This paper examines two interconnected leadership concepts: emotional intelligence in organizational decision-making and generic benchmarking as a tool for cultural transformation. The first section explains how emotional intelligence supports the nine-step decision-making model by enabling leaders to navigate interpersonal conflicts, honor diverse values, and draw strength from team diversity. The second section analyzes how GE executive Beth Comstock applied generic benchmarking — drawing on experience with firms such as Procter & Gamble, FedEx, and 3M — to introduce a flexible, creative culture into a traditionally restrained organization, ensuring GE's continued competitiveness and capacity for innovation.
Emotional intelligence refers to the wisdom of working with people. Extremely helpful in organizational settings, emotional intelligence can determine the success or failure of any leader, team, or department. Knowing how to navigate through tricky interpersonal conflicts in diverse workplace environments is the central goal of developing emotional intelligence.
The principles of emotional intelligence can be readily applied to the nine-step decision-making model. The nine-step model addresses the values at stake in any important decision and therefore requires an investment of time and energy in consulting with team members. Taking context into account is also part of the nine-step process and demands emotional intelligence. Individual team members will sometimes approach the decision-making process differently, holding different priorities and different values. A leader with strong emotional intelligence skills will be able to listen to all available voices and capitalize on the strength of diversity rather than foment group conflict.
"Comstock's cross-industry benchmarking transforms GE culture"
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