Spiritually Intelligent Leadership: What It Is, Why It Matters and How to Use It, With Dr. Yosi Amram

Emotional intelligence — the ability to recognize, understand and manage one’s own emotions and those of others — is a common topic of conversation in the business world. It has become increasingly viewed as one of the most important aspects of success on the job, influencing everything from employee engagement and collaboration to turnover rate. 

But as Dr. Yosi Amram, a leadership coach, clinical psychologist and author of “Spiritually Intelligent Leadership” explains, emotional intelligence is only part of the picture. The most effective leaders also emphasize spiritually intelligent leadership, which according to his research, can turbo-charge the impact of emotional intelligence. Understanding and applying this essential aspect of leadership can prove truly transformational for business performance. 

What Is Spiritually Intelligent Leadership? 

“Spiritually intelligent leadership is rooted in inspiration,” Dr. Amram explains. “This requires that leaders themselves become inspired and passionately engaged in the cause of their organization before they try to inspire others. When leaders find their own source of inspiration in their work, they can then implement the actions that spark passion and commitment among others around them — in their organizations, communities and families — since we are all in fact leaders, influencing those around us.” 

To develop spiritually intelligent leadership, Dr. Amram’s doctoral research (as described in his book) identified seven key dimensions of leadership that leaders must develop. By drawing on positive qualities from various spiritual traditions as well as the field of positive psychology, leaders can develop specific attributes that are directly applicable in the workplace and to life in general. Follow-up research by others has shown that leaders who embody these seven key dimensions of leadership produce better financial results for their organizations.   

“Spiritual leadership begins with meaning — a sense of purpose and vision for the work,” he says. “Leaders must also lead with grace and be inner-directed. They must have an inner core of authenticity as they lead with dignity. Spiritually intelligent leaders also foster community, bring their full presence or focus to every moment, use truth as motivation and tap into their wisdom and intuition.” 

Why Spiritually Intelligent Leadership Matters 

Dr. Amram views spiritually intelligent leadership as the critical missing piece that is all too often overlooked among leaders. 

“Emotional intelligence and technical capabilities are certainly important qualities,” he says. “But ultimately, a leader’s ability to inspire others is what elevates them beyond being an ordinary manager. Studies have found that when employees feel inspired, they are more than twice as productive as those who consider themselves satisfied. Inspiration is what enlivens and gives actual meaning to work. It links what each individual person does to a shared purpose, mission, vision, and shared values. This is what gives each individual contributor the drive to go above and beyond. When this happens, work becomes a way for people to find meaning, purpose and a sense of belonging beyond just working to earn money.” 

When spiritually intelligent leadership helps employees find their sense of purpose at work, it can have powerful results. McKinsey reports that “employees who say that they live their purpose at work are six and a half times more likely to report higher resilience. They’re four times more likely to report better health, six times more likely to want to stay at the company, and one and a half times more likely to go above and beyond to make their company successful.” 

As this research illustrates, inspiring leadership that delivers a sense of purpose and communal belonging benefits employees on an individual level, as well as the organization they work for. Spiritually intelligent leadership also delivers on key drivers of fulfillment in the workplace: meaningful relationships, feeling that one’s work makes a difference and having opportunities for self-actualization and professional growth. 

How Leaders Can Use This Leadership Style 

Despite the clear benefits of spiritually intelligent leadership, there remains a gap in letting a purpose-driven mindset drive the workforce. Research from PwC found that while 79% of business leaders felt purpose was central to the success of their business, only 34% felt that the stated purpose of their organization guided leadership team decisions. 

To overcome this gap, Dr. Amram advises that leaders first focus on developing their own sense of inspiration. “You can’t inspire others until and when you are inspired yourself. Trying to inspire others when you yourself don’t have that spark of inspiration burning within you is going to be impossible. You need to start by finding the source and power of inspiration within. What gives you purpose? What is your unique vision? Starting from here and then working to develop the dimensions of spiritually intelligent leadership will allow you to naturally inspire others in each interaction.” 

The seven dimensions of spiritually intelligent leaders (meaning, grace, inner direction, community, presence, truth and wisdom) extend beyond enthusiasm. After identifying their own source of inspiration, spiritually intelligent leaders proactively try to improve in each of these areas so they can effectively lead and inspire others while uncovering deeper meaning and fulfillment within themselves. 

When these dimensions are present, spiritually intelligent leaders will be able to naturally inspire peak performance and transform organizations through their interactions— whether that be a hallway conversation or a formal team meeting. This enables work to become more than work. It can become a true community where everyone feels inspired, connected, and empowered. This leads them to strive to inspire others, creating a virtuous cycle that perpetually increases engagement, a sense of purpose, and more. 

Inspiring Leadership 

As Dr. Amram’s insights illustrate, spiritually intelligent leadership isn’t just transformational for employees — it can be equally, if not more powerful, for the leaders who find their own sense of inspiration. By developing the traits of spiritually intelligent leadership, leaders and those they influence will ultimately become more engaged and better aligned, delivering greater results while also finding greater connection, meaning and fulfillment in their work.