The Softer Side of Leadership - Heidi Kraft, Careers Coach

Tough times require "softer" leaders. This is the perspective of careers coach Heidi Kraft, who says that today's senior leaders need to focus more on emotional intelligence and other "soft" qualities to be able to better recruit and retain quality employees. In an exclusive interview, Kraft discusses: Which "soft" skills are most important; How managers and employees alike can change a culture to embrace these skills; Where to start to develop and nurture "softer" leaders. Kraft is a Leadership and Career coach and founder of Kraft Your Success Coaching and Consulting. Prior to launching her business, she spent 17 years on the agency side of the advertising industry, including a stint as SVP Media Director at Boston-based Hill Holliday, developing and implementing media strategies for high-profile clients such as Microsoft, Intel, Intuit, Siebel Systems, 24 Hour Fitness and Harley-Davidson. She holds a CPCC (Certified Professional Coactive Coach) and is a graduate of the Coaches Training Institute's Leadership Program. She is also a member of the International Coaches Federation. Kraft serves on the BAARC board (Bay Area Advertising Relief Committee), a non-profit organization that helps individuals who face severe difficulty after job loss.