As you navigate your journey toward tremendous success, have you ever paused to reflect on the habits that shape your leadership style? My name is Usha Nagrani, and as an Executive and Leadership Coach working with leaders and executives for many years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how emotional intelligence can profoundly impact leadership. Cultivating emotional intelligence in leadership is essential, as it enables leaders to face challenges confidently, connect deeply with their teams, and inspire transformation within themselves and their organisations. Drawing from my coaching experiences and Stephen R. Covey’s classic, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, I want to share seven essential habits that can help you recognise your full leadership potential.
What is Executive and Leadership Coaching?
Executive and leadership coaching is a dynamic partnership that helps leaders achieve their professional and personal best. By focusing on critical areas such as emotional intelligence, self-awareness, communication, and strategic thinking, an executive coach works with clients to clarify their goals, enhance their decision-making abilities, and build the skills required to lead effectively. A qualified executive coach helps leaders identify growth areas and overcome obstacles, empowering them to manage teams successfully, lead through change, and achieve professional and organisational goals.
The best executive coach in Doha offers a structured yet personalised approach to self-improvement that leaves a lasting impact on leadership. Let’s dive into the seven transformative habits that can elevate your leadership through emotional intelligence
1. Be Proactive
A proactive mindset sets the foundation for effective leadership. Great leaders don’t wait for things to change—they take charge and create the conditions for success. I once worked with a client who felt stuck in her role and unable to progress. We crafted a roadmap that highlighted her strengths and identified her long-term goals—being proactive means responding to challenges with intention, which is essential for any emotionally intelligent leader.
2. Begin with the End in Mind
Having a clear vision is critical. Leaders who “begin with the end in mind” start with a clear understanding of their ultimate goals. I coached a client aspiring to become a director, but she was unsure of the steps required. We defined her vision and identified the skills she would need to acquire, strategically leading her to pursue opportunities aligned with her career trajectory. With clear long-term goals, leaders inspire and motivate their teams with purpose.
3. Put First Things First
Effective prioritisation is essential for successful leadership. Many leaders need help with balancing a heavy workload and meeting diverse responsibilities. I supported a client overwhelmed by competing demands, figuring out where to begin. We worked together to establish her priorities and develop a time management plan that allowed her to focus on her most important tasks. She gained a more straightforward path to success by learning to prioritise, significantly reducing her stress levels. Prioritisation helps leaders focus their energy on what truly matters.
4. Think Win-Win
Emotionally intelligent leaders foster collaboration. The concept of a “win-win” mindset encourages leaders to look beyond competition and seek mutually beneficial solutions. I once helped a team leader address conflicts within her group. By shifting her perspective to focus on creating positive outcomes for everyone, she encouraged open dialogue and built trust within her team, leading to a more cohesive work environment. A win-win approach fosters solid relationships and helps teams achieve shared success.
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Active listening is fundamental for leaders aiming to connect meaningfully with others. Many leaders quickly assert their ideas before understanding their team’s perspective. I coached a client who felt unseen and misunderstood in her organisation. By practising active listening and truly focusing on understanding her colleagues, she built stronger connections and created a supportive workplace culture. Leaders who listen with empathy and curiosity make better-informed decisions and more effectively guide their teams.
6. Synergise
Celebrating diversity within teams enhances creativity and innovation. I worked with a client from a different cultural background who initially hesitated to share her unique insights. We discovered new perspectives that enriched her team’s projects by encouraging her to express her ideas and value her contributions. Leaders who create an inclusive environment can inspire their teams to think creatively, fostering a collaborative spirit that enhances results and drives innovation.
7. Sharpen the Saw
Leaders are most effective when they make self-care and personal growth a priority. Continuous self-improvement, or “sharpening the saw,” is essential for effective leadership. I encourage my clients to engage in personal development regularly, whether through learning new skills, attending workshops, or practising mindfulness. One client found her passion for work renewed by dedicating weekly time to skill-building, ultimately enhancing her leadership capacity. A commitment to self-care and lifelong learning helps leaders build resilience and maintain their best performance.
Embracing Emotional Intelligence in Leadership!
Reflecting on these habits, I invite you to consider how they resonate with your leadership journey. Each habit is an opportunity for self-reflection, growth, and transformation that brings you closer to becoming the leader you aspire to be. With executive coaching tailored to your unique goals, you can unlock these habits and cultivate the emotional intelligence needed to thrive in leadership. I would love to hear about your journey and your leadership challenges.
Together, we can uncover the potential within you and set a path toward lasting growth.
Executive and Leadership Coach
Usha Nagrani, an HR Leader turned ICF Executive Coach, empowers senior management professionals and business leaders to achieve breakthroughs as expats, build cross-cultural teams, and navigate the exciting journey of career acceleration.
