Why Emotions Are Key to Leadership Success: The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Business
"Don’t be influenced by your emotions."
"Stay objective, keep feelings out of it."
"Don’t let emotions get in the way."
You've likely heard these phrases frequently in business settings. But here's the truth: emotions are in the way, whether we like it or not. Ignoring them doesn’t make them go away; instead, it blinds us to the valuable insights they offer.
We often like to think of business as being about numbers, data, facts, strategy, and logic. But the reality is, business is driven by people, and people are driven by emotions.
Instead of viewing emotions as distractions, obstacles, or even weaknesses, we should recognize them as valuable sources of information.
The most effective leaders are those who are highly attuned to emotions, both their own and others'. They understand that emotional intelligence is not a luxury or a nice-to-have; it’s a strategic advantage.
Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Leadership
When you understand and manage emotions, you can:
⮑ Build deeper trust with your team
⮑ Communicate in ways that truly resonate
⮑ Navigate conflict with insight, not assumptions
⮑ Make decisions that consider the human impact
“Emotions are nothing but messengers.”
If emotions are messengers, our job as leaders is to receive the message, not ignore it.
Getting Curious About Emotions
The next time an emotion arises — whether it's yours or someone else’s — instead of reacting impulsively, try getting curious. Here’s how you can approach it:
Pause, pay attention, and notice how the emotion shows up
Name the emotion. When you identify it, you can manage it better
If it's your own emotion, notice where you feel it in your body
Then ask yourself: What’s underneath this? What is this emotion trying to tell me?
We used to think of emotional intelligence as a "soft skill” but in our view, it’s a power skill. Leaders who can harness the power of emotional intelligence are more effective, more connected, and ultimately more successful.
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