Both leading with reason and leading with emotion are crucial for success in leadership, and leaders who can find the right balance will be more successful.
Introduction
When I was a young leader, I typically led with reason and I managed to achieve a few career milestones with this leadership style.
Over time and as I become a more experienced leader, I begin to embrace leading with emotion. I now combine both leading with reason and leading with emotion, which have undoubtedly helped me become a more effective and successful leader. I have my roles as an executive and leadership coach, and an emotional intelligence practitioner to thank- they have heightened my awareness of the importance of emotion in leadership and helped me become a more well-rounded leader by incorporating both leadership styles.
As a leader, I have seen the impact of leading with reason and leading with emotion. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but it is crucial to find the right balance to achieve success.
Leading with reason
Leading with reason is about using logic, critical thinking, and analysis to make decisions. This leadership style involves gathering facts, data, and evidence before making a decision. Leaders who lead with reason prioritise objectivity and rely on rational decision-making processes. They focus on long-term goals and develop strategies that can withstand the test of time. According to a study by Harvard Business Review, leaders who lead with reason tend to be more effective in complex situations. They can analyse the situation, identify the problem, and develop a plan to address it.
Leading with emotion
Leading with emotion is about using feelings, intuition, and passion to make decisions. This leadership style involves connecting with people on an emotional level and inspiring them to take action. Leaders who lead with emotion prioritise emotional intelligence especially empathy and understand the power of human connection. They focus on short-term goals and develop strategies that are driven by their passion. Leaders who lead with emotion tend to be more effective in motivating people and creating a sense of purpose. They can inspire people to take action, build strong relationships, and create a positive work culture.
What some leaders think
Leaders have their own perspectives on leading with reason and leading with emotion.
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, believes that leaders who lead with reason are more effective. He once said, "I believe that if you show people the problems and you show them the solutions, they will be moved to act."
Simon Sinek, a leadership expert, believes that leaders who lead with emotion are more effective. He argues that "people don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it."
What I think
In my opinion, both leadership styles are relevant today and in the future. As the world becomes more complex and uncertain, leaders need to be able to think critically and make rational decisions. At the same time, leaders also need to be able to connect with people emotionally and inspire them to take action. In a rapidly changing world, leaders who can find the right balance between reason and emotion will be more successful.
Ways to prepare leaders
So, how can leaders prepare themselves to lead with reason and emotion?
#1: Develop critical thinking skills
Leaders who lead with reason need to be able to analyse data, identify problems, and develop solutions. To do this, they need to develop critical thinking skills, which can be done through practice and training.
#2: Cultivate emotional intelligence
Leaders who lead with emotion need to be able to connect with people on an emotional level. To do this, they need to cultivate emotional intelligence, which involves understanding their own emotions and those of others.
#3: Create a vision
Leaders who lead with emotion need to have a vision that inspires people. They need to create a clear and compelling vision that people can rally around and work towards.
#4: Develop self-awareness
Leaders who lead with reason and emotion need to be self-aware. They need to understand their own strengths, weaknesses, and biases, and work on improving themselves.
Conclusion
Both leading with reason and leading with emotion are crucial for success in leadership. Leaders need to find a balance between using reason and emotion to achieve their goals effectively. The use of reason and logic is necessary for decision-making and problem-solving, while emotions such as passion and empathy can inspire and motivate people towards achieving a common goal. By developing critical thinking skills, emotional intelligence, creating a vision, and cultivating self-awareness, leaders can prepare themselves to lead with reason and emotion effectively.
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