Leadership and your EQ

Great leadership isn’t just about strategy or decision-making—it’s about people. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that people thrive when they feel seen, heard, and valued. That’s where empathy comes in. It’s not about being “nice” or letting things slide; it’s about truly understanding what your team is experiencing and responding in a way that supports both their well-being and their success.

When we take the time to listen—really listen—we create an environment where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and bring their best ideas forward. And in my experience, teams that feel supported don’t just perform better; they stick around, stay engaged, and bring more heart to their work.

Empathy in leadership also means knowing that we don’t have all the answers—that it’s okay to model what happens when you have to seek answers - together. It’s about staying curious, asking the right questions, and being willing to adapt when we realize something isn’t working. I’ve seen firsthand how an empathetic approach can defuse tension, bridge misunderstandings, and turn challenges into opportunities for collaboration.

When people know you, their leader genuinely cares, they’re far more likely to trust, communicate openly, and find solutions together. Collaboration opens the floodgates to the magic of true innovation. And honestly, that’s what makes an organization not just successful, but truly alive—when people feel they matter, and that their work has meaning.

At the Institute for UNLearning, we use an EQ assessment tool I’ve found to be highly effective in helping leaders gain deeper insights into emotional intelligence, and how you relate to yourself, to others and to circumstances that can raise emotional reactivity.

When I’ve seen leaders expand their ability to navigate challenges, build meaningful connections, and lead with greater clarity and impact—that’s where real transformation happens. It often shows up in a quiet confidence. Integrating these insights into daily leadership, cultivates the emotional agility needed to inspire trust, foster collaboration, and drive lasting change. 

I’d love to hear from readers your thoughts on how EQ works, and success stories of growing your EQ and how it shows up in your teams!