Emotional Intelligence and Initiative in Leadership and Teamwork

To begin talking about Emotional Intelligence, we must know that scientists are still studying our brain to understand how it works, most importantly, to elucidate how it affects our behavior. According to Jiang et al. (2021), “Understanding how the human brain works is a major challenge for neuroscientists and especially computational neuroscientists. The cerebral cortex has been intensively proven to be modularly organized, and different modules have been gradually identified with boundaries that are related to different cognitive functions …” (p. 1). It concludes that the human brain works as a whole-brain network. This complex structure of numerous pathways is well organized and guides us. Then, Goleman (2007) helps understand the complex system based on what we know as “Emotional Intelligence.” He explains thoroughly by saying that the brain connection act as a neuro Wi-Fi. In addition, changing focus on ourselves and focusing on others encourages or creates motivation, which is an important skill for working as a team or being a leader.

Having initiative empowers us to overcome any challenge we may face, even more, combining in as teamwork, no barrier cannot be overpassed (Rodd, 2020). That is why Kumar (2020) emphasizes that Emotional Intelligence is a social ability that helps us improve our ability to be organized in a group and performing tasks. Moreover, learning occurs in the brain, and it is a valuable skill to carry for our daily lives and apply to School and professional fields.

Emotional Intelligence is a powerful tool that will help in some way, such as performing tasks in a group, becoming a better professional, and increasing the social network.

One important thing of Emotional Intelligence is social skills. Goleman (2007) shows a case study from Harvard Business called “The Human Moment,” which talks about making real contact with a person. To do that, we must be connected to the conversation and fully paying attention to others. For that reason, we must put devices away. Also, Kumar (2020), explains that Emotional Intelligence is related to Intelligence Quotient — IQ, which is a predictor of student success. Moreover, skills such as empathy, social skills, and motivation are important for professionals in the 21st century.

Hence, integrates scientists there are trying to reveal the secrets behind our brain. On this path, they have made several assumptions that predict that Intelligence is connected to our level of career achievement and quality of life, integrating verbal and social intelligence (Jiang et al., 2021). All these concepts can be applied together and create behavior that will improve motivation and initiative, also enabling leadership and working as a team.

The initiative can be precious in the 21st century; it is one main characteristic that companies look at professionals. Also, initiatives are related to motivation that could bring and link other sets of skills. The initiative empowers us to take ownership and become a leader. The recipe for this ability is having initiative and teamwork (Rodd, 2020). As stated by Han et al. (2019), “proactive employees are willing to go above and beyond their job scope in their efforts to make positive contributions to the workgroup in which they are embedded” (p. 6). Those who take the initiative will contribute to their career because they make a difference in a team or organization, mainly because they make things happen, especially those that are not expected to be done. Furthermore, students who are willing to succeed in their career might need to conceder taking the initiative because “leaders believe that followers with a proactive orientation … are more likely to help them achieve their employee proactivity and empowering leadership work-related goals.” (Han et al., 2019, p. 5).

To sum up, both emotional intelligence and initiative are important skills and characteristics of a leader. Whether student or professional overcome these skills is paramount for succeeding on any challenges faced and achieving their goals. More importantly, developing these skills will help me gain extra abilities to thrive in the business world.

References

Goleman, D. (2007, March). Why aren’t we more compassionate? [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/daniel_goleman_why_aren_t_we_more_compassionate

Han, S., Harold, C. M., & Cheong, M. (2019). Examining why employee proactive personality influences empowering leadership: The roles of cognition and affect-based trust. Journal of Occupational & Organizational Psychology, 92(2), 352–383. DOI: 10.1111/joop.12252

Jiang, L., Qiao, K. & Li, Chunlin. (2021). Distance‑based functional criticality in the human brain: intelligence and emotional intelligence. BMC Bioinformatics, 22(1), 1–17. DOI 10.1186/s12859–021–03973–4

Kumar, M. (2020). A Study on the emotional intelligence of higher secondary school students. Shanlax International Journal of Education, 8(3), 114–119. DOI 10.34293/education.v8i3.2395

Rodd, A. (2020). A road to island sovereignty and empowerment? Fiji’s aims within the Belt and Road Initiative. Island Studies Journal. 15(2). 93–118. DOI 10.24043/isj.128