Effective leadership through emotional maturity

Abstract

This article addresses successful leadership, emotional intelligence, and emotional maturity and their impact on society. To merely hold the position of a leader does not make one a leader. Success is largely an individualistic interpretation of personal increase or satisfaction, whether physical, emotional, or psychological. One's perception of success is influenced by the social contexts around the individual. A successful leader must possess certain characteristics and have the ability to transform those characteristics into action. A person may understand, believe, and accept proper leadership techniques; however, if one is not able to implement those techniques the leadership would be flawed and the proper leadership model would break down under adverse conditions. Two basic factors contribute to one's ability or inability to implement proper leadership techniques: first, emotional intelligence, the cognitive understanding and acceptance of basic leadership principles, and second, the ability to implement those principles, emotional maturity. An individual may possess one without the other yet their ability to be a successful leader will be inhibited. © Copyright 2007 by Academic Leadership.