---

READ TIME: 3 MINUTES

In today’s fast-paced world, being a great leader is about more than technical skills or decision-making—it’s about connection. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand and manage your emotions while recognizing and influencing the emotions of others. Research shows it’s a key differentiator for effective leaders.

Here’s why EQ matters in leadership and how you can build it.

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters

Leaders with high EQ:

• Inspire trust: By showing empathy and understanding, they create a safe space for open communication.
• Boost team performance: Teams led by emotionally intelligent leaders are more engaged and collaborative.
• Navigate challenges effectively: EQ helps leaders manage stress, make thoughtful decisions, and handle conflicts with grace.

A 2021 study in Harvard Business Review found that 90% of top-performing leaders have strong emotional intelligence—proof that EQ isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a critical skill.

And I can vouch for that. Throughout my career, I’ve noticed a direct correlation between my best career moments and working with leaders who had high EQ. These leaders were open-minded, visionary, and grateful for their teams’ efforts. If you’re interested in conducting your own life and career assessment to identify patterns and observations, check out my How to Map Your Life & Career Journey to Get Unstuck and Build a Fulfilling Future workbook.

But I digress. Let’s focus on your EQ.

3 Simple Ways to Build Your EQ

1. Practice Self-Awareness
Recognize your emotions as they arise. Before reacting to a stressful situation, ask yourself:

• What am I feeling?
• How is this emotion influencing my reaction?
  

Taking a moment to pause can shift your perspective and lead to better decision-making.

2. Show Empathy
Empathy is the ability to see the world through someone else’s eyes. The next time a team member shares a concern, focus on truly listening—without interrupting or offering immediate solutions. Sometimes, being heard is all someone needs. I believe everyone needs to be seen, heard, and valued. This is the heart of having high EQ. When leaders prioritize empathy, they create an environment where individuals feel respected and supported, fostering trust and collaboration.

3. Strengthen Your Relationships
EQ is about managing emotions AND building trust and rapport. Schedule regular one-on-one check-ins with your team to show you value their contributions. Use this time to ask open-ended questions like:

• What’s going well?
• What challenges are you facing, and how can I support you?

Learn more about building trust in teams here.

The EQ Advantage in Action

Imagine leading a team through a high-pressure project. Without EQ, emotions like stress and frustration could spiral into conflict or burnout. But with EQ, you can diffuse tension, keep communication clear, and motivate your team to stay focused and united.

Great leaders understand that EQ isn’t a “nice-to-have”—it’s the foundation of lasting success.

Take the First Step

Building emotional intelligence takes practice, and there’s a lot more to it, but even small shifts can make a big impact. Start by reflecting on your emotions, listening more intentionally, and connecting with your team on a deeper level. Think of EQ as a muscle—the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. Every interaction is an opportunity to practice, grow, and lead with intention.

What’s one way you’ll strengthen your EQ this week? I’d love to hear how it’s going—drop me a message or connect to share your progress. Together, let’s lead with heart.