I often wonder whether my leaders and mentees are mature enough or wise enough to manage the dichotomy between emotional intelligence and managing-up. We need both.

So often in business, I have had to struggle with that emotional quandary and what is the best course of action. As with many leaders, I still skin my knee in the course of choosing my battles. I surmise that it’s a human thing, but we can learn to manage our emotions while managing-up professionally. Here are some down-and-dirty tips that many may call “Captain Obvious,” but in the course of battle and dealing with people in business, we can easily lose our way as leaders.

Take a step back and think it through strategically before rushing to open your mouth. Think about your true motives and motivators. Are they pure? Review the problem and always offer up a solution. Consult with a peer or a mentor on the issue that is stirring inside you. Explain the situation and your overall take, asking them to provide honest feedback. Ask them to check your motives as well! Do not make it personal and do not make it about you! Always stay calm, ask questions and focus on the outcome(s). Do not go into any gunfight with a butter knife (Love that saying!). Do your research and do your prep. Always be well prepared in the spirit of rippling & making a difference!

Emotional responses can be perceived as a positive or a negative. Some may call it passion, I suppose. Either way, the perception of the receiving party is their own reality and so it is certainly incumbent upon leaders to manage emotion & their message within their environment and to know their audience.

Meanwhile, leaders must manage-up strategically and sometimes we must be aggressive and must have an opinion if the battle is a worthy one. My approach is to stay away from the emotional warfare and to stay engaged in strategy, over-communication, real progressive solutions that produce fruit. When we do that successfully, we earn street cred, and I guarantee you our ideas and new solutions are better perceived moving forward.

Victory is near. Indeed, this wisdom thing is nice to have at your side. Mine is right next to all of my scars accumulated along the way. Pick your battles wisely, Grasshopper.

Keep Rippling!

Joe Leonhardt

Tags: Emotional Intelligence, EQ, managing-up, Rippling