My most inspiring executive coaching leadership clients know the “why” of their mission and vision. They get excited in my office telling me inspiring stories of their hopes for the future. They are emotionally astute, optimistic and forward thinking. They are purpose-driven.
One of my law firm Managing Partner clients recently confided that he was struggling to convince several of the partners on a new vision for the firm. He logically countered every differing point of view, and yet hours later no one had changed their mind. It was as if the big egos in the room were locked in a battle of who was right and who was wrong.
I asked him “Can you give me a time when were successful at influencing them?” “How did you do it?” He responded “When I allowed myself to get visibly emotional and passionate about my beliefs for the future of the firm”. Not his strong suit. I suggested that he experiment with it again and see what happens.
At our next meeting, he reported that it interrupted the pattern of a battle of wits and got everyone’s attention. The partners thought that if he was so passionate about his belief in his vision that they shifted into listening mode rather than presenting logical arguments.
Emotionally intelligent leaders know that creating a workplace culture and climate where emotions are appropriately expressed increases engagement and moves things forward. In order for people to be fully engaged, they need to feel they are following leaders who inspire them emotionally to a shared future.
Clear Vision
Employees require reassurance that they will be protected by astute, decisive leaders who know how to steer the company through tumultuous times. Leaders’ strategic instincts—and how they are communicated to followers—will determine the overall level of confidence and support. This requires accurate self-awareness.
The immediate impact of change is often quite negative, so emotional concerns must be alleviated. Emotionally astute leaders recognize there is always resistance, especially at the beginning of change initiatives. While emotional dynamics should be factored into change-management planning, they rarely are.
It’s your job to provide hope while alleviating fear—not by denying it, but by predicting it, being honest about it and normalizing it. Successful leaders translate vision into action by explaining why a company is taking a new direction, as well as the consequences for failing to act.
Be honest when addressing why your company can no longer cling to the status quo. Workers’ emotional desire for security will motivate them to accept changes that initially cause them to recoil. To make a clear case, focus on emotional benefits. You can subsequently invoke a sense of victory, ensure greater job security and get your troops excited about a fresh new direction. They will then be more receptive to rational analysis of facts and data.
Make sure your message is clear, simple, heartfelt and aligned with your company’s current emotional climate. Incorporate body language and facial expressions that strengthen the impact of your words.
Are you working in a professional services firm or other organization where executive coaches provide leadership development for enlightened leaders? Does your organization provide executive coaching to help leaders develop an emotionally intelligent business environment? Enlightened leaders tap into their emotional intelligence and social intelligence skills to fully engage employees.
One of the most powerful questions you can ask yourself is “Am I able to create a compelling vision that resonates emotionally with people?” Emotionally intelligent and socially intelligent organizations provide executive coaching for collaborative leaders who are curious about creating sustainable businesses.
Working with a seasoned executive coach and leadership consultant trained in emotional intelligence and incorporating assessments such as the Bar-On EQ-I, CPI 260 and Denison Culture Survey can help you create a happy and prosperous business where everyone is intrinsically motivated and fully engaged. You can become a leader who models emotional intelligence and social intelligence, and who inspires people to become fully engaged with the vision, mission and strategy of your company or law firm.