Emotional Intelligence is a Game-Changer
Cathie Leimbach • September 5, 2023
Emotional intelligence (EQ) has increasingly become recognized as a crucial trait for effective leadership. EQ is more important than IQ for managing our emotions well when we are disappointed with staff or challenges within the company or the business environment. EQ is also essential for noticing and appropriately responding to the emotions of the people around us. The ability to respond to emotions well is critical in building trust, fostering collaboration, and driving team and individual success within the organization.
Here are five reasons why emotional intelligence is a game-changer for leaders:
- Building Strong Relationships: Leaders with high EQ empathize and understand the perspectives of others, fostering trust and open communication.
- Effective Communication: Leaders with high EQ can express themselves clearly as well as listen and respond appropriately to others, reducing misunderstanding and conflicts.
- Conflict Resolution: Leaders with high EQ can remain calm in difficult situations and facilitate the development of mutually beneficial solutions.
- Inspiring and Motivating Others: Leaders with high EQ acknowledge others’ contributions and inspire them to make valuable contributions to the organization’s purpose.
- Decision-Making: Leaders with high EQ consider both logical and emotional factors when making decisions, resulting in decisions that align with both the organization’s and the team members’ interests.
By developing their emotional intelligence, leaders can create a positive work culture, increase retention, improve productivity, and strengthen the bottom line. In other words, leaders with high EQ improve employee satisfaction and the organization's ROI.
What is one skill you could strengthen to improve your EQ and the positive impact of your leadership?
As you’re wrapping presents this season, it’s also a great time to wrap up your year with intention. The end of the year offers a natural pause—a chance to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the people who made a difference along the way. At work, we often move from one deadline to the next without stopping to say thank you. Take a moment to recognize your teammates. Maybe it’s the coworker who always had your back, or the leader who helped you stretch and grow. A sincere “thank you” or a short handwritten note can go a long way. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just genuine. The same holds true in your personal life. When was the last time you told a friend or family member how much they mean to you? Between holiday plans and to-do lists, it’s easy to forget that our presence often matters more than any present. Every year brings both highs and lows. As this one comes to a close, choose to focus on what went right. Celebrate the small wins and acknowledge the people who supported you through the challenging moments. So, while you’re taping up gift boxes, take a little time to wrap up your year with gratitude. Send the text. Write the card. Let people know they’re valued. After all, the most meaningful gift you can give is helping someone feel truly appreciated. Want more simple, meaningful ways to express appreciation—without overspending? 👉 View Sharing Joy at Work Without Breaking the Bank for practical ideas you can use right away.
In Erica Dhawan’s book, Get Big Things Done, she defines Connectional Intelligence as the ability to combine knowledge, networks, and relationships to drive meaningful results. In today’s busy workplace, it’s not just what you know—it’s how well you connect that turns good ideas into big outcomes. Strong Connectional Intelligence within a team strengthens workplace morale and productivity by impacting four key attributes of high-performance cultures: Value Visibly – People perform better when they know their contributions matter. Leaders who highlight strengths, acknowledge effort, and celebrate progress create a culture where great work becomes contagious. Communicate Carefully – In an age of nonstop messages, clarity is a competitive advantage. Thoughtful communication reduces confusion, prevents conflict, and ensures that everyone moves forward with shared understanding. Collaborate Confidently – Connectional Intelligence flourishes when people feel empowered to contribute. Confident collaboration means inviting diverse perspectives, leveraging individual superpowers, and creating space for smart problem-solving. Trust Totally – Trust is the anchor of all high-performing teams. When leaders show reliability, transparency, and empathy, people take risks, share ideas, and stay aligned toward common goals. Connectional Intelligence helps teams innovate faster, break down silos, and accomplish what truly matters. Want to learn more? Visit Erica Dhawan’s website to explore her full body of work and deepen your understanding of Connectional Intelligence.