Emotional intelligence (ie), which designates the ability to understand and manage emotions as well as those of others, is a concept which, over the years, has taken an increasingly central place in the field of leadership. If this notion was initially more often used in the context of psychology, it quickly established itself as a pillar for business leaders, in particular in an environment where team management and decision -making are at the heart of strategic issues.
A favorable context
Employee expectations, customer needs and organizational requirements change at high speed, emotional intelligence seems more than ever to be a useful skill for business leaders. But to what extent can the EI positively influence team management and strategic choices? And above all, is it a decisive asset for start-up leaders, often faced with unstable and uncertain environments?
Emotional intelligence is defined by the psychologist Daniel Goleman, author of a flagship work on the subject, such as the ability to recognize and understand his own emotions and those of others, to motivate and manage emotions in interpersonal relationships. As part of leadership, this ability becomes a real lever to establish quality human relationships, motivate teams and make informed decisions.
A leader with a high level of emotional intelligence will not only be attentive to his collaborators, but also to anticipate tensions and answer them in a constructive manner. This human approach is increasingly valued, in particular by the young generations, in search of meaning and well-being at work. It is with this in mind that business leaders, especially those of start-ups, must rely on their emotional skills to create an atmosphere of trust and collaboration.
The link between emotional intelligence and team management
One of the main advantages of emotional intelligence in leadership is its direct impact on team management. Indeed, an emotionally intelligent leader knows how to identify signs of stress, misunderstanding or conflicts within his collaborators. Therefore, it can take preventive or corrective measures in order to preserve a healthy and productive work environment.
Recent studies have shown that emotional intelligence is directly linked to team performance. A study conducted by the consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations revealed that the teams led by emotionally intelligent leaders are more creative, more committed and more efficient. In addition, these teams tend to display a higher retention rate, as employees feel better understood and supported by their managers.
Start-ups, in particular, greatly benefit from this approach. Indeed, in human -sized structures where agility and flexibility are essential, an emotionally intelligent leader can better manage periods of intense stress, often linked to tight deadlines or uncertain projects. He can also help his employees maintain strong cohesion, despite the pressure.
Emotional intelligence in decision -making
Decision making is a key aspect of leadership. However, a manager must often make rapid decisions, sometimes under pressure. Emotional intelligence plays an essential role here, because it makes it possible to make decisions not only rational, but also adapted to emotions and human dynamics at stake.
An emotionally intelligent leader is able to balance logic and empathy, taking into account not only objective facts, but also the impact of decisions on individuals and groups. This can result, for example, by the ability to manage crisis situations with calm, to recognize the negative emotions of an employee and to act in an appropriate manner to restore confidence.
A recent study by the World Economic Forum has revealed that leaders with great emotional intelligence are capable of making more fair and more balanced decisions, as they know how to assess both the rational and emotional aspects of a problem. This also makes it possible to avoid expensive errors, often caused by decisions made with the effect of stress or anxiety.
Example: Blablacar, a start-up that relies on emotional intelligence to manage the crisis
Blablacar, the French carpool giant, had to face many challenges, especially during the 2020 health crisis. Decisions in this context of great uncertainty required the qualities of emotional leadership. Frédéric Mazzella, the founder of Blablacar, has shown great empathy and sensitivity to the difficulties encountered by his collaborators, while making crucial strategic decisions to maintain activity. In an interview, he spoke of the importance of keeping a transparent communication and supporting the teams in periods of doubt. This made it possible to maintain a strong team spirit and a rapid adaptability in the face of market upheavals.
An asset for employee well-being and corporate culture
The impact of emotional intelligence in team management also affects the well-being of employees. An emotionally intelligent leadership helps to establish a positive and inclusive corporate culture, which is crucial to attract and retain talents, especially in start-ups where competition to recruit the best profiles is often fierce.
A leader who knows how to manage the emotions of his collaborators and create a harmonious work environment not only promotes the personal development of individuals, but also their motivation and their commitment. This contributes to increased productivity and a healthy and collaborative work atmosphere.
