In our final installment of catabolic versus anabolic leaders, we are taking a look at how emotional intelligence affects leadership skills.
Workplace Emotions
Emotions don’t belong in the workplace – or do they? It depends on who you ask! If you ask catabolic leaders, they’re likely to agree. But anabolic leaders have a different point of view – they understand that emotions can’t be left at the office door. Our comparison between anabolic and catabolic leaders continues with an exploration of how aware they are of their own and others’ emotions, how they express their emotions, and how they manage or control them in the work environment.
Awareness, expression, and management of emotion are three of the main aspects of emotional intelligence. In the Energy Leadership Development System™, emotional intelligence is defined as the ability to distinguish, understand, and have an awareness of how thoughts and feelings connect with outward displays and behaviors, as well as the ability to manage and express appropriate emotions and help others do the same.
Let’s look at each of these components of EI and see how they are different in catabolic and anabolic leaders.
Awareness
Catabolic - Not only are these leaders unaware of their own emotions, but they are unaware of other people’s feelings as well. They’re also unaware of the effect they have on others. This causes there team to feel unheard and unappreciated.
Anabolic – These leaders are not only aware of their and other’s emotions, but they can step back and recognize that their emotions are not automatic (emotions arise from interpretations). They also look for clues in their emotions, asking questions such as “Why did I have this response, and what can I learn from this?” Or even “How could my words and actions be interpreted that would cause someone to react negatively?”
Expression
Catabolic - Many catabolic leaders have a limiting belief that expressing emotions should not be done in the workplace. They don’t want people to see their emotions and don’t want to deal with the emotions of others. When they do express feelings, they often show them inappropriately, for example, by yelling or rolling their eyes.
Anabolic – Anabolic leaders understand that emotions are a part of each of us and that they can’t be “turned off” at will. They know how to express their emotions at the appropriate times correctly. By sharing, acknowledging, and validating, they create an environment in which their co-workers and staff feel valued and understood.
Management
Catabolic - Catabolic leaders can’t manage their own emotions, and therefore, the people around them don’t look to them in times of crisis for guidance and support. They tend to be frustrated, angry, and resentful, and this is apparent to everyone.
Anabolic – Anabolic leaders have the ability to manage their own moods and to help other people shift to more positive moods. They also can control their own emotions, even during stressful situations. They respond, instead of reacting, and their generally calm attitude promotes a positive work environment.
Emotional intelligence is directly related to interpersonal effectiveness. The higher your emotional intelligence, the more effective leader and communicator you will be. If you are interested in learning more about emotional intelligence and how to improve your skill, contact me today. I offer live in-person and online programs to help you and your team. If you want to give your leadership a quick skill level-up, schedule an Energy Leadership Index assessment, and debrief for yourself or your team for $249 before the end of July. I also offer a 360 version so you can find out exactly how you are showing up as a leader to your team, from your team.
If you are interested in taking the assessment yourself or purchasing it for your team click here: Energy Leadership Information
If you are interested in the 360 version schedule a call with me to learn more: 360 Energy Leadership
If you missed part one, click here: Part 1 - Managing vs. Leading
If you missed part two, click here: Part 2 - Information Sharing and Self-Assessing
If you missed part three, click here: Part 3 - Fire Fighter or Architect?
If you missed part four, click here: Part 4 - Big Problem or Huge Opportunity?
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