Leadership and management are fields characterized by the constant interactions of individuals and their environments. Therefore, positive interpersonal relations and social interactions are critical for collaboration toward organizational goals because they facilitate effective communication. As a result, individuals in leadership and managerial positions are responsible for encouraging a culture where people are open to others’ opinions and positions. However, leaders can find it hard to associate well or lead their subordinates in the right direction without high levels of emotional intelligence.
Hayward reacted inappropriately and did not acknowledge the implications of his actions, considering the diversity his company’s oil spillage had caused. If I were in Howard’s position, I would have taken the time to investigate the depth of the issue and work on solutions that would support the affected individuals and empower them for the foreseeable future. The oil spill’s aftermath robbed thousands of individuals of their livelihoods and economic resources. Therefore, it is evident that the community members were suffering. Hence, it was unreasonable for Howard to brush off the issue by making disrespectful comments. Additionally, entering his yacht during the race sent a message that he was less concerned about the victim’s welfare. Thus, his lack of empathy disqualifies him as a reliable leader.
Technical skills and emotional intelligence are critical leadership skills because they allow managers to stay aware of their environment and make the right judgments. However, the ultimate goal of business organizations is to advance toward a sustainable future (Robbins & Judge, 2019). Therefore, although technical skills are critical for the appropriate execution of initiatives, emotional intelligence is more important as it empowers leaders to evaluate the implications of their actions and adopt solutions that promise positive outcomes.
An individual’s culture refers to a set of beliefs, practices, and values upheld because of the person’s background, moral standing, or experiences. According to Wamsler and Restoy (2020), customs play a major role in sensitivity as they influence people’s interactions with others, their perceptions of the environment, and their personality. Subsequently, the case study shows that Dudley was more sensitive to the needs of individuals in the Mexican Gulf because of his childhood experiences of swimming and fishing in the Mississippi Gulf. Thus, his culture shaped his appreciation of the Mexican Gulf and encouraged his positive contribution. The analysis also shows that cultural aptitude and awareness of others’ beliefs and values correlate to emotional intelligence, allowing people to resonate with and accommodate diverse cultures. Dudley’s nature reflects his respect for the people’s way of life and dedication to their well-being.
Successful leaders prioritize the interests of their subordinates and the needs of the people they serve. Drucker makes it clear that culture is more critical than a business strategy (Robbins & Judge, 2019). In other words, Howard should understand that even the most effective business strategies can be limited by cultural issues. Great leaders can see beyond their biases and look at the world through others’ cultural lenses (Wamsler & Restoy, 2020). Hence, Howard should work toward improving his cultural aptitude and emotional intelligence to enhance his relationships with people and realize success.
Globalization and effective communication has reconciled various global cultures and allowed individuals to live freely with each other. However, differences often result in conflict, requiring high levels of emotional intelligence to avoid escalations. Although technical skills are critical in management, emotional intelligence guides leaders’ behaviors, relationships, actions, and decision-making. Therefore, the lack of emotional intelligence can limit an organization from achieving sustainability due to issues such as limited trust by shareholders and staff resistance.
References
Robbins, S. & Judge, T. (2019). Organizational behavior (18th ed). Pearson.
Wamsler, C., & Restoy, F. (2020). Emotional intelligence and sustainable development goals: supporting peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. In W. L. Filho, A. M. Azul, L. Brandli, A. L.Salvia, P. G. Ă–zuyar, & T. Wall (Eds.), Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, 1-11. Springer International Publishing.