Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Trait Checklist
The questions below relate to characteristics of effective leaders as they map to the five emotional intelligence capabilities. Use the results to determine the areas in which you might strengthen your emotional intelligence.
	Yes	No
Self-awareness:
1.  Are you aware of/can you describe how your own patterns of behavior impact others?
2.  Can you articulate your strengths and weaknesses?
The questions above address the leadership trait of being self-aware. If you answered “no” to either of these questions, you might want to strengthen your emotional intelligence capability in this area.
Self-regulation:
3.  In situations that are full of turmoil and confusion, do you stay calm and level-headed?
4.  Are you willing to take calculated risks?
5.  Are you comfortable with a certain level of disruption and conflict?
6.  Can you operate in environments of uncertainty, when guideposts are few?
The questions above address the leadership traits of level-headedness and comfort with ambiguity. If you answered “no” to any of these questions, you might want to strengthen your emotional intelligence capability in this area.
Motivation:
7.  When pursuing a goal, do you maintain a positive, focused attitude, despite obstacles?
The question above addresses the leadership trait of persistence. If you answered “no” to this question, you might want to strengthen your emotional intelligence capability in this area.
Empathy:
8.  Do you empathize with other people’s needs, concerns, and goals?
9.  Would staff members confirm that you show such empathy?
The questions above address the leadership trait of caring. If you answered “no” to any of these questions, you might want to strengthen your emotional intelligence capability in this area.
Social Skill:
10.  Do you know how to use humor to relieve tense or uncomfortable situations?
11.  Could you diagram for yourself your organization’s power structure?
12.  Can you articulate the concerns of your organization’s most powerful groups?
13.  Can you identify those individuals within your organization that will support you when needed?
14.  Do you know where to turn for the resources you need?
The questions above address the leadership traits of being humorous and politically astute. If you answered “no” to any of these questions, you might want to strengthen your emotional intelligence capability in this area.