The five characteristics of emotional intelligence are self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, motivation, and social skill. You will also find that these are the very traits and characteristics that define a real Alpha Male.

9. Put the ‘Gentle’ Back into ‘Gentleman’

A further aspect of the Alpha is the capacity to be a gentleman. While this need not be placed in the forefront, it is an essential aspect of nearly all truly great men. The ability to treat with gentleness those who are less able to defend themselves is a mark of exceptional strength of character. While we typically associate “weakness” with the feminine, it can also be applied to other men who may simply choose to be less aggressive in life.

Real men are not bullies, but the force that intercedes between the aggressive brutes of the world and those who cannot defend themselves—women, children, animals, and others. They utilize their strength and physical skills in a protective capacity. This is what is meant by the cultural adage of “walking quietly but carrying a big stick.”

The truly powerful man does not need to broadcast his physical prowess but is instead focused upon creating, doing, and interacting in a positive way with all whom he meets. While powerful men do not deliberately call attention to themselves, they are always noticed. It is a way of being, of moving through the world, and of understanding the way in which elements of the world coincide, both in the human landscape and the natural one.

Today, our concept of masculinity and greatness is still deeply rooted in the Stoic philosophy: the self-contained but consciously connected human cosmos. It is evident in the active as opposed to the reactive principal, the considerate, and internally motivated achiever. These are ideas that have adhered to manliness since the height of Greek civilization—a primary basis upon which Western culture and thought are built. If you would be an Alpha Male, focus on being a human being, you would respect, and others will also.