The Future Leader

18Yoda

First appearing in the 1980s film The Empire Strikes Back, Yoda is the little green character that billions of people around the world have come to know and love. He is also one of the most emotionally intelligent characters ever created, I suppose he should be; after all, he was apparently 900 years old and trained many Jedi during his lifetime. In the Star Wars films, he appears as a guide, mentor, and teacher to many of the other characters, who turn to him for his wisdom and connection with the “Force.”

Some of his most famous scenes and quotes were all about emotion:

• “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”
• “Remember, a Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware anger, fear, and aggression. The dark side are they. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny.”
• “Use your feelings, Obi-Wan, and find him you will.”

Leaders of the future must learn to channel their internal Yoda, which means being emotionally intelligent, specifically being able to practice empathy and self-awareness.

Emotional Intelligence (Empathy and Self-Awareness)

The word “emotional” is rarely used in the same sentence as “leader,” yet many of the CEOs I interviewed stated that empathy and self-awareness will be among the most crucial skills that leaders will have to possess by 2030. In a clearly ...