Realizing the Power of Emotional Intelligence

In working closely with companies over the years, I’ve noticed something powerfully consistent, great leaders move us. They ignite our passions and inspire the best in us. When I try to explain to other leaders why and how this happens, we often speak about their strategy, vision, and powerful ideas. In reality, it comes down to their connections and presence.

Great leadership works through the emotions. 

When I present my keynote, Emotional Intelligence for Extraordinary Leadership, I often have the audience turn to someone sitting near them and say, “You are contagious!” I’ll see a few smiles appear and then I say, “Hopefully they are catching the right thing!”

Emotions spread like a virus. A study at Yale University School of Management found that moods are contagious. Moods influence how effectively people work; upbeat moods boost cooperation, emotional energy, and business performance.

GOOD MOODS = GOOD WORK

  • The bottom line in business is that when people feel good, they work at their best. They get in a flow of good feelings and good work.
  • Upbeat moods make people view others on their team in a more positive light. The same goes for events, opportunities, projects. etc.
  • Positive emotions help people feel more optimistic about their ability to achieve goals and overcome obstacles.
  • Good moods enhance creativity, solution finding, and decision-making skills.
Consider the result of a study on 62 CEOs and their top management teams. The CEOs represented some Fortune-500 companies, leading U.S. service companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. The CEOs and management teams were assessed on how upbeat, energetic, enthusiastic, and determined they were. Conflict, drama, personality clashes, and friction in meetings was also studied.

This study found that the more overall positive moods of people in the top management team, the more cooperatively they worked together and the better bottom-line business results.

In short, a leaders emotional state and actions do affect how the people they lead will feel and therefore perform. I am 100% committed to partnering with teams and leaders to increase emotional intelligence and provide actionable tools and strategies to perform at your best and drive bottom-line results. Learn more about my programs HERE.

Here’s to your emotional intelligence!

—Steve

As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.

To book Steve today, contact Michelle Joyce!
(For information on keynote presentations, team workshops, and one on one coaching.)

“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”

About the Author

Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a Seattle-based leadership development company. Steve is a dynamic, highly-sought-after speaker who has delivered more than 2,500 presentations to a list of clients including Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Pandora Radio, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Corporation, the Ritz Carlton group, and the U.S. Social Security Administration. He recently was voted #1 by the readership of Huffington Post as the Most Inspirational Leader on Social Media.

A published author on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve resides near Seattle with his wife Julie where they enjoy time with their three adult children and six grandchildren.