Question:: Effective 21st century leaders recognize the importance of both emotional intelligence (EQ) and cognitive intelligence (IQ) as driving forces in their ability to succeed. Which of the four components of EQ (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management) do you consider the most essential to an effective leader? Why? Use specific examples in your response. 

     Self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management are the four important components of Emotional Quotient, as described in the previous question. All four parts of ‘cognitive intelligence’ are vital, but I believe Social Awareness is the most necessary for being an effective leader. You can recognize and respond to the needs of others if you have social awareness. Emotional intelligence requires an understanding of other people’s feelings. Leaders who are not socially aware or who lack emotional intelligence may be perceived as cold and indifferent. There are three reasons why social awareness is an important leadership trait.:

Empathy – is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
Organizational awareness – is the understanding of different aspects of the organization including the workings, structure, culture, politics, social, and economic issues.
Service orientation – is the ability and desire to anticipate, recognize and meet others needs, sometimes even before those needs are articulated.

Social awareness requires you to live in the moment avoiding the clutter in your mind to practice active listening and observing.