Leaders need to be emotionally fit

Studies show the ability to understand and manage emotions is more predictive of many types of real-world success than impressive academic credentials or a high IQ score, according to Inc.

Inc. shares the following essential components of being emotionally fit from Silicon Valley therapist and psychology expert Emily Anhalt.

1. Self-awareness. Anhalt says leaders with self-awareness “understand their triggers and biases and continuously check in with themselves. They are patient, resilient, and willing to be vulnerable with others. They can tolerate frustration and manage their emotions.”
2. Empathy. According to Anhalt, emotionally fit leaders can put themselves in others’ shoes, recognize their feelings may be different from the feelings of others and consider how tough decisions will affect other people.
3. Willingness to play. Play can help people of all ages alleviate stress, boost creativity and bond with others. Good leaders make room to incorporate lightness, experimentation and goofiness and allow for a free exchange of ideas.
4. Curiosity. Anhalt says: “Emotionally fit leaders understand and tolerate the difference between what they want to be true and what is true, and they make it a habit to ask questions and be curious, even when the answers to those questions are uncomfortable.”
5. Mindfulness. Mindful leaders can handle discomfort, have difficult conversations, share complicated feedback and think through a problem thoroughly. Anhalt suggests practicing gratitude, forgiveness and scheduling a “worry hour” so a leader’s day is not dominated by anxiety.
6. Resilience. It is important for leaders to be flexible and adaptable, learn from failure and bounce back in difficult situations.
7. Effective communication. When leaders fully understand their feelings, they can communicate them more clearly to others. Anhalt says: “Emotionally fit leaders are able to put words to their needs and expectations. They are able to talk through issues in a proactive, ongoing way. They can balance flexibility with maintaining their authority and appropriate boundaries.”