Leadership Nugget: The Advantage of Social Skill in Your Leadership

This is the final segment of Chuck’s series on Emotional Intelligence gleaned from the teaching framework of best-selling author, Dr. Daniel Goleman.

Review of the other 4 components of Emotional Intelligence:

1. Self-Awareness
2. Self-Regulation
3. Motivation
4. Empathy

The final component of Emotional Intelligence is Social Skill.

Chuck defines Social Skill as “proficiency in managing relationships and building networks.

Some Benefits of Social Skill

1. It empowers you to forge a strong interpersonal connection.
2. It can provide you with the capacity to find common ground with others.
3. It is the culmination of all the other components of Emotional Intelligence.

In his best-selling book entitled, “THE IDEAL TEAM PLAYER”, Patrick Lencioni’s research showed that the ideal team player possesses 3 qualities: humility, hunger and smarts. Lencioni clarified what he means by “smart”.
“Being smart is not about one’s intellectual capacity. Instead, smart team players have good common sense about people. They tend to know what is happening in the group and how to deal effectively with others. They ask good questions, listen to what others are saying and stay engaged in conversations. People who aren’t smart in this regard will create unnecessary problems, especially when involved in productive conflict and holding people accountable for their actions.”

In his years of executive coaching, Chuck has observed that Social Skill either:
A. Enhances the leadership of those who develop it
B. Hinders both their impact as leaders as well as their ability to advance in their career

5 Suggestions for Developing Your Social Skill as a Leader

1. Exercise reflection.
2. Utilize an assessment.
3. Seek some assistance.
4. Recognize that growth in Emotional Intelligence will require:
   a. Effort
   b. Time

“You must either modify your dreams or magnify your skills.” – Jim Rohn.