Oprah Winfrey never misses an opportunity to praise her team. Knowing that her real power comes from having a loyal, integrated and empowered team, Winfrey actively encourages an open-door policy.

Authors of The New Leaders, Transforming the Art of Leadership into the Science of Results, Goleman, Boyatzis and McKee, are convinced that emotional intelligence accounts for the differences in performance between average and exceptional leaders. They argue that the ultimate leader is firm and fair, leads by example, has empathy, expertly resolves conflict and understands the dynamics within an organisation.

Leadership success seems to occur with those that have high emotional intelligence. The higher up the corporate ladder you climb, the more emotional intelligence you require. Business coach and facilitator, Chantelle Wyley says that the ratio of emotional intelligence to technical skill required to be a top leader, can be as high as 80:20.

According to the Emotional Competency Inventory (ECI), the assessment tool that Goleman and Boyatzis use, one of the simplest ways to accomplish emotional intelligence is by listening attentively. Empathy and the ability to look at situations from differing perspectives are notably more difficult to achieve.

General Manager of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Johannesburg’s Nissan, Pat Senne, argues: “People spend most of their time at work. Why not make it a place you want to be?” Senne makes it her business to find out what each employee excels at and streamlines them into a productive, high achieving unit. She coaches each and every staff member within her team, empowering them to do what they do best.

It is up to leaders to create an atmosphere that supports happiness and productivity. When a skilled manager listens to their employees and empowers them to do great work, they will help the manager succeed.

Not all managers excel at personal relationships, but in today’s business environment these skills must be developed. The managers that get good results from their team are the ones that care about who their employees really are.

By Joanne Leith

© Joanne Leith – All rights reserved.

References: Femina, July 2008 – Media24; www.workhappynow.com.