Leading with Emotional Intelligence: Why It Matters More Than Ever

In today’s fast-moving workplaces, technical skills and experience are no longer enough. What sets truly impactful leaders apart is emotional intelligence (EQ)—the ability to understand, manage, and respond to emotions, both in ourselves and others.

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence is made up of five core components:

• Self-awareness – Recognising your own emotions, triggers, and patterns
• Self-regulation – Managing emotional reactions in a healthy, constructive way.
• Motivation – Staying grounded in purpose and resilience, especially under pressure
• Empathy – Understanding and valuing the perspectives and emotions of others.
• Social skills – Navigating relationships, communication, and conflict with care and clarity.

A common question in today’s workforce is:

“Are people more likely to be promoted based on technical skills or interpersonal skills?”

While technical expertise helps you succeed in your current role, it’s interpersonal skills that often determine who moves into leadership.

What the research says:

• Harvard Business Review, LinkedIn, and the World Economic Forum report that interpersonal skills are often the deciding factor in promotions—especially in leadership, collaboration, and strategy roles.
• LinkedIn’s 2023 Global Talent Trends Report: 92% of talent professionals say soft skills matter as much or more than hard skills.
• Google’s Project Oxygen found top-performing managers excelled in coaching, communication, and empathy—not technical ability.

In Summary:

In early career stages, promotions tend to rely on reliability and hard skills. As you progress, it’s EQ and interpersonal skills that set you apart.

In leadership roles, it becomes less about what you can do, and more about how you help others succeed. If you’re in a leadership role—or aiming for one—developing emotional intelligence is now expected. It’s essential for building trust, leading teams, and fostering psychological safety.

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters at Work

Emotionally intelligent leaders don’t just manage—they create connection and trust. Here’s how EQ impacts the workplace:

• Builds High-Trust Cultures – Leaders who listen with empathy and respond with care create safer, more inclusive environments.
• Enhances Communication – EQ helps leaders tailor communication styles, reducing miscommunication and tension.
• Supports Better Decision-Making – Self-awareness enables thoughtful, reflective leadership—even under pressure.
• Strengthens Conflict Resolution – EQ brings empathy and firmness to resolving conflict, protecting both people and outcomes.
• Increases Engagement & Retention – People leave poor leadership, not jobs. Leaders with EQ build loyal, energised teams.

EQ and Personal Wellness Go Hand in Hand

Emotional intelligence doesn’t just support your team—it supports you. EQ contributes to:

• Reduced reactivity and emotional overwhelm
• Healthier boundaries and work-life balance
• Greater compassion for yourself and others
• Stronger sense of meaning and purpose

When you lead with EQ, you show up with intention—for your people, and for your own wellbeing. If you’re interested in developing your leadership team—or preparing future leaders to practice emotional intelligence in the workplace—connect with us to explore our Leading with Emotional Intelligence workshop. Designed to build emotionally intelligent thinking and behaviour, with tools leaders can take away and apply immediately. Until next time, stay well.