Amba 600 Week 3 Articles Paper

Article Summaries and Analysis Paper: Goleman (1998) and McCrimmon (2005)

University of Maryland University College

Summary – The Emotional Intelligence of Leaders (Goleman, 1998)

In the article, “The Emotional Intelligence of Leaders,” Daniel Goleman (1998) argues that our ability to display and manage emotions as human beings is also essential for being a superior leader (p. 20). Goleman (1998) highlights that many are accustomed to appointing and recognizing leaders for their logical intellect, which are important leadership qualities (p.20). However, he believes that what separates many of today’s leaders is the level that they are operating at emotionally – emotional intelligence (Goleman, 1998, p. 20). Goleman’s viewpoint was supported by studies he reviewed that were conducted throughout various groups and businesses. The results of these studies involving high achievers displayed that characteristics concerning skill in the areas of emotions are what caused individuals to stand out (Goleman, 1998, p. 21). Goleman (1998) points out that the areas in our brains that keeps a collection of our emotions and handles stimulus picked up by our senses – the amygdala and the thalamus – are closely connected (p. 21). Thus, the conclusion is that emotions and thought go hand in hand, one is not complete without the other (Goleman, 1998, p.21).

Goleman (1998) also points out that emotional intelligence consists self-awareness, managing emotions, motivating others, showing empathy, and staying connected, which form the basis for qualities of leadership (Goleman, 1998, p.21). Self-awareness, is what enables one to make a decision while keeping your feelings and other important guiding factors at the forefront (Goleman, 1998, p. 21). Self-awareness also allows a person to have correct assessments of themselves and certainty in what they decide on (Goleman, 1998, p. 22). The managing emotion facet describes a person’s ability to have a handle on their...