The expectations placed upon leaders during these challenging times are by no means simple.
Rapid advancements in technology, changing workforce practices, increased customer demands and a shortage of talent are just to name a few. Leaders are expected to navigate newfound territory and manage change at an unprecedented pace which means that the need for a new form of leadership is now critical.
New leaders must ascend through three phases of leadership development; leading oneself, leading others and, finally, leading the business. The first echelon, leading oneself, includes the development of a number of competencies including emotional intelligence, self-management, self-awareness and other key leadership skills required now and in the future.
Leadership development begins with developing oneself to then be able to lead others and the organisation. Today, emotional intelligence is seen as a core leadership capability, often attributed to effective leadership more than one’s IQ or technical skills. Recent studies suggest that emotional intelligence is a result of a mix of genetics, training and past experiences which means that, while some have a genetic predisposition to high emotional intelligence, it can also be developed and honed over time and with training and mindful practice.
Emotional intelligence allows leaders to recognise and regulate their own emotions while gauging their team’s emotions. It is how well we know and manage ourselves, how well we understand and engage with others, and how well we learn from our relationships. Emotional Intelligence can be leveraged to complement one’s strengths and competencies while also helping to avoid leadership pitfalls. A leader’s emotional intelligence has been attributed to avoiding instances in which one’s ego or blindspots lead to poor decision making such as not knowing when to delegate, not thinking about one’s team during decision making, or not acknowledging feedback because it is not to one’s liking.
Leading oneself through emotional intelligence including empathy, self-management and self-awareness.
- Empathy
- Self Awareness
- Self Management
Empathy
Empathy is the ability to put oneself in someone else’s shoes and imagine how they are feeling and responding appropriately to their emotional reactions. Even something as simple as wincing when someone is injured or feeling emotional when seeing something sad is a show of empathy. By actively listening and asking open-ended questions, leaders can demonstrate a genuine interest in how others are feeling. This is particularly effective when speaking to someone whose views are different to your own.
Tip: Showing empathy involves being sensitive to other’s emotions and balancing them against the requirements of the job. To increase your empathy try new things, ask more questions, find the time to read or meet new people and visit new places.
Self Awareness
Self Awareness is the ability to, in the moment, identify and understand your emotions and motivations and how they are affecting your interactions and decision making. Essentially, it is understanding how you are feeling and why. Leaders, even if not occupying a formal leadership position, are more effective if they lead through influence, not authority. Self-awareness helps leaders influence and empathise, by understanding the effects of what they say and what they do.
Tip: Individuals with high Self Awareness tend to reflect on and talk about their emotions, encourage people to share their advice and take feedback onboard. This enables one to learn from their actions and experience and increase their own Self Management abilities.
Self Management
Self Management or Self Regulation is the ability to control and redirect your emotions, inner resources, and abilities. It’s being able to think before acting - to recognise you are being triggered and reframe your mindset. It’s about keeping your actions consistent with your values. It’s being able to catalyse change, resolve conflicts, collaborate and inspire. This includes overcoming anxiety or rage to deal with an individual level-headedly. Self Management can only be achieved through Self Awareness.
Tip: You can increase self management by being more self aware, by being present in the moment, by being genuine and authentic, and by asking questions and getting feedback.
Empathy, self management and self awareness are essential for effective leadership and are now seen as the foundations for leadership development, yet often overlooked by first focusing on leading others rather than one’s self. Today’s workplace requires leaders who can create a workplace where varied beliefs and opinions are valued, where individuals connect, feel comfortable and are nurtured, and a workplace where employees feel respected and valued.
PwC Malta has now developed a new Leadership Programme - Next Generation Leader, which involves a journey into leadership, strategy and transformation for the 21st Century. We have developed this programme specifically to equip the leaders of today, at all levels, to navigate in today’s world of work and ascend through the three levels of leadership by; Leading Oneself, Leading Others and Leading the Business. Get in touch to discuss how this programme can support your organisation to prepare its leaders for today’s world of work.
