Fred Wilson cofounded Union Square Ventures, and has invested in hundreds of companies.

He says that leading from the heart is very powerful.

I have watched so many leaders over the years in my various roles as lead investor, board member, board chair, investor, and advisor.

And one thing I have learned from this front-row seat is that leading from the heart is very powerful.

A leader can be the most brilliant product person, strategist, entrepreneur, and business builder, but if they cannot get people to follow them, trust them, and care for them, they will not be an effective leader.

I am now working in my eighth tech startup. Much is expected from leaders in any company. Even more is expected from leaders of startups. I’ve experienced the full spectrum of emotional leadership. The most fun and most personally rewarding companies I’ve worked at all had leaders with a high emotional quotient.