“Not only are bloggers suckers for the remarkable, so are the people who read blogs.” - Seth Godin

BOOSTER BYTE 113

Working Through People's Emotions

Great leaders move their people. Great leadership works through people’s emotions. Leaders who fail to drive emotions in the right direction will not be nearly as effective in working through the crisis du jour.

It begins with the mood and tone in which they deliver the message. The effective leader who has properly gauged the group’s EQ will dial in the emotional impact of what they say and do. They will seek to raise morale and commitment especially in the face of adversity.

A good example of using EQ to motivate people to a higher cause took place in a number of industries right after the 911 attacks. The Leaders suddenly turned their attention outward, against a common enemy. So did the employees. They bonded on a mission that was suddenly larger than anything they could ever do individually.

Their cause and purpose had not changed. The Why never changes. However, there was a new sense of urgency. Suddenly a common enemy existed; now he had a face and a name.