The role of a CEO extends far beyond traditional strategic and operational oversight. To be truly successful today, emotional intelligence is key to successful executive leadership. Your role must evolve into Chief 'Emotion' Officer, embodying a function that focuses on the full spectrum of emotions within your organisation. This shift is crucial, as emotional contagion theory demonstrates the profound impact a leader’s emotions can have on their team, influencing morale, productivity, and overall organisational success.
Emotional Contagion Theory and Leadership
Emotional contagion theory, a concept within social psychology, shows that emotions can spread among individuals in a group, much like a virus. This phenomenon occurs through subconscious processes such as mimicry and synchronisation of expressions and behaviours, which in turn can lead to shared emotional states within a team or organisation. For business leaders, this means that their emotional states—whether positive or negative—can significantly influence their teams.
Emotions are contagious at the best of times, but people will look to you as the leader, and your emotional state far more than anyone else in the organisation. Ignoring the power of the mood – whether that be your own, or whether it has been “caught” by others, means you are risking dereliction of duty. As we all know, culture is led from the top. Setting the emotional tone is one step of that process.
The CEO as the Chief 'Emotion' Officer
The idea of the CEO as the Chief 'Emotion' Officer emphasises the importance of mastering emotional intelligence, that is ensuring you have empathy, resilience, and energy management. Here’s why it’s vital:
· Boosting morale and engagement:
As CEO, your positive energy and empathy can elevate team spirit, leading to higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction.
· Enhancing productivity:
Positive emotions are linked to increased creativity, problem-solving, and productivity.
· Building resilience:
In challenging times, your ability to maintain and spread a resilient and optimistic outlook can help teams navigate uncertainties more effectively.
· Developing trust and loyalty:
Demonstrating empathy and understanding creates a deeper connection with employees, building trust and loyalty.
· Encouraging innovation:
A supportive emotional environment encourages risk-taking and innovation, essential for business growth and adaptation.
Leaders with exceptional emotional intelligence
Christine Holgate's emotional intelligence is exemplified through her adept handling of both her team's morale and complex political challenges throughout her career. As CEO of Australia Post, she focused on employee wellbeing, resulting in improved satisfaction and productivity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she prioritised the mental health and safety of her staff, ensuring robust support systems. Her tenure at Blackmores saw a significant increase in market value, driven by her ability to inspire and engage her team. Holgate's emotional intelligence also shone through during political difficulties, particularly the intense scrutiny over executive bonuses at Australia Post. Despite the political backlash and her eventual resignation, she maintained her composure, addressing the situation transparently and respectfully. Since then, she has gone on to lead Team Global Express with similarly great results. Her ability to navigate these challenges with empathy and resilience has underscored her strength in managing relationships and maintaining integrity under pressure. These instances from her career highlight her exceptional emotional intelligence in fostering positive organisational cultures and overcoming adversities.
Roger Federer is renowned not only for his exceptional tennis skills but also for his remarkable emotional intelligence, which was a key factor in his sustained success. Federer's ability to remain composed under pressure is legendary, which allowed him to perform consistently at the highest level even in the most intense situations. His on-court demeanour is characterised by calmness and respect for his opponents, officials, and fans, earning him admiration worldwide. Off the court, Federer demonstrated empathy and humility, often crediting his team and family for his achievements. He engages positively with the media and fans, showing genuine interest and appreciation. Federer's philanthropic efforts through the Roger Federer Foundation, which supports educational projects in southern Africa and Switzerland, further reflect his compassion and commitment to giving back. His emotional intelligence is evident in his ability to build and maintain strong relationships, adapt to challenges, and inspire those around him, solidifying his legacy not only as a tennis great but also as a respected and admired human being.
Strategies for becoming an effective Chief 'Emotion' Officer
1. Cultivate emotional intelligence:
Understanding and managing one’s own emotions, as well as recognising and influencing the emotions of others, is foundational. Training and development programs focused on emotional intelligence can be invaluable.
2. Communicate authentically and transparently:
Open, honest, and positive (where appropriate, there is such a thing as toxic positivity) communication can help in building trust and spreading positive energy. Sharing both successes and challenges transparently keeps the team aligned and motivated.
3. Lead by example:
Demonstrating resilience, optimism, and a strong work ethic can inspire and energise the team. Leading by example in maintaining a proactive, solutions-focused outlook, even during tough times, can develop a culture of positivity and resilience.
4. Encourage and support:
Actively encouraging team members, celebrating successes, and providing support during failures enhances morale and engagement. Recognition and reward programs can be effective mechanisms for generating the emotional energy you seek.
5. Focus on wellbeing:
Prioritising your teams’ wellbeing through initiatives that promote work-life balance, mental health and psychosocial safety can contribute to a positive workplace.
The key to modern successful CEO leadership is emotional intelligence. By embracing the role of the Chief 'Emotion’ Officer, you can harness the power of emotional contagion to develop a positive, resilient, and high-performing culture. The examples from both business and sports illustrate the profound impact that emotional leadership can have, underscoring the importance of emotional intelligence for being a successful CEO.
Author of ‘Meaningful Work: Unlock Your Unique Path to Career Fulfilment’, Nina Mapson Bone is a people strategist, consultant, chair and keynote speaker. She consults with boards, CEOs, founders and executives on bridging the disconnect between strategy and the needs, motivations and capabilities of their people. Nina’s executive career has spanned three continents and diverse sectors. She was previously the Managing Director of Beaumont People, where she led a period of significant growth for the organisation, during which it was recognised with multiple awards. For more information visit www.ninamapsonbone.com.au
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