Teaching residents about emotional intelligence and its impact on leadership.

OBJECTIVE: Although leadership is a core component of the work life of physicians, most physicians are ill-prepared to assume leadership roles upon completion of residency training. The authors sought to determine if medical residents could learn the components of emotional intelligence and thereby facilitate improved leadership styles.
METHODS: The authors created an educational workshop that included readings (provided to attendees in preparation for the workshop), a formalized presentation on emotional intelligence, and role-playing of scenarios (with debriefing and discussion) involving leadership opportunities.
RESULTS: The majority of participants reported that they left the workshop more informed about leadership and with more skills that could enhance their roles as leaders.
CONCLUSIONS: While enhancing knowledge and skills, which were demonstrated after attendance at a seminar, additional measures of effective leadership are still needed.