Coaches are leaders and their emotional intelligence is the ability to identify, understand and manage their own emotions and the emotions of those around them. A guide in Perspective, the quarterly magazine from B.C. Coaches, laid out these two statements: "People with a high degree of emotional intelligence usually know what they're feeling, what this means, and how their emotions can affect other people." And, "For leaders, having emotional intelligence is essential for success."
From Perspective, citing Daniel Goleman, an American psychologist who popularized the concept, here are five criteria for EI in coaching leadership:
1. Self-awareness. From a person in power, emotions can set the tone. Gain a sense of strengths and weaknesses. Develop humility. Slow down when you experience anger or strong emotions and remember you choose how you behave.
2. Self-regulation. All about staying in control, leaders who practice such discipline can avoid outbursts, stereotyping, compromising their values and losing influence. Personal accountability-determine your values-helps you earn respect. Staying calm is also a factor.
3. Motivation. Driven, selfmotivated leaders stay committed and hold high standards for themselves. Revisit why you're a coach and what you love about the profession.
4. Empathy. With the ability to imagine the situation from the perspective of a player, referee, parent or opposing coach, for example, can give constructive feedback and listen to anyone who needs the time and attention. Pay attention to body language and feelings.
5. Social skills. Coaches who are good communicators are open to good and bad news and able to motivate their team for the drill, game or championship.
Managing change is an overlooked component of coaching, but one that makes up much of the work. Consider conflict management training and developing a habit of praising others.
In the final "Jock and Jill" fourpart coaching series: should you coach your own child?
