Leading Out Loud: A Guide for Engaging Others in Creating the Future, 3rd Edition

Listening and Responding with Emotional Intelligence

As discussed in Chapter Two, emotional intelligence means recog­nition, resonance, regulation, and response. None of these may arise naturally or immediately when you are questioned or challenged. Instead, each conversation could become a new battle to be won, each question a new threat to your cause and, more honestly, to your ego. In these moments, you could forget that you are a leader of a cause and instead become a defensive warrior, attacking with your passion, your authority, your position, and your command of the data. In your words and your stance, you dare anyone to say anything. Not surprisingly, they don’t. Emotional intelligence helps by offering options that can lead to inclusion ...