Emotions and leadership: The role of emotional intelligence

This paper suggests that feelings (moods and emotions) play a central role in the leadership process. More specifically it is proposed that emotional intelligence, the ability to understand and manage moods and emotions in th e self and others, contributes to effective leadership in organizations. Fo ur major aspects of emotional intelligence, the appraisal and expression of emotion, the use of emotion to enhance cognitive processes and decision ma king, knowledge about emotions, and management of emotions, are described. Then, I propose how emotional intelligence contributes to effective leaders hip by focusing on five essential elements of leader effectiveness: develop ment of collective goals and objectives; instilling in others an appreciati on of the importance of work activities; generating and maintaining enthusi asm, confidence, optimism, cooperation,and trust; encouraging flexibility i n decision making and change; and establishing and maintaining a meaningful identity for an organization.