Leading with Emotional Intelligence

The modern world of business and management is evolving. Today, the primary identifying factor of great leadership, though still encompassing historical success metrics, has shifted to the power of Emotional Intelligence (EI or EQ) and mindfulness.  

Soft skills have always formed the keystone of hospitality education and the defining feature that makes hospitality management graduates stand out in the workforce, whether they ultimately work in hospitality or not.  

The Harvard Business Review recently shared a 10-year study at Google called Project Oxygen. It revealed that emotional intelligence and its resulting soft skills matter more to one's success as a manager than IQ or technical skill.  

Compounding this importance, research in human behavior predicts the demand for Emotional Intelligence to increase 6-fold in the next three years due to the increase in artificial intelligence. In other words, as humans are replaced, we will instinctively crave better human connections where they remain to exist. 

Recognizing this global pivotal shift, Cesar Ritz Colleges Switzerland (CRCS) has doubled down on its already strong curriculum in Soft Skills with its latest workshop, meticulously designed for their Bachelor and upcoming Master's degree students in hospitality. This initiative is not just a mere addition to their curriculum; it's a profound exploration into the core of effective leadership and personal growth, spearheaded by Dr. Yves Givel, a luminary in Mindful Leadership. 

Transitioning into leadership, through a series of exercises and reflection, he demonstrated how the level of awareness of our own emotions drastically affects how we interact with colleagues, for better or worse.  

According to Dr. Givel, leaders can develop their EQ, but each leader may have unique strengths that are valuable to acknowledge and use to benefit the team. Great leaders often cover more than one category but are often memorable for primarily one of the following leadership types;  

The Aware Leader 

• Is attuned to their guiding values and consistent in communication and actions.  

• Is authentic and demonstrates awareness of their mood and emotions. 

• Knows their strengths and limitations. 

• Understands the impact their behavior has on others. 

• Engages in learning and self-improvement. 

• Responds effectively to constructive criticism.  

The Empathetic Leader 

• Is able to attune to a wide range of emotional signals. 

• Senses the unspoken emotions in a person or group. 

• Notices when someone needs support and responds effectively. 

• Makes themselves available as needed. 

• Listens attentively and acknowledge the views and opinions of others. 

• Is able to get along with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. 

• Makes others feel appreciated. 

The Resilient Leader 

• Manages their emotions and impulses effectively. 

• Stays calm and clear-headed in challenging situations. 

• Is optimistic and demonstrates a positive, energizing demeanor. 

• Openly admits and learn from their mistakes. 

• Continually learns and strives to improve their performance. 

• Is flexible and quickly adapts to new circumstances.  

The Inspiring leader 

• Offers a sense of common purpose and helps team members understand their  
contribution to the organization. 

• Fosters psychological safety in their team. 

• Develops trust and maintains a positive work environment. 

• Is a team player and provides relevant support and guidance. 

• Provides constructive feedback on behavior and performance.  

• Helps facilitate team member development and career advancement. 
 

At CRCS, we believe that the leaders of tomorrow need to have a strong focus on their soft skills, Emotional Intelligence being one of the main traits to develop. We are certain that this workshop will provide our students with all the tools needed to apply the different facets of EQ (Emotional Intelligence, Awareness, Empathy, Resilience, and Inspiration) into their leadership styles.

-Jorge Arnanz, Assistant Dean 

After introducing these primary leadership styles, he broke each down and taught the class how these traits can be developed through exercises in emotional awareness, journaling, mindful listening, and self-management. He also shared two techniques to train ourselves to take time before responding and how we can build trust in any situation.  

The exploration of emotional intelligence within the context of management, as facilitated by Dr. Yves Givel's workshop, underscores a crucial paradigm shift in the perception of leadership. The journey towards becoming an effective leader is intrinsically linked with developing one's emotional intelligence—enabling future managers to navigate the complexities of human emotions, foster meaningful relationships, and cultivate a healthier work environment.  

Dr. Givel's emphasis on self-awareness, empathy, resilience, and inspiring leadership not only equips students with a deeper understanding of their emotional landscape but also prepares them to lead with compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. The nuanced exploration of emotions, coupled with practical exercises in emotional awareness and self-management, lays the foundation for a leadership style that is both authentic and impactful. 

As the students at Cesar Ritz Colleges engage in this transformative workshop, the lessons learned will extend beyond the confines of the classroom, promising to influence the future hospitality industry and beyond. The focus on emotional intelligence heralds a new era of leadership—one that values self-awareness, empathy, and resilience as key drivers of success. In a world where workplace challenges demand more than technical proficiency, the ability to lead with emotional intelligence becomes not just a valuable skill but a fundamental necessity. 

The collaboration between CRCS and Dr. Yves Givel, through this innovative workshop, signifies a pivotal step towards nurturing leaders who are adept at managing businesses and champions of well-being, inclusivity, and positive change. As we look toward the future, the principles of emotional intelligence and mindful leadership will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow—leaders who are prepared to navigate the complexities of the professional world with grace, empathy, and a deep understanding of the human experience.