The emotionally intelligent leader categorically inspires his team

Dan Quiggle - entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and executive coach — will be a featured speaker at this month’s Legatus’ 2021 Summit East.

Having started his professional career in the post-presidential office of Ronald Reagan, Quiggle, 51, speaks on how business executives and CEOs can lead with the purpose, direction, and optimism that Reagan displayed in the White House.

In an interview with Legatus magazine, Quiggle, CEO of The Quiggle Group, shared his impressions of “The Great Communicator” behind the scenes and how that experience motivates his own approach to business leadership.

Your Summit talk is entitled “CEO of SELF.” What do you mean by that?

SELF is an acronym. It stands for Success Story, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership and Fun. I speak on leadership and emotional intelligence.
Do business leaders understand emotional intelligence?

More leaders are understanding the importance of being able to connect with people, inspire people, and motivate those around them. From my perspective, I’m seeking [to motivate business leaders] to write their own success story, challenge their existing paradigms on work-life balance, change how they view crisis, expand leadership, and build an army of leaders around them, to empower others to own their own vision.

Why is fun an important part of business leadership?

Studies show the number-one attribute workers look for in a leader is humor and fun. Number two is a strong work ethic. We forget that people want to be happy doing what they‘re doing. When you can create a vision, show them their role in it, allow them to have fun while they‘re doing it, and then reward them for achieving goals and incentivize them, the sky’s the limit. That’s how great organizations work.

What was it like for you working for Ronald Reagan’s post-presidential office?

The year and a half I was in the office, people like Mother Teresa, Malcolm Forbes, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Margaret Thatcher stopped by. It was like this Who’s Who of leadership. What I loved the most about that experience was seeing leadership up close and personal. There no two Ronald Reagans. What you saw is what you got. He showed empathy. There was humility about him. I’ve tried to carry these same life lessons with me in the way I treat people, because I couldn’t wait to be at that job every day.

What made Reagan a good leader?

Attitude of gratitude and humor. He deflected all the time. When people told him he was known as “The Great Communicator,” he would say, “I’m just fortunate to communicate great things.” When they said, “Mr. President, you did such a great job on this,” he would say, “Well, have you seen my staff?”

On the action front, what separated him was his kitchen cabinet. He had a group of trusted friends and advisers who offered each other three things: brutal honesty, a shared vision, and a success-oriented philosophy. They were from different industries and backgrounds, but they were all candid with each other, they supported each other, and they wanted each other to be successful. Reagan depended on them.

What do you enjoy about speaking to groups like Legatus?

When you surround yourself with great people, great things start to happen. The members feed off each other. You’re getting good information, good feedback, good critique. It allows you to focus and sharpen your blade.
I’m fortunate to speak to CEO groups around the world. It is addicting because you meet successful, optimistic problem-solvers on a regular basis. Granted, I’m there hopefully to add value and give them some takeaways. But in turn, I’m just learning all the time from all these people.