On World Emotional Intelligence Day - 5 Tips for Leaders to Cultivate Emotional Intelligence

How can you better cultivate emotional intelligence on World Emotional Intelligence Day…and every day?

Only 65% of employees say they highly trust their employer company.

Emotional intelligence and socioemotional learning are the silent force behind effective leadership. It is what sets great leaders apart, enabling them to connect, inspire, and foster trust. On this World Emotional Intelligence Day, let’s delve into five actionable tips to enhance or exercise emotional intelligence on your leadership journey.

1.  Practice Generous Listening
Listening goes beyond hearing words. It’s about fully engaging with the speaker, showing empathy, and understanding their perspective. Generous listening involves being present, withholding judgment, inferring positive intent, practicing curiosity, and responding thoughtfully. This practice builds deeper connections and opens the door to more meaningful conversations.

2.  Cultivate Self-Awareness
Understanding your emotions, reactions, triggers, patterns, strengths, and weaknesses is crucial. Self-aware leaders can manage their reactions and lead with authenticity. Take time every day to reflect on your experiences and emotions. Journaling, mindfulness practices, or seeking compassionate feedback can significantly enhance self-awareness.

3.  Develop Empathy
Empathy involves understanding and feeling the emotions of others. It’s about stepping into their shoes and trying to see the world from their perspective. This skill is essential for resolving conflicts, building strong teams, and creating a supportive work environment. We know diversity in teams amplifies creativity and success, so realizing and honoring that each person comes with valid experiences and emotions is necessary for a culture of belonging.

4.  Practice Humility
Humility in leadership involves recognizing that you don’t have all the answers – and sometimes you may even be asking the wrong questions – and being open to learning from others. It’s about valuing the contributions of your team and being willing to admit mistakes. Practicing humility fosters a culture of respect and continuous improvement.

5.  Exercise Emotional Regulation
Managing your emotions, especially under stress, is crucial for maintaining a positive leadership presence. Emotional regulation involves recognizing your emotional triggers – what makes you retreat emotionally or lash out verbally – and developing strategies to stay calm, present, and focused. Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, taking breaks, and asking curiosity questions like, “What can I learn from them?” can be incredibly effective.

Emotional intelligence is a set of skills that can be developed and refined. As leaders, investing in your emotional intelligence can lead to more impactful, compassionate, and effective leadership. On this World Emotional Intelligence Day, let’s commit to nurturing our emotional awareness and agility and inspiring those around us with head and heart.

-Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus — Relationship Speaker, Emotional Agility Coach, Sociologist, & Author