Spring is in the air – or at least we hope it is – and with it comes a time of hopefulness and renewed energy and expectations.  As we look at this time, we should consider whether our leadership style also needs to be transformed.

At the tail end of the 1990’s, the term “emotional intelligence” became quite popular.  Its essential tenet was that if leaders hope to be successful they must understand and manage their own emotions.

In 2002 Tim Sanders in his book Love is the Killer App claimed that success hinges on knowledge, networking and compassion. He contends that if a leader is able to share knowledge, is a business matchmaker and can build-up people, he/she will be able to achieve what at first blush appears impossible.

Finally, Kevin Roberts – of Saatchi & Saatchi fame – claims that mystery, sensuality and intimacy are the key. A great leader must be able to relate inspiring stories (the mystery), appeal to the senses (sensuality) and show empathy and passion (intimacy) to command respect and love among his people – not just staff, but also customers and other stakeholders.

How are we doing on this emotional intelligence scale?

“History is the record of an encounter between character and circumstance.”   Donald Creighton, Canadian Historian