Emotional Intelligence - Test Yourself

One of the most overlooked areas in executives in their emotional intelligence. You should test yourself by going to this link: http://psychology.about.com/library/quiz/bl_eq_quiz.htm.

See how you fair.

What Made Jack Welch Extraordinary

Stephen Baum's book "What Made Jack Welch, How Ordinary People Become Extraordinary Leaders" truly articulated what all the gurus in leadership, Harvard, and Michigan have been trying to say for years. But he breaks it down into simple language and how to apply the skills in ordinary business roles. According to Baum, there are core leadership traits and, said Baum, "the possessors of these traits are generally the most effective and the most successful people in any organization". My question to each HR professional today is DO YOU HAVE THESE QUALITIES and DO YOU EXERT THEM IN YOUR ROLE IN BUSINESS TODAY? So, here are the five (5) traits:

1. do you have the appetite to take charge?
2. do you have character? - meaning doing the right thing when no one is there to see as well as when your actions are visible or will be revealed to the world at large
3. do you have the confidence to see challenges and embrace risk?
4. do you have the capacity to act? - key to this is do you possess the ability to act despite risks and have the emotional readiness to act despite any risks involved but also exhibit critical thinking to act wisely
5. do you have the ability to engage and inspire?

He goes on to say that there are shaping experiences you will incur along your HR journey up the ladder and by the way if you are there today staying there.

If you have these you have the ability to become a Jack Welch in your industry at the HR level or greater. What are your thoughts on Baum's assessment of leadership traits, let me know.

Why Today's Leaders Need EI More Than Ever

As the economic realities around us get harsher, the need for emotionally and socially intelligent leaders grows more intense. Not managers who can dish out pats on the back, blanket reassurances and wishful thinking. The leaders who will see their organizations through will do it by recognizing others' needs, building relationships and generating extra effort. Forget soft skills. This is the tough stuff with which trust is earned and maintained.

EI defines the difference between a great leader and an average one. The ability to inspire a team, tune in to others' values and motivations and model high standards are the hallmarks of outstanding leaders. And these abilities are grounded in a level of self-awareness that gives great leaders the stamina to maintain trust through challenging circumstances.

Do you determine your CEOs and key stakeholders? Check blog post dated 5/6/09.