Feelings do matter in the workplace and understanding them through the lens of EQ provides the self-awareness necessary to act with integrity and purpose.
The enduring wisdom encapsulated in the phrase "Know Thyself" remains as relevant today as it was in ancient times, serving as the bedrock of authentic leadership and sustainable growth. The Emotional Intelligence (EQ) lens provides a practical framework through which we can see and achieve this self-knowledge and unlock our leadership potential. Authenticity, as Lance Secretan eloquently describes it, is the alignment of thought, word, feeling, and action – a consistency that breeds trust and transparency. Leaders who achieve this alignment, by allowing their thoughts and feelings to work in concert, create an environment where genuine growth can flourish. This is because, fundamentally, feelings do matter and understanding them through the lens of EQ provides the self-awareness necessary to act with integrity and purpose.
Emotions are central
Emotions are not peripheral to effective leadership; they are central. The legendary Dale Carnegie’s 1936 insight, "Our thoughts make us what we are," can be expanded to encompass the power of emotions: "My feelings expand who I am." Embracing our emotions, rather than suppressing them, enhances our self-awareness and strengthens our connections with others. Vulnerability, often perceived as a weakness, becomes a powerful tool that builds trust and inspires authenticity. Leaders like Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, whose empathetic response to the Christchurch mosque attacks united a nation, and Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft Corporation, whose focus on empathy transformed Microsoft's culture, exemplify the profound impact of leading with emotional intelligence. They demonstrate how genuine care fosters trust, loyalty, and a fundamental shift in organizational dynamics.
Effective Communication is critical
Effective communication, rooted in both self-awareness and a deep understanding of others, is another critical element of emotionally intelligent leadership. Leaders with high EQ ensure their communication aligns with their core values, enabling them to navigate challenging conversations with clarity and empathy. Keith Ferrazzi, an authority on the future of work, team effectiveness and growth strategies convincingly argues that collaboration and EQ are essential for building high-performing teams. Active listening and conveying emotional depth in communication create an environment of trust and openness, where individuals feel heard and valued. Ferrazzi notes, “World-class teams operate differently. They understand that true candor flows from genuine care for each other's success.” Furthermore, enthusiasm, when rooted in EQ, becomes a powerful force for motivation, resilience, and innovation. Enthusiastic leaders, who are genuinely passionate and emotionally attuned, infuse their vision with energy, inspiring collective momentum and engagement that transforms a group into a cohesive, high-achieving team.
Leadership as Stewardship
Leadership, at its core, is about stewardship—guiding others with integrity and a genuine commitment to their success. Integrating key dimensions of intelligence – IQ, EQ, Social Quotient (SQ), and Vision – allows leaders to transcend mere authority and embrace this stewardship role. IQ provides the cognitive foundation for sound decision-making. EQ fosters self-awareness and emotional balance. SQ emphasizes the importance of building meaningful relationships and fostering positive team dynamics. Vision aligns actions with long-term goals, inspiring others to strive for excellence. This stewardship also requires a deep sense of humility, recognizing that leadership is about facilitating collective success rather than seeking individual glory.
The VUCA 2.0 Response
In today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, evolving as a leader is a continuous journey. Emotional intelligence is not merely a desirable trait but a necessity for navigating this journey successfully. Leaders who are self-aware, empathetic, and open to feedback cultivate the flexibility and resilience needed to adapt to ever-changing circumstances. Former chair and CEO of Medtronic and now senior Fellow at Harvard Business School, Bill George, in a Forbes article about “steady leadership in an unsteady world,” presents his "VUCA 2.0" framework – Vision, Understanding, Courage, and Adaptability. This perspective offers a powerful model that aligns perfectly with the principles of EQ and authentic leadership. Vision becomes clear when purpose is aligned with values. Understanding is enhanced through empathy and active listening. Courage manifests as the willingness to be vulnerable and face challenges authentically. Adaptability is strengthened through self-regulation and emotional resilience. VUCA 2.0 underscores how EQ empowers leaders to maintain clarity and composure even amidst ambiguity.
EQ and Authentic Leadership
Developing EQ is an ongoing process that requires commitment and intentional effort. Cultivating self-awareness through daily reflection and seeking feedback, practicing mindfulness, improving self-regulation by learning to pause before reacting, managing stress effectively, and setting healthy boundaries are key steps. Enhancing empathy through active listening and seeking to understand diverse perspectives, and strengthening social skills by building rapport, demonstrating genuine interest, and resolving conflicts constructively are equally important. A commitment to lifelong learning, staying curious, and engaging in ongoing professional development ensures that leaders continue to grow and refine their capabilities. Ultimately, the evolved “hi-tech and hi-touch” leader understands that growth is a continuous journey, and they remain adaptable, resilient, and future-ready. By fostering a culture of learning and innovation, such leaders ensure their teams are equipped to thrive in a constantly evolving world. The heart of the matter, in leadership and in life, is always a matter of the heart.
Sridhar Ramamoorti, University of Dayton & FEI Faculty Research Fellow
Mark Myers, Evolve Connection Partners & Past President, Nashville FEI Chapter