We live in a hyper-connected and fast-evolving business landscape, and one thing that I am sure of is that pure technical expertise, experience, your Ivy League/premium degrees, or even your super impressive resumes can only take you so far. So, what is the differentiator? What truly sets successful leaders apart from the rest is something far less evident, yet intensely impactful and that is EI or Emotional Intelligence.
According to the Word Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2023 report, qualities associated with emotional intelligence such as resilience, curiosity, lifelong learning, motivation, and self-awareness, are highly prized by businesses and will continue to be so for the next few years.
EI is a topic close to my heart. Over the years, both as an entrepreneur and as a leadership coach, I’ve personally seen how often careers end up stalling or even derailing not because of lack of skills or intelligence in a leader, but very often because of poor emotional intelligence skills. A leader may have top-tier degrees, rapid career growth, or even a successful start-up to their name, but when it comes to leading teams, navigating diverse mindsets, and making tough decisions under pressure, emotional intelligence is often the decisive factor. EI Statistics stated that 90% of the best performers have high emotional intelligence.
It is about Managing, Not Suppressing Emotions
Before we go any further, let me make one thing clear – no, emotions are not bad at all. I would say that they are what make us human, and in fact, the ability to feel deeply is what drives connection, empathy, and even innovation.
So, what is the problem here, you may ask.
Well, the problem arises when emotions start to cloud your business decisions. So, emotional intelligence is really not about suppressing how you feel, but it is about recognizing those emotions both in yourself and others, and also using that awareness in a constructive manner.
There’s a key distinction that I often make between controlling emotions and managing them. One does not really need to lock away all that frustration, just pretend that everything is fine and thereby not confront what bothers you. But you do need to pause, reflect, and choose your best response during difficult times. In many management circumstances, managing emotions, especially when they’re unnecessary or many a times counterproductive, is a sure sign of maturity and power. And that can go a long way in inspiring others too.
Making Emotions Work – Leveraging Emotions for Impact
Emotional intelligence isn’t just about keeping your emotions in check, it’s also about using them strategically to drive outcomes. A shift in tone, a well-timed pause, or a clear expression of urgency can all serve as powerful emotional cues to prompt action. You don’t always need to raise your voice to assign blame and also to drive action. Sometimes, it’s simply about signalling the stakes with conviction. That subtle change in delivery might be all it takes to rally a team, defuse a conflict, or secure commitment. It’s not about being angry—but showing controlled anger, at the right time, can have a huge impact.
Navigating the Divide
Emotional intelligence is non-negotiable in today’s diverse workplace. With people from different generations, cultures, and backgrounds bringing varied perspectives, leaders must adapt their communication, interpret cross-cultural cues, and motivate individuals in different ways—all rooted in emotional awareness.
I haven’t led many teams from the Gen Z, but I can already see that they value certain traits including authenticity, empathy, and a lot of flexibility. The traditional style of leadership that is more of a let me ‘command-and-control’ one just won’t work anymore. The new-age leader has to be more emotionally agile. They have to listen, adapt and yet, manage to hold the team accountable when it comes to work.
What’s the ROI of Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence may seem intangible to some, but its ROI is real. Leaders with high EI build stronger teams, foster trust, navigate change more effectively, and avoid reactionary decisions. The result? Healthier cultures and more sustainable outcomes.
So, if you are someone who aspires to be a leader in today’s world, definitely invest in developing your emotional intelligence. Remember, at the end of the day, your ability to steer your own emotions and those of others isn’t just something that is just nice-to-have. It’s a huge game-changer in your career trajectory.
