If you’re a leader, or if you’re looking to become one, it’s essential that you understand the importance of emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to identify, understand and manage your own emotions, as well as those of the people around you. According to research by the Harvard Business Review, emotionally intelligent leaders are “more effective and successful in their roles than those who lack this skill.” Here are 7 ways to spot an emotionally intelligent leader. Self-Awareness – An emotionally intelligent leader has a deep understanding of his or her own emotions and behaviors, and how they impact those around them. This understanding helps them make better decisions for the team as a whole and anticipate potential problems before they arise. Self-Regulation – Emotionally intelligent leaders have excellent self-management skills; they know how to control their emotions even in difficult situations, which helps create a stable working environment for everyone on the team. They don’t let their feelings get in the way of making sound decisions and can remain objective when necessary. Empathy – An emotionally intelligent leader understands what other people are feeling and why they are feeling it; they can put themselves in someone else's shoes and respond accordingly. This type of leader is able to build strong relationships with his/her team members through meaningful conversations that demonstrate genuine care for their opinions and feelings. Social Skills – The ability to effectively communicate with others is essential for a leader who wants to be emotionally intelligent; he or she needs to be able to actively listen, give constructive criticism, motivate others without micromanaging them, and provide clear direction without being overly demanding or controlling. An emotionally intelligent leader will also encourage open dialogue among all team members so that everyone feels heard and respected in the workplace. Flexibility – Being able to adjust easily when circumstances change is another key trait of an emotionally intelligent leader; they understand that things don't always go according to plan but are always prepared with alternative solutions or strategies should something unexpected happen that could affect the team's progress or morale negatively. Positive Outlook – An emotionally intelligent leader will approach every situation with a positive attitude, no matter how challenging it may seem at first glance; this helps him/her stay focused on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems or getting overwhelmed by stressors that may arise during any given project or task at hand. 7. Decision Making – Finally, an emotionally intelligent leader will use logic instead of emotion when making decisions; this ensures that all choices made by him/her are based on facts rather than personal biases or preferences which could lead down an unproductive path both professionally and personally speaking! For any business owner or CEO looking for success from their organization, emotional intelligence is essential for great leadership skills! With these signs in mind you can more easily identify an EI leader who can help propel your business forward into success! Emotional intelligence isn't something one learns overnight—it takes practice over time—but it's worth investing in because its rewards far outweigh its costs! Investing in emotional intelligence now will help ensure future success for yourself as well as your organization later down the road!