Self Measure in the Making of Brilliant Leaders by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Self Measure in the Making of Brilliant Leaders by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

                                                         Exercise A

1. What factors have made things better in modern times?

Ans:    The factors that have made things better in modern times are the social and organisational transformations affecting all aspects of our lives.

• Why does the writer refer to our society as a ‘dynamic paradigm?’

Ans:    The writer refers to our society as a ‘dynamic paradigm’ because in today’s society, both leaders and the followers need to constantly evolve and adapt to each other’s needs.

• What according to the writer, are the qualities required in today’s times?

Ans:    According to the writer, in today’s times, our society calls for a leader who first and foremost, knows when and how to collaborate, accept feedback, analyse it, and then be confident and decisive in his actions.

• Write a note on ‘Emotional Intelligence’ as described by the writer. What is its relevance for any individual?

Ans:    Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is the ability to identify, assess and control the emotions of oneself, of others and of groups.

            The relevance for any individual is that, it helps a person to do well within his work environment, in his professional career or in society. Emotional Intelligence also helps an individual to demonstrate good leadership qualities by being self-aware and self-regulating.

• Who were Peter Salovey and John D Mayer?

Ans:    Peter Salovey and John D Mayer were leading researchers on Emotional Intelligence. They proposed a model that identifies four different factors of Emotional Intelligence viz., Perceiving Emotions, Reasoning with Emotions, Understanding Emotions and Managing Emotions.

• What do you understand by ‘Reasoning with Emotions?’

Ans:    According to Peter Salovey and John D Mayer, ‘Reasoning with Emotions’ is the ability to control and make use of emotions to facilitate various cognitive activities such as thinking and problem solving.

• What does neuro-leadership entail? How relevant is its study for the modern individual?

Ans:    Neuro-leadership focuses on leadership and leadership development.

            This study enables the modern individual to learn about his weakness and his strength and thereby resolves it accordingly which results in better work relationship and success in professional and personal life.

• How can one gauge the effect of Emotional Intelligence in a leader?

Ans:    One can gauge the effect of Emotional Intelligence in a leader by looking at the working and success of an organisation because a leader’s ability is usually reflected in the response of his associates and followers.

• What are the promises of EQ development?

Ans:    The promises of EQ development are greater personal and organisational or social effectiveness, improved leadership, and overall better quality of life.

1. Why does the writer regard acquiring feedback as the most important thing a leader does?

Ans:    The writer regards acquiring feedback as the most important thing a leader does because feedback, by far, is the most valuable tool leaders can use to improve the working environment and is crucial for a leader’s success.

1. Which skills has EQ been compared to and considered more important than in the article?

Ans:    Emotional Intelligence (EQ) has been compared to technical skill and cognitive ability and has been found out that over four-fifth of the difference in the performers was due higher EQ.

1. What happened to Harvinder’s school when the principal changed his behaviour?

Ans:    After Harvinder changed his behaviour away from ‘command and control’ and instead offered support, guidance and advice, the difference according to him was amazing. People were happy and were looking for ways to contribute instead of finding excuses to wriggle out of commitments