What distinguishes great leaders from merely good ones is not IQ or technical skills, it's emotional intelligence (EI), a group of five skills that enable the best leaders to maximize their own and their followers performance. The way to do this is to develop EI skills. The EI skills are self awareness, self regulation, motivation, empathy and social skill. Self awareness is knowing one’s strengths, weaknesses, drives, values, and impact on others. Self regulation is controlling or directing disruptive impulses and moods.
Motivation is relishing achievement for its own sake. Empathy is understanding other people’s emotional makeup. Social skill is building rapport with others to move them in desired directions.
Each of the five components have their own hallmarks. The hallmark of self awareness is self confidence, realistic self assessment, self deprecating sense of humor, and the thirst for constructive criticism. The hallmarks for self regulation are trust worthiness, integrity, and comfort with ambiguity and change. The hallmarks for motivation are a passion for the work itself and for new challenges, unflagging energy to improve, and optimism in the face of failure. The hallmarks for empathy are expertise in attracting and retaining talent, ability to develop others, and sensitivity to cross cultural differences. The hallmarks for social skill are effectiveness in leading change, persuasiveness, extensive networking, and expertise in building and leading teams.