Empathy, motivation, self– and social awareness—what thoughts or images arise as you read these words? These terms relate to skills for understanding, expressing, and managing emotions in self and others, which are attributes of emotional intelligence.
Research frequently demonstrates the importance of emotional intelligence for leaders and managers. In health care, nursing leaders who demonstrate emotional intelligence can positively influence organizational outcomes by contributing to improved nurse retention, increased job satisfaction, and better health outcomes for patients (Codier, Muneno, Franey, & Matsuura, 2010).
To further your self–knowledge, you examine your own emotional intelligence and consider strategies for developing this important leadership characteristic.
To Prepare
- Review the leaning resources for Week 10. There are 2 tests that are available to you to assess your personal Emotional Intelligence. Take both the tests and consider your personal attributes of emotional intelligence..
- Identify strategies for developing any areas of opportunity or areas for enhancing your emotional intelligence. What do you need to do to achieve or sustain a high level of performance in this area?
- Also consider how to work with leaders who do not demonstrate strong emotional intelligence (EI) or whose EI strengths differ from yours. Include these strategies as well.