Emotional Intelligence: the Must-Have Skill for Modern Leaders
Does it feel like a distant memory, the time ‘the boss’ was all about hierarchy and authority, managing through power and control, focused on results over relationships? Probably not that distant in all honesty, and I reckon this management style is still well represented today. Nevertheless, a new kind of leader is emerging—one whose strength lies in empathy, understanding, and emotional intelligence (EQ or EI).
Emotional Intelligence: the beating heart of modern leadership.
Emotional intelligence has become more than just a buzzword; indeed, it's now often considered as being the key differentiator for effective leadership. No longer are leaders expected to simply manage processes; they're now required to manage emotions—both their own and those of the people they lead.
What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognise, understand, manage, and influence your own emotions and those of others. Popularised by psychologist Daniel Goleman in the mid-1990s, EQ is made up of five key components:
Self-awareness: Understanding your emotions and how they affect your thoughts and behavior.
Self-regulation: The ability to control or redirect disruptive emotions and impulses.
Motivation: Being driven to achieve beyond monetary and status rewards.
Empathy: Recognizing, understanding, and considering other people's emotions.
Social skills: Managing relationships to move people in desired directions.
EQ is now widely regarded as a critical skill for leaders who want to inspire and influence others, foster collaboration, and create an inclusive work culture.
Why is Emotional Intelligence Popular in Leadership?
The shift toward emotional intelligence in leadership has been driven by several key changes in the workplace:
Team dynamics have changed: Modern workplaces are more collaborative, diverse, and inclusive. Leaders must navigate complex social interactions, and EQ enables them to manage interpersonal relationships more effectively.
Conflict resolution has evolved: In the past, conflicts were often resolved through top-down decision-making. Today, emotionally intelligent leaders can mediate conflicts by understanding different perspectives and finding win-win solutions.
Employee engagement matters more than ever: Engaged employees are more productive, creative, and loyal. Leaders who exhibit emotional intelligence are better at motivating their teams, reducing burnout, and creating environments where people feel valued and understood.
The future of work is about people, not just tasks: As automation and AI take over routine tasks, what sets successful organizations apart are their people. EQ is what enables leaders to build strong, resilient teams that can adapt to changing demands.
Old World Boss vs. Modern Leader
In the past, leadership was synonymous with authority. The traditional boss was seen as the enforcer—a figure who had all the answers and little room for collaboration or dissent. Success was measured by meeting targets, and emotions were viewed as a distraction from performance.
In contrast, the modern leader is expected to be a coach, a mentor, and a collaborator. They don’t just direct; they inspire. They are attuned to the emotions of their team members, capable of offering guidance not just on the "what" but also on the "how" and "why." Instead of using fear and control, modern leaders use emotional intelligence to create a positive work environment that fosters creativity, trust, and commitment.
How to Develop Emotional Intelligence
While some aspects of emotional intelligence may come naturally, the good news is that it can be developed and improved over time. Here are steps that leaders can take to grow their emotional intelligence:
Practice Self-Awareness
Reflect on your emotional responses in different situations. Keep a journal to note how certain events trigger specific emotions, and explore why those feelings arise. In addition, behavioural self assessments and 360 degree reviews can be powerful tools.Learn to Self-Regulate
Emotional regulation is about pausing before reacting. When faced with stress or conflict, take a moment to assess your emotions and choose a more considered response. The ability to spot and manage signs of stress early on, and techniques like mindfulness or deep breathing, can help in managing intense feelings.Cultivate Empathy
To improve your ability to empathise, practice active listening and genuine enquiry. Ask questions and be genuinely inquisitive to hear and understand the answer. Give people your full attention, without interrupting or planning your response while they are talking. Try to understand their point of view and imagine how they feel.Enhance Social Skills
Build stronger relationships by improving your communication skills. Whether through feedback, recognition, or one-on-one conversations, being present and clear with your intentions strengthens trust. Understanding your communication style and how this may be perceived by different audiences will help you refine and adapt your messaging for greater impact.Stay Motivated
Leaders with high EQ are intrinsically motivated. Align your leadership style with your personal values and goals to stay committed, even in the face of setbacks. This internal drive will also inspire those around you.
Why Emotional Intelligence is the Future of Leadership
It’s a complicated world out there, and we all face many and diverse challenges: the demand for leaders who can manage emotions, build relationships, and foster collaboration is only growing. Emotional intelligence allows leaders to navigate the human side of business, which is critical as organisations prioritise diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being, and teams can only succeed by building on each other’s strengths and collaborating effectively. The need for teams to be better “than the sum of its parts” has never been more true.
The future belongs to leaders who don’t just excel in technical expertise but who can also connect, inspire, and engage their teams on a human level. Emotional intelligence is not just a leadership skill—it’s the leadership skill of the future.
