What Makes a Leader? - Daniel Goleman
Who is Daniel Goleman?
Daniel Goleman is an American psychologist, author, and science journalist best known for popularising the concept of emotional intelligence (EI).
The HBR article “What Makes a Leader?” (1998) is one of the most influential pieces on leadership. In it, he argues that emotional intelligence (EI) is the key distinguishing factor between good and great leaders often more important than IQ or technical skills.
Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Leadership
Emotional intelligence isn’t just a nice-to-have it’s a necessity. According to Daniel Goleman, intellect plays a key role in performance, particularly in strategic thinking and vision. But when it comes to leading effectively, emotional intelligence is twice as important as any other skill. It separates the good from the great and directly impacts performance. Leaders with high emotional intelligence can drive their teams to exceed goals by up to 20%, while those lacking it may see their teams fall short by the same margin.
So, what does emotional intelligence look like in practice? It comes down to five essential traits:
1. Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is the ability to understand your own emotions, recognise how they affect others, and make decisions with clarity. Leaders who are self-aware don’t let their emotions control them—they use them as tools for better decision-making. They also understand their own strengths and limitations.
Key traits: Self-confidence, realistic self-assessment, a sense of humour about oneself.
2. Self-Regulation
The ability to control impulses and stay composed under pressure is critical in leadership. It’s about thinking before reacting—especially in high-stakes situations like a merger. A leader who lacks self-regulation might lash out at their team after a failed presentation. A leader who masters it will take a step back, analyse what went wrong, and use the setback as a learning opportunity.
Key traits: Integrity, trustworthiness, adaptability.
3. Motivation
Great leaders don’t just work for a paycheck or a title—they are driven by a deeper sense of purpose. They seek out challenges, are eager to learn, and are never satisfied with mediocrity. When motivation is genuine, it inspires others to aim higher and push further.
Key traits: Passion for the work, optimism, commitment to excellence.
4. Empathy
In the corporate world, empathy is often overlooked—but it’s one of the most powerful tools a leader can have. Empathy isn’t about being overly emotional or soft. It’s about understanding people’s emotions and using that knowledge to make better decisions.
Key traits: Ability to build strong teams, cultural sensitivity, focus on employee well-being.
5. Social Skills
Leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about people. Socially skilled leaders know how to communicate, persuade, and build relationships that move the organisation forward. They don’t just network for the sake of it; they connect with purpose. They bring people together, inspire teams, and create a shared vision that others want to follow.
Key traits: Persuasiveness, ability to lead change, team-building expertise.