Emotional Intelligence (EQ) or (EI) – is a phrase introduced by two researchers: 1) Peter Salovey and 2) John Mayer – and promoted by Dan Goleman in 1996 through his book.

Goleman defines Emotional Intelligence as “the capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others for motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and in our relationships”.

He also defined the five main elements of emotional intelligence:

Self-awareness. Self-regulation. Motivation. Empathy. Social skills.

How well leaders will succeed in managing this 5 areаs, that much higher is their emotional intelligence.

What does it mean to be “emotionally intelligent” as a leader?



In order to get the right answer, we should be looking how the best leaders use emotional intelligence to think and act effectively.

Emotional intelligence is more than the usage of empathy, effective leaders also possess interpersonal skills, awareness of their impact on others and awareness of their own feelings.

Self-regulation refers to having a minimum level of emotional intelligence and channeling it properly.

In addition, emotional intelligence alone does not guarantee good leadership.

Emotionally intelligent leaders can be manipulative just as they can be highly principled. It is also not the only way that an effective leader needs to be “intelligent”.

In a study conducted by Er. Vipin Mittal & Dr. Ekta Sindhu, in a span of 4 years were observed and interviewed a number of highly effective senior managers and executives in prominent Fortune 500 companies, federal agencies, nonprofits and the military. The study had a goal to identify the most effective leaders and what makes them different from the average.

The conclusions from this study were the following:

1. Effective leaders are aware of their impact on others.

2.Effective leaders use empathy.

3.Effective leaders are astute judges of people without being judgmental.

4. Effective leaders are passionate about what they do and show it.

5. Effective leaders balance feeling and logic in making decisions.

6. Effective leaders are excellent communicators.

7. Effective leaders create personal connections with their people.

8. Effective leaders temper drive for results with sensitivity to others.

How is this concept important for managers and growing businesses and why is this word one of the most trending words in the corporate world nowadays?

Getting closer to your employees and clients nowadays could be the real key to achieving long-term success.

Some of the most important aspects of emotional intelligence for leaders to make effective decisions are self-awareness, self-confidence, self-control, commitment and integrity. They have the ability to listen, communicate, influence and accept change. They are visible and approachable.

Leaders take the time to engage employees. They are good at recognizing and applying the diverse talents of everyone in the organization. Effective leaders are in touch with the pulse of the organization and where the “hot buttons” are.

Managers who do not develop emotional intelligence have difficulty in building good relationships with peers, subordinates, superiors and clients. (Goleman).

The key to effectiveness is a balance: a strong mix of cognitive capacity (logical, conceptual and creative thinking), people skills (interpersonal astuteness, influence skills, and communication skills), and the wisdom borne of experience and having to make unprecedented decisions based on a strong set of personal values and personal integrity. Taken together, this is what makes for effective leadership.