A Review of the Linkages between Emotional Intelligence and Leadership in the Military Forces

Abstract

This paper summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on the issue of emotional intelligence (EI) in the military leadership. Extant literature indicates the possibility that emotional intelligence improves leadership capabilities and ethical conduct of military leaders. However, military leadership has historically been averse to leveraging EI, primarily due to concerns about a potential weakening in task orientation that it would cause. The neglect to nurture EI results in adaptability issues when military leaders try to engage in social relationships in their roles as members of the civil society. It is possible that tapping into EI can help our Veterans gain resiliency against posttraumatic stress, relationship dysfunction, sexual issues, attachment disorders, among other issues.