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Relationship management, one of the four dimensions of Emotional Intelligence, refers to the ability to use your own and others’ emotions to manage relationships successfully[1]. It involves clear communication and coaching skills, conflict management, the building of trust and rapport, the ability to tell the truth with compassion, influence, inspiration, and collaboration. In the second part of this two-part series, we will reflect on the importance of Influence & Inspirational Leadership and Teamwork & Collaboration and how these correlate to effective leadership.
Influence and Inspirational Leadership
Learning to influence others for the better is an essential part of leadership development. Through the building of trust, the establishment of productive relationships, and the investment in networking, leaders can direct and guide their teams and use their persuasion powers adequately.
People are inspired by a compelling vision[2]. Inspirational leaders are true to their guiding values. They can articulate and communicate their vision, developing a strong sense of purpose in their teams. They are capable of influencing people to get involved, to go a step further.
Our tips:
Communicate your vision clearly and consistently.
Be aware of and true to your guiding values.
Develop a sense of purpose in your team that goes beyond their day-to-day activities[2].
Build trust both in terms of your team members’ relationship with you and among themselves.
Direct and guide your team. Do not hesitate to be firm when necessary.
Engage your team in the discussion.
Persuade others by getting support from key people [3].
Teamwork and Collaboration
As frustrating as some group dynamics can be, collaboration and teamwork are some of the most important elements for business success. Leaders need to know how to lead their teams toward achieving shared goals, and these skills are essential. In an environment that values collaboration, relationship skills are fundamental!
Our tips:
Connect your team with the company's mission: Why are you doing what you are doing?
Invite your team's engagement in finding possible solutions or the best paths to achieve shared goals.
Teach your team members to be open to other people's opinions and perspectives and less reactive.
Help them understand the importance of active listening.
Do not hesitate to step in in the face of conflicts.
Recognize their strengths as a team and as individuals.
Validate your team members.
Be fair!
The relationships you have and the external relationships you help to grow will largely be influenced by your ability to read people. Working on your emotional intelligence skills will help you become a more effective leader, capable of delivering superior results through your team members' engagement and collaboration.
How much have you focused on the different aspects of relationship management discussed in these two blog posts? Do you have any tips you'd like to share?
Leave a comment here or send us an email at info@leaderessentialsgroup.com.
Dr. Cristina Rosario DiPietropolo is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Leader Essentials Group, with extensive experience across multiple industries and highly skilled in the areas of strategic planning, organizational behavior, human resource management, change management, and leadership. Over ten years of teaching experience as a university professor of management, with a special focus on leadership in entrepreneurship, organizational behavior, and international management.
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[1] Bradberry, T., & Greaves, J. (2009). Emotional Intelligence 2.0. TalentSmart. [2] Goleman, D., Boyatzis, R. E., & McKee, A. (2013). Primal leadership: Unleashing the power of emotional intelligence. Harvard Business Press: Boston.
[3] Taylor, S. N. (2016). Developing your emotional intelligence: core competencies for great leadership. Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western University.
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