Summary
There has been a shift in the conceptualization of leadership and needed leadership skills in education within today’s society. Models that were previously used to aid in the development and understanding of leadership roles may not be appropriate given the current climate within education. However, new concepts based largely on research are emerging. This new conceptualization involves Emotional Intelligence (EI). Nelson and Low (2003) defined their theory of EI to include skill sets involving positive uses of interpersonal, intrapersonal, leadership, and self-management skills, while avoiding problem areas to include aggression, deference and change orientation. Additionally, EI skills may be associated with personal satisfaction, health, and achievement within career and academics (Nelson & Low, 2003). In other words, positive levels of EI skills and low levels of problem areas may correlate with professionally high achievers and vice versa for low or average achievers. Based on the works of Goleman (1998), Epstein (1998), Sternberg (1996), and Nelson and Low (2003), the concept of EI is now providing a useful and practical model for utilization within the education administration and leadership arena. FULL MANUSCRIPT AVAILABLE AT: http://cnx.org/content/m37385/latest/