It Takes More Than Emotional Intelligence to Succeed

Emotional intelligence (EQ) has gotten a lot of air time over the past fifteen years. And with good reason since it makes a huge difference when leaders have good self-awareness and manage their emotions and relationships well. However, just EQ is NOT ENOUGH! I have met plenty of men and women in leadership positions who are caring, thoughtful, sensitive to the needs of others, and are well liked by others, yet they are not succeeding in their leadership roles. Although there are many differences between the leaders who successfully start and lead a business, church or non-profit organization, they have these seven things in common beyond emotional intelligence. Successful leaders... 

1. Possess passion for the vision

They are crazy excited about what they are aiming to accomplish. 

2. Are fanatically focused

They never drift from their pursuit of the vision. 

3. Work harder than others

They are not only not afraid of hard work, they love it.  

4. Attract talent

They attract other talented leaders because of their vision and passion 

5. Take calculated risks

They take plenty of risks but are seldom reckless. 

6. Possess the gift of disruption

They know how to disrupt the norm to create the new.  

7. Are decisive decision-makers

They always lean towards imperfect decisions over no decisions. 

Lead well!

Jay Desko is the CEO of The Center Consulting Group and brings experience in the areas of organizational assessment, leadership coaching, decision-making, and strategic questioning. Jay’s degrees include an M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Design from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from The Union Institute.