Leadership competencies among Chinese gifted students in Hong Kong: The connection with emotional intelligence and successful intelligence

This study examined components of leadership competencies in relation to emotional intelligence and successful intelligence among 498 Chinese gifted students in Hong Kong. These students rated themselves significantly higher on goal orientation than leadership flexibility, which was also rated significantly higher than leadership self‐efficacy. They perceived greater strengths in social skills and utilization of emotions than management of emotions and empathy, and in practical abilities as opposed to analytical and creative abilities. In predicting the three components of leadership competencies, practical abilities and management of emotions emerged as common and significant predictors, suggesting that applied and pragmatic skills, tacit knowledge, and ability to manage and regulate one's emotions were all important in leadership.