Discussion Forum on Leadership Theories

Emotional Intelligence Leadership Theory

Emotional Intelligence Leadership Theory

by Carmela Louise Mercado -
Number of replies: 1

According to EmotionaI leadership theory, leaders who have high emotional intelligence are more effective than those who only have traditional leadership skills. This theory highlights the role of emotions in leadership, both in oneself and in others.

Some key aspects of EI leadership theory are:

  • Self-awareness: Good leaders know their own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses. They are aware of how their emotions can influence their actions and choices.
  • Self-regulation: Leaders with high EI can keep their emotions in check. They don’t let negative emotions like anger or frustration affect their judgment or leadership.
  • Empathy: Effective leaders can relate to the emotions and viewpoints of their team members. They can understand the needs and problems of others, which builds trust and strong relationships.
  • Motivation: Leaders with high EI are often driven by internal motivation. They have a clear vision, set meaningful goals, and motivate their teams with their own passion.
  • Social skills: Strong EI leaders are great at communication, conflict resolution, and building rapport with their teams. They can handle social situations well and create a positive, productive work environment.

Emotional Intelligence leadership theory proposes that leaders who use these emotional intelligence elements in their leadership style can create a more cooperative and supportive workplace, which often leads to better team performance and employee satisfaction. It is a comprehensive approach that combines traditional leadership qualities with emotional intelligence to create more effective and empathetic leaders.

Application of this theory in Nursing Administration can be applied/beneficial in these situations:  

  1. Elevated Nurse-Patient Engagement: Nursing leaders exhibiting a strong sense of emotional intelligence have the ability to nurture a climate of compassion and mutual comprehension within their nursing teams. Consequently, this fosters enhanced interactions between nurses and patients, resulting in superior patient experiences and heightened satisfaction.

  2. Efficient Conflict Resolution: Nurses frequently find themselves in high-pressure scenarios with potential conflicts in healthcare environments. Nursing administrators possessing robust emotional intelligence can adeptly oversee and resolve these conflicts, thereby cultivating a more harmonious and supportive workplace atmosphere.

  3. Enhanced Team Cooperation: Effective leadership in nursing administration is contingent upon robust teamwork. Leaders with a high degree of emotional intelligence can establish trust and strong connections among the nursing staff, consequently promoting improved cooperation, communication, and the delivery of top-tier patient care.

In reply to Carmela Louise Mercado

Re: Emotional Intelligence Leadership Theory

by Marilyn Cerbito -
Hello ma'am Carmela, Thank you for a very detailed discussion about EI. Undeniably, when applied in healthcare settings it is beneficial to nurse leaders in order to assist strengthen and improve relationships among personnel, to lessen the stress at work and to bring down dispute which can help attaining the job satisfaction for each members thereby improving job performance.