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Leading with Emotion

The Brennan Symposium featured author and emotional intelligence expert Dr. Annie McKee. McKee’s workshop examined the understanding and application of emotions which lead to results that are in the best interest and good of self and the team. McKee began by suggesting that the methods and practices of leadership defined by Frederick Winston Taylor, the father of scientific management, whose approach to work was dictated by the industrial era and focused on quantifiable input and results, does not work well unabetted in today’s business environment. She argued that since the landscape of the business world has changed dramatically in the last 100 years and the world we live in has become more connected, one has to be more aware and attuned to not only self but to the people with whom we interact. Therefore, in addition to knowledge and education (human intelligence), we also need emotional intelligence in today’s working environment. She debunked the myth that smart people made the best leaders and presented data that showed people who have the ability to build and sustain resonant relationships were more likely to be successful and the most effective leaders.

In small-group exercises, McKee guided students in identifying the strengths and traits of good and bad leaders and encouraged them to apply real life experiences in the discussion, and in the process identify their own strengths. Through conversation, themes of respect, transparency, empathy, adaptability, and compassion emerged as traits of leadership that were important to the students, and McKee showed them how these themes relate to the concept of emotional intelligence. For example, in terms of compassion, a leader who has the capacity for caring will more likely have a team that will trust and follow them. And in terms of empathy, a leader who has the ability to read and understand people’s deficiencies will likely create a better functioning and cohesive work environment. Debunking a second myth that feelings do not belong in the workplace, McKee said that emotions are contagious and countered that they do belong because we think and perform better when we are in a positive place. To that end, she said that it is important to practice mindfulness, replenish our reserves, and learn how to calm ourselves in the midst of chaos, and redirect negativity. McKee closed the workshop with a key point – leveraging our strengths and using our emotional intelligence, making it a conscious part of who we are and what we do, will result in the good of not only self but all.