Critical Thinking Assignment - Comparison of Emotional Leadership and Thought Leadership

Critical Thinking Assignment:

Comparison of Emotional Leadership and Thought Leadership

(Goleman and McCrimmon)

January 22, 2013

UMUC AMBA 600 Section 9048

Summary of Goleman

It seems in Daniel Coleman's article; "The Emotional Intelligence of Leaders"(1998) Goleman's perception of a leader is someone who steps up to the plate. He believes a leader recognizes issues at hand and feels the need to take action. This comes from two key characteristics: rational and emotional intelligence; however, the main point he speaks of is emotional intelligence. Since emotions are an "internal state of being" (Goleman, 1998, p. 21), he believes we cannot go without it. His interpretation is "we need both emotional and thinking brain to be in union with each other" (Goleman, 1998, p. 21). The footprint for definite skills of leadership is self-awareness. Goleman understands we have to have a clear picture and consideration of the things that we encounter; as well as, reactions and attitudes to those things in that moment. With this, we are able to make adjustments in thoughts, which also alters emotions. This then formulates confidence that gives us trust in skills. Those abilities push off to the attitude, which allows us to have a more positive yet genuine view of the situation and selves. His research at Stanford University with four-years old kids show a perfect example of one's power in adjusting his or her emotions-mainly impulse. If we can control selves, and we start it early, we can handle greater situations. This Goleman believe is a reflection of a great leader.

Other significant emotional traits are optimism and empathy these allows inspiration of others. Goldman states that it keeps an open perspective on human nature in case of accidents or obstacles. It shows that if one is aware of another's feeling when it comes to decisions-one can make a more educated judgment. Goleman conclude that leaders cannot be truly successful unless they learn and understand emotions.

Summary of McCrimmon

In the article "Thought Leadership: a radical departure from traditional, positional leadership", McCrimmon (2005) Mitch McCrimmon introduces us to the word, "thought leadership" (1065). He believes it is different from any other traditional leadership. He defines thought leadership as providing ideas to others, when others are unable to provide. McCrimmon use quite a few examples of thought leadership-and illustrate that anyone can be a thought leader. An example is the bottom-up approach in that it is not typically people who have a leadership position and are managing people. He mentions that thought leaders is normally not in the same arena or working field. Thought leaders may not have new ideas but just a change in one already existing. He says that if a change can come about through proper "influencing skills" (McCrimmon, 2005, p.1068) that is also indicating one as being a thought leader.

In conclusion, McCrimmon demonstrates that an idea it can be guided from any direction in an organization's structure and can be developed in many ways through thought leadership. Positional or traditional leadership is just another part in any organization, but it may not be the bigger picture of how that organization gets it ideas.

Discussion

While reading both articles, I have to say that McCrimmon article, appeals to be more convincing than that of Goleman's article. I do understand what Goleman is stating and believe that emotional intelligence do play a key factor in being a leader; however, from my experience, it seem I can relate better to McCrimmon's thought of a thought leader in a way that anyone can be one.

Unlike Goleman, McCrimmon believe that thought leaders could come from someone such as a secretary just having a mere thought of an idea, sharing it and getting that idea implemented into something. He did not