Social Computing & Emotional Intelligence
Within social computing and the internet in general intelligence is highly regarded but little research has been done investigating the value of emotional intelligence (EI). Reviewing contemporary leadership theories emotional intelligence is breaking new ground on how self cognition plays into leading others. This new wave of thought is highly applicable to the evolving social computing industry.
Emotional intelligence is redirecting the preconceived conceptions of leadership theory. “Emotional intelligence refers to a person’s ability to perceive, identify, understand, and successfully manage emotions in self and others” (Daft, R.L.). With the new found attentiveness of emotional intelligence leadership theory is reverting to a micro view. In this micro view of leadership theory scholars and leaders themselves are realizing the importance of self-awareness. “Self-awareness might be considered the basis of all the other competencies. It includes the ability to recognize and understand your own emotions and how they affect your life and work” (Daft, R.L.). These studies are showing that people that have a high level of self-awareness are more inclined to guide their own lives and the others around them.
With the up rise of social computing technologies relational models are being put to the test since the definitive line of professional and personal life within are being blurred. Companies, power users, and upcoming leaders are realizing that a more personal route must be taken to influence their followers. Leveraging emotional intelligence to lead has developed a new relational model contradicting traditional leadership models.
But do we dare talk about personal touch? Caring for people? Or even love? Daft has the best description of what love can be referred to in a professional atmosphere “Love in the workplace means genuinely caring for others and sharing one’s knowledge, understanding, and compassion to enable others to grow and succeed” (Daft, R.L.). In fusing this kind of leadership model in the work place breaking the traditional mold. Previously it was taboo to talk about “love” in the workplace. However leaders that are using love to lead are finding that they have an incredible amount of influence. “When leaders address these subtle emotional needs directly, people typically respond by loving their work and becoming emotionally engaged in solving problems and serving customers” (Daft, R.L.). As social computing evolves it will be very interesting how leadership theory grows. This will be a personal pursuit to follow, document and measure if emotional intelligence and utilizing “love” to lead grow in importance with the increasing saturation of social computing within the workplace.
Daft, R. L. (2008). The Leadership Experience (4th ed.). Cincinnati, OH: South-Western. ISB
13: 9780324539684
