Good relationships motivate individual. They also create a positive atmosphere in work place. Both are necessary for best functioning.

Some of most powerful people are most soft and gentle. True strength is an inner strength that comes from confidence of emotional intelligence – knowing your own emotions, and how to handle them, and those of others. Think of last time you saw someone lose their temper. Immediately your respect falls, yes? You may fear them, which is understandable because someone who cannot manage their own temper is unpredictable, but you will not respect them or find them worthy of “following” unless by coercion. Anyone having a temper tantrum looks like a two-year-old, because they’re acting like a two-year-old. There’s no way around it.

Theodore Roosevelt’s definition of diplomacy was, “Talk softly and carry a big stick.” Every leader needs a large touch of diplomacy to influence others, create vision, and achieve goals.

The “big stick” can be a sort of inner resolve – authenticity, if you will, and integrity. We are all too aware of when someone is authentic, and when they are phony, and no one wants to willingly follow someone they can’t trust. There’s that word again – trust. We trust people who are constant, predictable, and under good self-management. What’s bottom line? Being strong and powerful refers to inner strength and power over yourself. No one can manage, lead or influence someone else if they, themselves, are out-of-control. Developing your emotional intelligence is single best thing you can do if you want to develop your leadership skills.