The spirited leader: the potential of spiritual intelligence to improve leadership

Spiritual intelligence (SQi) plays a vital part in deepening leadership effectiveness and staff performance in the public sector. Spiritually intelligent leaders (SQLs) use SQi to develop leadership skills beyond just emotional intelligence.

Studies of the characteristics of those commonly recognised as outstanding leaders consistently identify skills and qualities relating to the spirit or soul. The SQi metric identifies 21 such attributes and the ways in which they can be developed at five levels of competence. Their conscious deployment of four cornerstone skills keeps them focused and effective, motivates their staff and produces more effective results.

This paper provides concrete explanations of the attributes of the SQL and expands on how these are key antidotes to dealing with the most frequently reported common leadership dilemma: demoralisation and loss of meaning.

This paper will be of immediate value and practical application to those in public sector leadership roles who wish to develop their own leadership skills and the commitment of their staff.