Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Leadership
In today’s fast-paced business world, leadership isn’t just about making decisions and driving results—it’s about how you make people feel along the way. Emotional intelligence (EI) is the cornerstone of impactful leadership, influencing team dynamics, trust, and long-term success.
If you missed our recent webinar, Leading with Heart: Emotional Intelligence for Impactful Leadership, you can catch the replay here: Watch Now. In this blog, we’ll walk through the five key strategies from our Emotional Intelligence Playbook, helping you implement them in your leadership approach.
1. Influencing the Emotional Aftertaste of Your Interactions
What It Is
Every interaction you have leaves a lasting emotional impression—what we call the emotional aftertaste. You may not be able to control how people feel, but you can influence their experience by leading with empathy, intentional language, and active listening.
How to Apply It:
- Before a conversation, ask yourself: What’s one emotion I want the other person to feel when they leave this discussion?
- Use phrases that foster connection and respect. Instead of saying, “That’s not how it works,” try “I see where you’re coming from—let’s explore this further.”
- Take a moment to reflect: Am I leaving people feeling valued, heard, and respected?
By being intentional with your words and actions, you shape a culture of trust and collaboration.
2. The 2 by 2 Rule for Inclusion
What It Is
Leaders don’t always make popular decisions, but they can ensure people feel heard. The 2 by 2 Rule helps you anticipate diverse perspectives and approach dissent with openness.
How to Apply It:
Before making a decision, consider:
- 2 reasons people might agree with you (e.g., improved team collaboration, streamlined workflow).
- 2 reasons people might disagree with you (e.g., concerns about flexibility, potential downsides to change).
This exercise shifts your mindset from defensiveness to curiosity, ensuring that even those who disagree feel valued and included.
3. Gateway vs. Barricading Questions
What It Is
The questions you ask influence your mindset and ability to lead effectively. Barricading Questions focus on limitations (e.g., “Why does my team resist change?”), whereas Gateway Questions focus on solutions (e.g., “What concerns might my team have about this change, and how can I address them?”).
How to Apply It:
- When faced with a challenge, pause and reframe your question to focus on possibilities.
- Replace “Why is this happening?” with “What can I do about this?”
- Lead with a solutions-oriented mindset, encouraging your team to think proactively.
By shifting to Gateway Questions, you foster problem-solving and resilience within your team.
4. Employ Perspective-Getting
What It Is
Instead of assuming how others feel (perspective-taking), great leaders actively seek understanding (perspective-getting). Assumptions can be misleading, but genuine curiosity builds trust and connection.
How to Apply It:
- Ask, don’t assume. Instead of saying, “My team is disengaged because they’re lazy,” ask, “What challenges are you facing?”
- Listen to understand. Pause before responding, and reflect back what you’ve heard to confirm understanding.
- Follow up. Use the insights you gain to take meaningful action.
Leading with perspective-getting ensures that employees feel heard and valued, increasing engagement and trust.
5. Shifting Phrases to Manage Emotional Triggers
What It Is
As a leader, your emotional state directly affects your team. Shifting Phrases help regulate your responses, turning emotionally charged moments into opportunities for growth.
How to Apply It:
When feeling triggered, replace automatic negative self-talk with a Shifting Phrase.
- Instead of “They’re trying to undermine me,” try “Could there be another reason for their behavior?”
- Instead of “They left me out on purpose,” try “Could there be a legitimate reason I wasn’t included?”
Keep a trigger journal to track moments of emotional reactivity and reflect on healthier responses.
By managing your emotional triggers, you cultivate a leadership presence that is calm, thoughtful, and emotionally intelligent.
In Case You Missed It: February Webinar Recap
Our latest Open Coaching session, Leading with Heart: Emotional Intelligence for Impactful Leadership, was an inspiring deep dive into how emotional intelligence (EI) shapes leadership effectiveness. Led by the incredible Sylvia Baffour, we explored self-awareness, emotional regulation, and the profound impact of our words and actions on those we lead.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Emotional Intelligence: 58% of what sets leaders apart comes down to EI.
- Self-Awareness Exercise: A guided mindfulness moment to help participants become more present in their leadership journey.
- Emotional Aftertaste: How leaders can influence the lingering emotions people feel after an interaction.
- Live Coaching Moments: Volunteers received real-time coaching from Sylvia on navigating tough workplace conversations with empathy and clarity.
Missed the session? Watch the full webinar here: Watch Now
Download Your Emotional Intelligence Playbook
The Emotional Intelligence Playbook is packed with tools to enhance self-awareness, build trust, and foster collaboration. Here are the five core strategies included:
- Influencing the Emotional Aftertaste of Your Interactions – Learn how to shape the emotions people leave with after engaging with you.
- The 2 by 2 Rule for Inclusion – Anticipate differing viewpoints and create a culture of respect.
- Gateway vs. Barricading Questions – Reframe challenges with solution-driven thinking.
- Employ Perspective-Getting – Move beyond assumptions and deepen connections through active listening.
- Shifting Phrases to Manage Emotional Triggers – Regulate your reactions and respond with emotional intelligence.
Download your copy here: Emotional Intelligence Playbook
Make this year extraordinary by leading with emotional intelligence. Start your journey today!
