Emotional Intelligence Used For Good: Transformational Leadership

As the psychological understanding of emotional intelligence becomes more understood, it becomes more recognized for its ability to create successful leaders. But like other sources of power, its great ability can be used for bad. During the creation of the atomic bomb, made to protect nations being attacked by Nazi Germany, Einstein, while a great promotor of science, criticized the creation, warning of the destruction this weapon if it were to fall into the wrong hand. Could this also be true for emotional intelligence? Could one’s ability to sense and use the feelings of themselves and others create circumstances that could be used maleficently? The possibility is very real. Emotional Intelligence used for good: Transformational Leadership.

Transformational leaders depends upon Idealized Influence, Motivational Inspiration, Intellectual Stimulation, and Individualized Consultation (Cavazotte, Flavia, Valter , Hickmann). It can be argued at least 3 of these abilities rely heavily on Emotional intelligence. Individualized consolation requires the leader to understand each individual’s emotions, and create a customized relationship with them. Motivating through inspiration requires the leader to sense through feedback what motivates each individual. Intellectual simulation requires the leader to know what makes each individuals brain active. None of these are a one size fits all blanket approach, but an emotionally intelligent fueled analysis of each

That’s not to say they may not see some success from in. In fact, studies show that narcissists equipped with empathy are the most successful (Owens, Bradley, Angela. Wallace, Waldman). While empathy is a characteristic of Emotional Intelligence, it is not used in the way a transformational leader uses it. This study did not take into account the follower’s job satisfaction or loyalty. Narcissists strive for success, putting themselves before others, needing the upper hand and flattery (Nagler). When this leader feels weakness through the emotions of others he uses it as an opportunity to assert his superiority, and degrade the subordinate. This defamation and feeling of worthlessness creates a need to impress, manipulating the follower to work harder. This is seen in business constantly by dictatorship like leaders such as Carly Fiorina, whose employees quiver at the worry that one wrong move could result in their termination. This result is a push for achievement, but not through willingness or loyalty, but through fear and ineptness. This is the use of Socio-Emotional Intelligence