I found this article refreshing and I agree with Ms. Biro. Show me a leader who is unemotional about their work and I am probably looking at a careless, empty shell of a leader. You simply cannot motivate others if you lack enthusiasm for the work, which provides an emotional compass towards leadership.

Reposted from Forbes Magazine
Meghan M. Biro, Contributor, LEADERSHIP | 12/15/2013 @ Leadership Is About Emotion
Robert Plutchik’s Wheel of Emotions (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Make a list of the 5 leaders you most admire. They can be from business, social media, politics, technology, the sciences, any field. Now ask yourself why you admire them. The chances are high that your admiration is based on more than their accomplishments, impressive as those may be. I’ll bet that everyone on your list reaches you on an emotional level.

This ability to reach people in a way that transcends the intellectual and rational is the mark of a great leader. They all have it. They inspire us. It’s a simple as that. And when we’re inspired we tap into our best selves and deliver amazing work.

So, can this ability to touch and inspire people be learned? No and yes. The truth is that not everyone can lead, and there is no substitute for natural talent. Honestly, I’m more convinced of this now – I’m in reality about the world of work and employee engagement. But for those who fall somewhat short of being a natural born star (which is pretty much MANY of us), leadership skills can be acquired, honed and perfected.