Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: Why Does It Matter?

There are lots of qualities that make a great leader, from decision-making to conflict resolution. But one of the most important skills for any leader or manager to master is emotional intelligence.

Fortunately, emotional intelligence is a teachable soft skill that anyone can learn. Our leadership & management e-learning courses are designed to help you develop all the skills you need to thrive in a leadership role, whether you’re new to management or looking to hone your existing skills.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• What emotional intelligence is
• Why emotional intelligence is so important in leadership roles
• The main characteristics that emotionally intelligent leaders have

Let’s get into it…

What is emotional intelligence?

Put simply, emotional intelligence is the ability to recognise and manage both your own emotions and the emotions of others. It requires a wide range of characteristics – including being self-aware and empathetic – which we’ll come to in more detail later on.

Emotional intelligence is a people-focused skill, all about how you connect and communicate with others. This makes it an essential skill for managers and leaders at every level, from first-time managers to CEOs.

Why is emotional intelligence in leadership so important?

Leaders with high emotional intelligence are able to handle difficult conversations with empathy, resolve conflicts effectively, and adapt their communication style to suit different personalities – all of which helps to create a positive working environment where employees feel seen and appreciated.

Here are a few key reasons why emotional intelligence is so important in leadership roles:

• Boost team morale: Emotionally intelligent leaders are better at showing genuine care and empathy, which makes employees more likely to feel valued.
• Better communication: As active listeners who are able to interpret tone and body language with ease, emotionally intelligent leaders tend to have more productive conversations with employees.
• Effective conflict resolution: Emotionally intelligent leaders approach conflicts calmly, finding solutions that work for everyone involved and preventing disagreements from escalating.
• Resilience under pressure: Leading a team can be stressful, but emotional intelligence helps leaders stay composed and make thoughtful decisions even during challenging times.

What characteristics do emotionally intelligent leaders have?

According to psychologist Daniel Goleman, there are 5 key characteristics that all emotionally intelligent leaders have:

1. Self-awareness
2. Self-regulation
3. Motivation
4. Empathy
5. Social skills

1. Self-awareness

A self-aware leader is in touch with their own emotions, recognising how they feel and the effects it might have on those around them. They’re also aware of their own strengths and weaknesses, which allows them to stay grounded and make more thoughtful decisions.

To improve your self-awareness, take the time to slow down and don’t react to situations immediately. Work on making sure your reactions are measured and appropriate, not letting your emotions get the better of you in the heat of the moment.

2. Self-regulation

Self-regulation is all about staying in control of your emotions, understanding that approaching situations calmly makes the people around you feel reassured and motivated. It’s also about holding yourself accountable for your actions and leading by example.

To improve your self-regulation skills, practice keeping calm in stressful situations. As a leader, the people around you will look to you to see how to react, so keeping your cool is crucial for improving mental wellbeing in the workplace.

3. Motivation

Motivated leaders set high standards for themselves and work towards their goals in a consistent way. They also know the importance of keeping their employees motivated and take the time to understand what incentives each individual needs to continue working to the best of their abilities.

To improve your motivational skills, practice optimism. Maintaining a positive attitude and demonstrating resilience even in challenging times will inspire those around you to keep pushing forward. It’s also important to connect the work your team does to a larger purpose or vision – people are much more likely to stay motivated when they understand how their efforts contribute to something bigger.

4. Empathy

Being an empathetic leader means putting yourself in others’ shoes, understanding their perspectives and motivations. Empathy allows leaders to build stronger connections with their team, respond thoughtfully to others’ needs, and create a more supportive and inclusive work environment.

To improve your empathy, take the time to actively listen to others without interrupting or making assumptions. Ask questions to understand their experiences and emotions better, and show genuine concern for their wellbeing. Learn to respond to non-verbal cues as well, such as body language, facial expressions, and even long pauses. Picking up on the emotion behind these things can make an employee feel truly seen and valued, creating a more positive working environment.

5. Social skills

Being a ‘people person’ is an important part of emotional intelligence, and it’s something you can learn to do even if you see yourself as more of an introvert. Leaders with strong social skills are great at maintaining strong relationships and resolving conflicts, bringing people together and inspiring them to work hard.

To improve your social skills, focus on clear and open communication. Make an effort to engage with team members regularly, celebrate their successes, and provide constructive feedback in a supportive way. Developing your social skills will not only strengthen your relationship with your team but also make them more motivated and productive.

Gain the confidence to lead effectively with Virtual College

As with any skill, emotional intelligence can be learned and strengthened with the right training. At Virtual College, our CPD-certified leadership and management e-learning courses are designed to help you lead with confidence and master the interpersonal skills that make great leaders stand out.

Sign up for our Introduction to Emotional Intelligence course to develop your self-awareness, improve your communication skills, and learn practical strategies for connecting with and inspiring your team.