Emotional Intelligence for Coaches: A Critical Component for Success

Why do some coaches thrive, while others seem to limp along? While many reasons can contribute to a coach’s success, or lack thereof, emotional intelligence (EQ) is a critical component for success.
Patrick Lencioni, author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, says this[1]:

Not education. Not experience. Not knowledge or intellectual horsepower. None of these serves as an adequate predictor as to why one person succeeds and another doesn’t. There is something else going on that society doesn’t seem to account for . . . the answer almost always has to do with this concept called emotional intelligence.

Numerous studies have confirmed the truth of this statement.

What is EQ?

So, what is emotional intelligence?
According to Peter Salovey and John Mayer who developed the psychological theory in 1997:

Emotional intelligence is the ability to perceive emotions, to access and generate emotions so as to assist thought, to understand emotions and emotional knowledge, and to reflectively regulate emotions so as to promote emotional and intellectual growth.

Later, Daniel Goleman, a science journalist, brought emotional intelligence to the masses, identifying five components of emotional intelligence in his book, Emotional Intelligence:

1. Self-awareness: The ability to understand your emotions, drives, and motives, as well as their effect on others. A realistic sense of self and an ability to name one’s emotions. 

2. Self-regulation: The ability to control impulses and moods. Hallmarks include integrity and stability, as well as openness to change.

3. Internal motivation: A passion to work that extends beyond such external drivers as status and money. An ability to pursue goals with energy and enthusiasm. A strong drive to achieve, even in the face of failure.

4. Empathy. The ability to understand the emotional makeup of others. An expertise in building and retaining talent, as well as serving clients and customers.

5. Social skills. An ability to manage relationships, find common ground, and build rapport. Persuasiveness and an ability to build and lead teams are often hallmarks of social skills.

How do you rate?
If you came up short, don’t worry. Emotional intelligence is a skill that most people can learn and develop over time.
In the weeks ahead, we will unpack each of the five components identified by Goleman and provide practical tips and tools for growing your EQ.
For now, to learn more about emotional intelligence or to assess your EQ, check out the links below:

• Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More than IQ by Daniel Goleman
• Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves

[1] Foreword to Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry & Jean Greaves: