Leadership is often considered either mystical or mysterious. Every organisation needs leaders. The effectiveness of a leadership style is situation- specific. Leadership skills vary from person to person. Effective leaders employ different ways to direct a team, a division or a company. The emotional intelligence is the most important and indispensable aspect for leadership. Moreover, effective leaders understand their own as well as others emotional make-up very well.

It is accepted that emotional intelligence is an important aspect of effective leadership. There are several factors in emotional intelligence. Self-awareness is the prime factor which plays crucial role. Leaders who possess self-awareness would have knowledge about one’s own strengths and weaknesses. They are honest with themselves and also with others. These leaders would understand the goals and values very clearly and very confident about their work ethics and focus on long term results.

Self-regulation is an important characteristic of effective leaders. Effective leaders should able to control their feelings and impulses which would be helpful in creating an environment of trust and fairness. Therefore, such kind of work environment focuses all energies on achieving the desired objectives rather on politics and infighting. Hence, talented people prefer such organisations and attrition is never a prime issue.

Another important attribute is motivation which is shared by effective leaders. Such leaders seek creative challenges, have a passion for learning and also take the pride to do the job well. These leaders often question the existing methods of work, intent to explore new ways of doing the work and always keen to improve past experiences.

Empathy is the most visible trait of an effective leader. A leader possessing this quality would thoughtfully consider employees feelings along with other factors in the process of making intelligent decisions. Empathy doesn’t mean pleasing others or adopting others opinion. Empathy plays very crucial role in diverse workforce and helps in teamwork. Social skills in context of business leadership refer to the capacity of friendliness with a purpose, namely, moving people in the desired direction. Leaders possessing such skill would definitely establish common ground with all kinds of people and would certainly achieve the desired goal.

Leadership skills may vary from person to person and the prevailing situation would certainly play the most important role. The emotional intelligence of the person gives either positive or negative impact upon the decision making in the workplace.