Warren Bennis said, “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” The reality achieved is based on the vision conveyed, and leaders are the conveyors of vision within organizations.
Without a leader consistently sharing a hopeful vision, individuals may lose their way and begin to focus more on the blood, sweat, and tears, ultimately questioning if the effort is worth it.
“Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is called passion.” Simon Sinek
Vision is what allows us to tap into passion. It increases the engagement, morale, and courage needed to embrace the risk that comes with rapid change.
Emotional Intelligence or “EQ” equips a leader to convey a hopeful and inspiring vision. There are a number of emotional intelligence models available today, but two elements are common to most of them.
Embody Your Vision
Vision is indispensable to the success of an organization. “Good leaders must communicate vision clearly, creatively, and continually. However, the vision doesn’t come alive until the leader models it,” says John C. Maxwell.
Words matter, but actions matter as much if not more. A vision will have a short shelf-life if it’s fueled by lip service. Skills of Emotional Intelligence such as Self-Regard & Emotional Expression generate confidence and authenticity in our words, while Self-Actualization drives our pursuit of what’s most meaningful. Aligning these EQ skills allows the vision to come to life as the leader models it. When people begin to feel the vision they will truly see the vision.
Build Relationships and Stay Positive
“When you assume negative intent, you’re angry. If you take away that anger and assume positive intent, you will be amazed. Your emotional quotient goes up because you are no longer almost random in your response.” Indra Nooyi former CEO Pepsico
Interpersonal Relationships grow trust. When high levels of trust are present, there are significantly less assumptions of negative intent. Healthy interpersonal relationships bring stability in times of rapid change, allowing a continued focus on the vision. Positivity originates in the EQ skill of Optimism. Positivity allows us to remain focused on the vision and not derailed by a lack of resilience.
Leaders who model these EQ skills will be well equipped to keep the organizational vision in focus and translate vision into reality.
We hope you found value in what we shared
Ed & Chris Hennessy
