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Essay / Link between emotional intelligence and leadership
1. INTRODUCTIONThe intelligent use of emotions has long been associated with effective leadership. Defined as the ability to control one's emotions and understand those of others, emotional intelligence (EI) is undeniably an important factor enabling leaders to establish good relationships with their subordinates (Weisinger, 1998). In fact, a growing body of research literature supports the essential nature of EI in the workplace, particularly among leaders (Goleman, Boyatzis, & McKee, 2002). For example, studies have shown that emotional intelligence (EI) can positively influence an individual's leadership skills (e.g., Hong, Catano, & Liao, 2011; Hur, van den Berg, & Wilderom, 2011). Thanks to EI, leaders would be able to manage stressful situations and conflicts by intelligently managing their emotions and those of others. Therefore, EI was often used as a measure of leader effectiveness (e.g., Kerr, Garvin, Heaton, & Boyle, 2005; Madera & Smith, 2009; Thiel, Connelly, & Griffith, 2012). Indeed, individuals with high EI are perceived as a better leader than those with low EI (Thiel et al., 2012). The researcher therefore believes that the link between EI and leadership should be studied in more detail in order to better understand it and benefit from it. This review discusses the connection between EI and leadership with emphasis on the importance of EI on leadership. The Importance of Studying the Connection Between Emotions and Leadership Studies have shown a useful connection between EI and leaders in the workplace. For example, integrating cognitive and emotional aspects would enable better decision-making as leaders approach problems more holistically (Rajah, Song, & Arvey, 2011). As countries move from a machine-based industrial system to a middle of paper ......r effective leadership. Leaders could definitely benefit from using emotional intelligence because the ability to perceive emotions, assimilate them, understand them and manage them are essential skills for leaders to manage their employees and control the situation in the workplace. In fact, leaders who used more holistic skills are more likely to create better working conditions (Pinos, Twigg, Parayitam, & Olson, 2006). Additionally, highly intelligent leaders are better perceived and produce positive results for their followers. With leaders with emotional intelligence, workers will feel comfortable and enthusiastic in the workplace, gain motivation to perform, and contribute their best to achieve the organization's goals. Thus, the role of emotions on leadership should be studied and understood more to get the most out of it...