From Management to Leadership: Strategies for Transforming Health, 3rd Edition

Emotional Intelligence

The emphasis on the importance of the relationship between the leader and the follower has become evident in recent years. Research in the area of emotional intelligence clearly demonstrates that the emotions of the leader directly affect the atmosphere and quality of the leader’s relationships with others (Goleman, 1994; Goleman, Boyatzis, and McKee, 2002). The emotionally intelligent leader is one who is able “to generate excitement, optimism, and passion for the job ahead, as well as to cultivate an atmosphere of cooperation and trust” (Goleman, Boyatzis, and McKee, 2002, p. 29). These leaders need competencies in four domains: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Figure 2.1 ...