Beyond

In the first post in this series, Essence, I briefly explained why I think this view of guiding leadership, which I discovered in Christopher I. Maxwell’s book, “Lead Like a Guide: How World-Class Mountain Guides Inspire Us to Be Better Leaders,” is more relevant than ever. In this post, I will start exploring the traits of a guiding leader.

During an assignment for a leading IT company, where I reported directly to the CIO, I first observed Social Intelligence in action. At the time, I didn't understand what it was or why it was important when considering ways to lead others.

Only now, as I work to develop my own leadership skills, do I recognize the traits that made this woman so effective.

Before diving into those, I want to revisit the concept of Social Intelligence - a skill I believe business leaders need to understand.

Beyond Intelligence

Social Intelligence is akin to emotional intelligence, but it takes it a step further. We often talk about emotional intelligence and the importance of self-awareness and awareness of others, including empathy in leadership. It's an essential skill, but not the only one needed to empower others and drive business success.

Social Intelligence involves the ability to "read a room" and quickly understand people - picking up on their moods and needs. It includes observing and analyzing groups, understanding what motivates them and what they fear, and finding ways to help them overcome obstacles.

Reflecting on the CIO I mentioned earlier, one thing that stands out is that she always seemed to say the right thing at the right time. She knew exactly how to push the right buttons, inspiring you to give that little extra and grow both personally and professionally.

”She created an environment where you always felt you could talk to her and safely share your thoughts and opinions."

Sadly, I see a lack of this trait in leadership today. Many businesspeople may have parts of the Social Intelligence skill set, but they're not applying them alongside other proven leadership techniques. Instead, they see Social Intelligence as just another managerial tool in a top-down work environment, where people are dictated to rather than empowered to do their best.

But the reality is that Social Intelligence centers on relationships. It's about building positive, trust-based relationships and fostering intimacy. This is exactly what the CIO I mentioned did, and it's something I strive to do as well.

Beyond Trust

For me, social intelligence is about building trust. It's about seeing people for who they truly are and getting to know them - both professionally and personally. It begins with trusting others first - showing vulnerability to earn their trust.

As an introvert, this comes naturally because I can listen intently and stay quiet long enough to understand what others are really saying.

Many businesses talk about employees being their most valuable resource - but often, their short-term focus causes them to overlook employees' needs. Being caught up in a busyness culture, never taking time, or hiding behind leadership as an excuse, prevents genuine connection, making many of the values they claim to uphold hollow. 

This is especially important in a time when we're so obsessed with the end result. As AI exaggerates this to extremes, you have to prioritize the human side of leadership over the results your team is expected to deliver.

By recognizing employees as individuals with different feelings and struggles, today's leaders can retain their best talent while managing daily demands and taking steps toward an infinite mindset.

”If you want to leave a lasting footprint, you must create a business where people feel safe and inspired to give their best. An environment that encourages growth and new levels of success."

Effective leaders understand there's a difference between micromanaging or directing their teams and employing skills like Social Intelligence.

A good leader needs to be aware of others' actions, understand where they're coming from, and guide them with encouragement and support. Add genuine interest and a willingness to help, and you have the ingredients for successful leadership and a more infinite, sustainable business mindset.

As AI takes over routine cognitive tasks, the human skills - reading a room, building trust through vulnerability, listening deeply, empowering others - become not less relevant but more so. The leaders who thrive in an AI-augmented world won't be the ones who are best at prompting models, but the ones who bring what AI can't: genuine human connection and social awareness.

In the next post in this series, I will discuss how guiding people in a fast-paced business environment requires uniting the team around a common goal while being flexible, adaptable, and open to different leadership styles.