Emotional intelligence in a leadership position

Demanding parents, children with complex issues and needs, long days and interpersonal conflicts make emotional intelligence (EQ) a crucial component of an ECEC leader’s role, Katie Fotheringam writes.

Working in the ECEC sector in a leadership role, such as an Educational Leader in NSW/ACT or a Kindergarten Director in Queensland, can feel like navigating a labyrinth of multifaceted challenges that can be extremely emotionally draining for workers.

IEU-QNT Assistant Secretary Nicole Kapernick said critical awareness of EQ could be the difference between a team plagued with burnout and high turnover rates versus a high-performing, longstanding team.

“Although it may seem like there are more important things to consider day-to-day, being in tune with yourself and your colleagues’ EQ can be a major contributing factor in fostering a thriving and nurturing work environment,” Nicole said.

What is emotional intelligence?

EQ consists of recognising, understanding and managing others’ emotions as well as your own.

It involves a set of skills and competencies that contribute to building strong relationships, navigating social complexities, and making thoughtful decisions.

Emotional intelligence is a multifaceted construct encompassing several key components:

•Self-awareness: Recognising your emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and their impact on others. Self-aware individuals are attuned to their strengths and weaknesses and how their emotions influence their thoughts and behaviours.

•Self-regulation: Managing your emotions effectively and maintaining composure under pressure. Individuals with high self-regulation can adapt to changing circumstances, remain composed under pressure, and resist impulsive reactions.

•Motivation: Motivated individuals with high EQ are driven by a passion for their work or goals. They have a clear sense of purpose and are often resilient in the face of setbacks.

•Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Empathy involves recognising and responding to the emotions of others with sensitivity and fostering positive interpersonal relationships.

•Social skills: In the context of emotional intelligence, social skills include effective communication, conflict resolution, and the ability to build and maintain relationships. Individuals with strong social skills can navigate social situations successfully and work well in collaborative settings.

Building trust and relationships

Nicole said ECEC leaders interact with a diverse range of individuals, including children, parents, educators, and support staff.

“Developing and maintaining positive relationshipswith these stakeholders is paramount,” Nicole said.

“Emotional intelligence equips managers with the skills to navigate and manage interpersonal dynamics effectively.

“By understanding the emotions of others, ECEC leaders can foster a supportive and collaborative environment, thereby enhancing the overall quality of the work environment and educational experience.

“Emotional intelligence equips you with the ability to manage stress effectively, maintain a positive attitude, and make rational decisions even under pressure.”

Effective communication

Nicole said communicating clearly goes a long way in ECEC.

“ECEC leaders with high emotional intelligence excel in communication by being attuned to the needs and emotions of their team members,” Nicole said.

“They can convey information with empathy, clarity, and understanding, promoting a sense of trust and openness among staff and parents.

“This skill is particularly crucial when addressing sensitive matters or managing conflicts within the team,” she said.

Conflict resolution

Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, but handling it appropriately can make a huge difference.

Nicole said leading with emotional intelligence can help resolve conflict by diffusing tense situations, mediating conflicts, and creating a positive work environment.

“Not only does this improve culture amongst staff, but it also creates a better care environment for children,” she said.

Stress management

Early childhood leadership can be demanding, and stressful situations can arise unexpectedly.

Nicole said effective decision-making is a key aspect of managerial roles, and emotional intelligence is pivotal in this process.

“Managers with a high level of emotional intelligence can assess situations objectively, taking into account the emotions and perspectives of all stakeholders,” Nicole said.

“This leads to more informed and thoughtful decision-making, fostering an environment where all members feel valued and respected.

“Emotional intelligence equips you with the ability to manage stress effectively, maintain a positive attitude, and make rational decisions even under pressure.

“This resilience is crucial for personal wellbeing and effective leadership,” she said.

Employee engagement and retention

Nicole said the ECEC sector can be taxing, and staff may face various ongoing challenges in their roles.

“A leader with emotional intelligence is adept at recognising signs of stress or burnout among staff members,” Nicole said.

“By demonstrating empathy and offering support, they contribute to a positive workplace culture that prioritises the wellbeing of the entire team.

“This, in turn, leads to increased job satisfaction, retention, and a more productive work environment,” she said.

Becoming a more emotionally intelligent leader

Like any skill, effective emotional intelligence takes time and practice to develop.

You can employ several simple strategies to hone your emotional intelligence skills in the workplace.

1. Self-reflection: Regularly take time for self-reflection to examine your own emotions, reactions, and decision-making processes. Consider journaling as a tool to document and analyse your emotional responses in various situations.

2. Active listening: Practice active listening when engaging with children, parents, and staff. Give your full attention, show empathy, and strive to understand their perspectives. Avoid interrupting and make an effort to validate and acknowledge the feelings of others.

3. Empathy development: Actively seek to understand the emotions of those around you. Put yourself in their shoes to comprehend their experiences and feelings. Encourage open communication amongst team members, allowing others to express their emotions without judgment.

4. Mindfulness practices: Engage in mindfulness exercises or practices to stay present in the moment. This can help you manage stress and respond more effectively to various situations. Mindful breathing, meditation, or yoga can be integrated into your routine to promote emotional awareness.

5. Conflict resolution skills: Develop effective conflict resolution skills. Address conflicts calmly and rationally, considering the emotions of all parties involved. Encourage open communication and facilitate a resolution that is fair and mutually beneficial.

6. Build a positive work environment: Foster a positive and supportive work environment for your staff. Recognise and celebrate achievements, fostering a sense of accomplishment and motivation. Be approachable and create opportunities for open dialogue, encouraging team members to share their thoughts and concerns.

7. Adaptability: Cultivate adaptability in the face of change. Understand change can evoke various emotions in yourself and others, and be prepared to navigate these transitions with a positive attitude. Demonstrate flexibility and resilience, modelling these qualities for your team.

8. Continuous learning: Stay committed to continuous learning about emotional intelligence. Share your knowledge with your team, fostering a culture of ongoing learning within your early childhood education setting.

9. Feedback and growth: Solicit feedback from others about your leadership style and be open to constructive criticism. Use feedback as an opportunity for personal and professional growth, adjusting to enhance your emotional intelligence.

10. Lead by example: Model the emotional intelligence you wish to see in others. Demonstrate self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication in your daily interactions. Inspire your team by embodying the values and behaviours associated with high emotional intelligence.