Are you a socially intelligent courageous leader?

After reading through the article I mentioned in my last blog - "social intelligence and the biology of leadership" - I want to take the time to state that courageous leaders are socially intelligent because they show:

1. empathy with others and are sensitive to their needs
2. attunement to how others are feeling
3. organisational awareness of the cultural , business and market norms
4. ability to influence and persuade
5. propensity to develop others through coaching and feedback
6. inspirational tendencies so they bring out the best in people
7. teamwork
8. courage to stay true to who they are and what they believe in
9. willingness to use challenging behaviour.

I am going to work on these nine attributes / characters further and would welcome anyone's feedback and/or stories.

Social intelligence was summed up in the article as developing a genuine interest in and talent for fostering positive feelings in the people whose cooperation and support you need. It can truly be that simple if we want it to be!

I challenge you to self assess what you do on a daily basis as a leader - can you honestly say that you have stayed true throughout the day to showing genuine interest in those people on whom you rely to create the business outcomes you desire and need?