7 Top Skills to strive for

Emotional intelligence has long been rated as an important tool in selecting effective leaders in business and clubs. More and more today strong leadership does not rely solely on the ability to lead but also to recognise the impact our skills and abilities have on others both positive and to the negative. Here I have rallied the 7 top skills to strive for if you want to not only be the best leader (emotional intelligence) you can be, but also bring out the best in the team you lead on and off the field (social intelligence).

1. Empathetic

Great leaders are cognizant and receptive of others' needs, backgrounds, and motivators. They listen objectively and make sure not to pass any preconceived judgments. They are understanding and use compassion to relate to employees and then redirect them down the right path.

2. Attunement

Socially adept managers actively listen to others and consider their feelings. They tune into their employees' frequencies and adjust to their approach to match their communications style, therefore, maximizing their effectiveness.

3. Organizational Awareness

Leaders with a high social quotient appreciate the importance of values and advocate for them across their team/organization. They recognize unspoken norms and adjust their styles to fit within the company's culture.

4. Influential

This refers to a manager's ability to motivate and persuade others. When leveraging social intelligence, a manager can uncover and appeal to their staff's self-interest. They can learn what makes them tick and find ways to incorporate their passions into their responsibilities.

5. Developing Others

In the words of Kevin Spacey, "If you're lucky enough to do well, it's your responsibility to send the elevator back down." Emotionally and socially mature leaders coach and mentor others with kindness. They realize the need and willingly take others under their wing.

6. Inspirational

Managers who are emotionally and socially mindful are able to articulate a compelling vision that builds group pride while simultaneously bringing out the best in people. They are able to explain why work matters and directly connect individual and team passions with organizational goals.

7. Team player

The socially intelligent understand the importance of team cooperation as a means to form bonds and increase morale. They appreciate the team's dynamics and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to provide input.
If you feel like you've exhausted all other options to maximize your team's performance, then redirect the focus to yourself and develop these vital leadership attributes.