Goleman Emotional Intelligence Leadership Framework
Daniel Goleman's framework mapping emotional and social competencies to leadership effectiveness, developed from research on 500+ competency models at global organizations. The framework includes four EI domains with competencies measured by the ESCI (Emotional and Social Competency Inventory), plus six leadership styles showing how EI manifests in distinct leadership approaches.
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Framework Domains (5)
Goleman Leadership Styles
Six leadership styles showing how EI competencies manifest in distinct approaches. The most effective leaders switch fluidly among styles to match the situation. Based on Hay/McBer data from 3,000+ executives.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| EI-LS-01 | Visionary Style — 'Come with me' — mobilizes people toward a shared vision, most positive climate impact |
| EI-LS-02 | Coaching Style — 'Try this' — connects personal goals with organizational objectives, long-term development |
| EI-LS-03 | Affiliative Style — 'People come first' — creates harmony and emotional bonds, heals team rifts |
| EI-LS-04 | Democratic Style — 'What do you think?' — forges consensus through participation and collective input |
| EI-LS-05 | Pacesetting Style — 'Do as I do, now' — sets high standards, expects excellence, risks burnout if overused |
| EI-LS-06 | Commanding Style — 'Do what I tell you' — demands immediate compliance, effective only in crisis situations |
Relationship Management
Inducing desirable responses in others. The ability to influence and connect through various approaches, using awareness gained from other three domains. Builds high-performing teams and mobilizes people toward shared vision.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| EI-RM-01 | Inspirational Leadership — inspiring and guiding individuals and groups toward a shared mission |
| EI-RM-02 | Influence — wielding effective persuasion tactics, winning people over and building consensus |
| EI-RM-03 | Coach and Mentor — sensing development needs, bolstering abilities through feedback and guidance |
| EI-RM-04 | Change Catalyst — initiating and managing change, removing barriers and championing transformation |
| EI-RM-05 | Conflict Management — negotiating and resolving disagreements with diplomacy and tact |
| EI-RM-06 | Building Bonds — cultivating and maintaining a web of instrumental relationships |
| EI-RM-07 | Teamwork and Collaboration — working with others toward shared goals, creating group synergy |
Self-Awareness
Knowing one's internal states, preferences, resources, and intuitions. The ability to understand one's own emotions and their effects on performance. Foundational domain supporting all other EI capabilities.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| EI-SA-01 | Emotional Self-Awareness — recognizing one's emotions and their effects on performance and decision-making |
| EI-SA-02 | Accurate Self-Assessment — knowing one's strengths and limitations with candor and openness to learning |
| EI-SA-03 | Self-Confidence — a strong sense of self-worth and capabilities, able to voice unpopular views |
Self-Management
Managing internal states, impulses, and resources. The ability to regulate emotional responses and adapt to changing circumstances. Depends on Self-Awareness as its foundation.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| EI-SM-01 | Emotional Self-Control — keeping disruptive emotions in check during stressful or hostile conditions |
| EI-SM-02 | Transparency — maintaining integrity and acting congruently with values, admitting mistakes openly |
| EI-SM-03 | Adaptability — flexibility in handling change, juggling multiple demands with new approaches |
| EI-SM-04 | Achievement Orientation — striving to meet or exceed standards of excellence with challenging goals |
| EI-SM-05 | Initiative — readiness to act on opportunities, proactive seizure of opportunities beyond expectations |
| EI-SM-06 | Positive Outlook — persistence in pursuing goals despite obstacles, operating from hope of success |
| EI-SM-07 | Conscientiousness — taking responsibility for personal performance, maintaining standards, and working diligently |
| EI-SM-08 | Trustworthiness — maintaining standards of honesty, integrity, and authentic behavior (see also Transparency EI-SM-02) |
Social Awareness
Handling relationships and awareness of others' feelings, needs, and concerns. Enables effective diverse team management, conflict resolution, and stakeholder relationship building.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| EI-SOC-01 | Empathy — sensing others' feelings and perspectives, taking active interest in their concerns |
| EI-SOC-02 | Organizational Awareness — reading group emotional currents, power relationships, and political forces |
| EI-SOC-03 | Service Orientation — anticipating, recognizing, and meeting customer and stakeholder needs |
Maps to 27 other frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Goleman Emotional Intelligence Leadership Framework?
Goleman Emotional Intelligence Leadership Framework is a compliance framework from International with 5 domains and 27 controls. Daniel Goleman's framework mapping emotional and social competencies to leadership effectiveness, developed from research on 500+ competency models at global organizations. The framework includes four EI domains with competencies measured by the ESCI (Emotional and Social Competency Inventory), plus six leadership styles showing how EI manifests in distinct leadership approaches. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
How many controls does Goleman Emotional Intelligence Leadership Framework have?
Goleman Emotional Intelligence Leadership Framework has 27 controls organised across 5 domains. The largest domains are Self-Management (8 controls), Relationship Management (7 controls), Goleman Leadership Styles (6 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
What frameworks does Goleman Emotional Intelligence Leadership Framework map to?
Goleman Emotional Intelligence Leadership Framework maps to 27 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are LEADS in a Caring Environment (89% coverage), ICN Leadership for Change Programme (41% coverage), The Leadership Challenge (Kouzes & Posner) (37% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.
How do I get started with Goleman Emotional Intelligence Leadership Framework compliance?
Start your Goleman Emotional Intelligence Leadership Framework compliance journey by running a self-assessment on our platform to identify your current compliance posture. Our AI advisory can answer specific questions about Goleman Emotional Intelligence Leadership Framework requirements, and cross-framework mapping helps you leverage existing controls from other frameworks you may already comply with. Create a free account to access all 27 controls and track your progress.
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