A leader’s core is just as essential to their effectiveness as an athlete’s core is to their physical strength. In this context, the core refers to three key areas: Personality Intelligence (PI), Emotional Intelligence (EI), and Skills Intelligence (SI). An intelligent leader is someone who has integrated and developed these aspects at their core.

However, not all leaders have fully developed all three areas. Some circles within the core may be smaller than others. For example, leaders lacking self-awareness have lower PI. They struggle to understand their own personality, tendencies, and the impact of their actions. Without self-awareness, they may repeat the same behaviors and expect different results, which leads to negative consequences.

Building a strong PI is crucial as it forms the centerpiece of a strong core. Knowing oneself, understanding tendencies, and being able to lead oneself expand one’s influence. When combined with emotional intelligence, a strong PI contributes to a stronger EI. Emotional intelligence involves being aware of others’ needs and treating them as they would like to be treated, rather than imposing our own preferences. This enhanced awareness of others further increases influence.

Completing the core is skills intelligence (SI), which refers to the technical and leadership skills required for one’s job. Competency in these skills, being task-aware, and knowing how to excel are important. Some individuals heavily rely on their SI, accumulating certifications and qualifications. However, if their PI and EI are lacking, they may become know-it-alls and struggle to connect with people, ultimately losing influence.

The core of a leader consists of a strong PI, a strong EI, and a strong SI. It is valuable to use a tool to analyze and assess oneself in each of these areas. By understanding the strength of each circle within the core, leaders can identify areas for improvement. This analysis can also be applied to those they lead. Ultimately, a strong leader requires a balanced development of PI, EI, and SI. When these three aspects are combined, their influence and effectiveness increase significantly.