Introduction
Emotional intelligence is one of the most critical components in the business environment and important quality for any manager, essentially determining a firm’s success and failure. For example, world-famous personalities like Tim Cook, Satya Nadella, and Elon Musk undoubtedly have a relatively high emotional intelligence. Still, each of them disposes of it in their way, based on their own experience and considerations. This work aims to study and analyze the emotional intelligence of well-known CEOs and its role in professional activities.
Analysis of the Three Leaders
Tim Cook
Tim Cook is the CEO of Apple Inc., a model of moral leadership, and a respected manager; he is the owner of a highly developed emotional intelligence. Tim is a self-sufficient, independent, sensitive, and pleasant person who strives to avoid conflicts. One of the critical aspects of his personality is humility and recognition of his wrongness in several individual cases (Rutland, 2018). For example, regarding this phenomenon, the Bible says that “when pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (King James Version Bible, 1988, Proverbs 11:2). Therefore, due to these characteristics, Tim achieved success and prosperity for the company. Tim actively uses emotional intelligence to determine the results of the firm’s activities and current market positions to eliminate shortcomings and improve the organization’s business processes. As a rule, he does not just sit waiting for the next report but always takes the initiative, communicates with people, listens attentively, and responds to them sincerely (Rutland, 2018). Tim Cook relies on a democratic leadership style and allows the talents of each employee to be revealed in realizing the business’s success; he keeps an open mind, trusts others, and is ready to consider various choices.
Satya Nadella
Satya Nadella is the third CEO in the history of Microsoft, a true expert in his field, and an emotionally intelligent leader. Satya claim that leadership based on dictatorship brings exclusively short-term results since finding balance in many moments is essential by showing kindness, respect, and trust to colleagues and listening more and talking less (McCracken, 2020). Consequently, Satya Nadella has high emotional intelligence and empathy levels. Relying on these individual qualities, he breathed life into Microsoft and made it a place where everyone interesting in revolutionary and innovative phenomena wants to work. Satya Nadella uses emotional intelligence to implement an influential corporate culture and high-quality customer service. Being a sensitive manager, he strives to create a positive working atmosphere and build friendly relationships with employees. Satya understands perfectly well that no one wants to be a “cog in the machine,” putting himself in someone’s place and showing kindness when necessary (McCracken, 2020). For instance, one of the outstanding examples of showing kindness in the Bible is when Jesus healed a leper despised by people (Woolfe, 2002). Similarly, Satya offers a security system and wants to give every employee opportunities for self-realization and development.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk is a world-famous personality as the CEO of Tesla Motors, with relatively high emotional intelligence. The expert notes that Elon easily recognizes people’s emotions, understands individuals’ intentions, and quickly adapts to specific situations in communication to lead better (Ashley, 2021). Nonetheless, his not always adequate actions and behavior in the working environment and sometimes meaningless statements on Twitter often confuse the public, generating unflattering rumors about him and the company (Ashley, 2021). Elon can use his emotional intelligence to succeed in marketing and the best car sales. On the contrary, misunderstanding his genuine emotions, fickleness, and inconstancy prevent him from interacting correctly with his colleagues, partners, and clients; sometimes, these qualities can lead to failures in the company’s activities.
Conclusion
Summarizing the above information, it should be remarked that Tim Cook, Satya Nadella, and Elon Musk, as CEOs, have a remarkably high level of emotional intelligence. Each of them understands people’s emotions perfectly and confidently adjusts to situations, leading businesses to the best results and high achievements. However, unlike Elon Musk, Tim Cook and Satya Nadella understand themselves and their emotions better and are more inclined to show empathy, compassion, and kindness to people.
References
Ashley, S. (2021). Can we talk about Elon Musk’s emotional intelligence, but… for real?. Medium. Web.
King James Version Bible. (1988). B. B. Kirkbride Bible Company Inc.
McCracken, G. (2020). Emotional intelligence can be just as important as intellect in the workplace. City A.M. Limited.
Rutland, J. (2018). Emotional intelligence: Use it like Tim Cook every single day and watch your successes grow. Medium. Web.
Woolfe, L. (2002). The Bible on leadership. AMACOM Books.