Develop Emotional Intelligence as a MindTool for Leadership Effectiveness and Employee Career Development

Abstract

The study seeks to ascertain the nature of the relationship between emotional intelligence, cognitive intelligence and work performance, identify where emotional intelligence is mostly utilized, assess the human attributes of emotional intelligence,determine the nature of the relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership, and ascertain how to lead in an emotionally intelligent way.The study was carried out primarily through the survey method and interview of    employees in five public sector organizations in Nigeria. Secondary data were obtained through books, journals, and internet.Findings indicate that there is a significant positive relationship between emotional intelligence, cognitive intelligence and work performance; emotional intelligence is mostly utilized in leader performance, organisational complexities, conflict resolution, and team performance; human attributes of emotional intelligence are empathy, self discipline, social skills, initiative and integrity; there is a significant positive relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership; and leading in an emotionally intelligent way involves creating an inspiring vision, making and announcing tough decisions.Emotional intelligence is vital in the achievement of outstanding performance by leaders and teams as it provides a basis for the establishment of positive relationship, communicative norms, trust and understanding, and openness to adjustment, and support systems. Emotional Intelligence could be an important organisational capability if possessed by business managers and leaders as it could help in understanding the behaviours of individuals at work and further aid in generating the right behaviours at workplace by concentrating at emotions that are right for the business.

Keywords: Emotional Intelligence, Cognitive Intelligence, Leadership, and Empathy.