Emotional Intelligence: Why It Matters For Effective Leaders

EQ:The Overlooked Edge of High-Performing Leaders

In today’s volatile business landscape, leaders face relentless demands — from managing high-stakes decisions to fostering engagement in hybrid teams. While technical skills and strategic thinking are critical, research consistently shows that emotional intelligence (EQ) is the defining factor in leadership success.

A TalentSmart study found that EQ is responsible for 58% of job performance across industries and that 90% of top-performing leaders possess high emotional intelligence. Despite this, many leaders fail to develop or prioritize it.

Daniel Goleman, the psychologist who popularized the concept of emotional intelligence, identified four core components that influence leadership: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.

By strengthening the four key components of emotional intelligence — leaders can navigate challenges more effectively, improve team engagement, and drive organizational performance.

Let’s take a look at the four key components

1. Self-Awareness: The Foundation of Leadership Growth