connect with followers and create a positive work environment. They are self-aware and effectively exercise agentic behaviors that foster connections that contribute to two or more people creating innovation.

Managing emotions is not always easy, but it is crucial to being an authentic leader. Those who can do so effectively will find that their leadership is more effective and less stressful.

7. Why is emotional intelligence so important for leaders

Emotional intelligence is critical for leaders, as it allows them to manage their own emotions and gain insight into the feelings of others. Emotionally intelligent leaders can better understand and respond to the needs of their employees, build strong relationships, and manage conflict. They are also better equipped to make decisions considering both rational and emotional factors. Ultimately, emotional intelligence makes leaders more effective and successful in their roles.

As the article illustrates, leadership is not just about being competent - it's also about integrity and managing emotions effectively. Authentic leaders can connect with followers emotionally, creating a positive work environment. Discern what you learn from the emotions you experience and affect your leadership.

If you want to be a more authentic and successful leader, focus on developing your emotional intelligence. Pay attention to your own emotions and the emotions of others, and use that insight to build strong relationships, manage conflict, and make decisions. Your team will benefit from your leadership, and you'll find yourself more fulfilled in your role.