Is Maturity an Essential Ingredient of Leadership?

Maturity is one part of the higher Emotional Intelligence for an effective leader.

Perhaps many people think MATURITY refers to age or experience; however, just like wisdom, maturity may not automatically level up with age. The dictionary meaning of Maturity is - Ripe / Completely Developed. That word can often be used as a blanket term to encompass: Integrity; Empathy; Strength; Service; Time management; Communications; Planning; and Decision-making

Maturity is one of the essential ingredients of leadership. By using this word, it often means:

• Taking personal responsibility and not blaming others 
• Giving (or sharing) credit. Not taking credit for everything 
• Being open minded 
• Limiting his/her own wants for the benefit (and needs) of his/her people and organization (or department)  

Maturity is one part of the higher Emotional Intelligence for an effective leader. Some argue the word that suffices with the inclusion of leadership traits & skills in addition to Maturity, is Emotional Intelligence  It is the higher Emotional Intelligence which is one of the essential qualities that makes a successful Leader. Though maturity is not necessarily equal to emotional intelligence, it’s part of EQ, Emotional Intelligence as a Human quality has elements such as:

• Self-awareness (knowing our strengths and weaknesses)
• Self-regulation (controlling our emotions)
• Empathy (understanding the emotions of others e.g. being able to put ourselves in their shoes)
• Motivation (having a passion/drive for achievement & continuous improvement)
• Social skills (building rapport with others and influencing others).  

Maturity enhances leadership if the traits are already there. It means an individual has fully developed and honed the skills essential to effective leadership. It is an important ingredient of leadership if some think it might not be an essential trait. The foundation of leadership must exist first - to hold the values of a good human being: How possible is it (in reality) that a 'leader' who does not take personal responsibility (is inclined to blame others instead), who does not share credit, who is not open minded and who focuses on his/her own wants rather than on the needs of his/her people, holds values like honesty, integrity, empathy and respect for others?

Humility, openness to good ideas, the ability to demonstrate passion, and a great understanding of people and group dynamics-some of these traits are often mistaken for maturity and they often do indeed come with maturity.  Leadership requires a fundamental base before it can prosper, so maturity is an important ingredient in leadership.

Read More:
Maturity as Ingredient in Leadership
Balance is Ingredient in Effective Leadership
Love is Ingredient in Leadership
Seven Ingredients of Future of Leadership 

Posted in: Future of Leadership,Keywords in 21st Century,Mindshift