Have you ever had a boss or colleague who had low emotional intelligence (EQ)? How high is your EQ? Has it changed over time? What have you done to develop your EQ?
In a world increasingly dominated by technology, there’s been a lot of talk about how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and job roles.
💡 Recently, I attended a session by an AI expert who made a compelling point: while AI can replicate many cognitive abilities—essentially replacing what we often think of as IQ—it can never replace emotional intelligence (EQ). This got me thinking about the critical role that EQ plays in leadership and why it remains irreplaceable in the age of AI.
As an EQ-certified coach, I’ve seen firsthand how emotional intelligence can transform leaders. One of my women in tech clients had a low empathy score on the EQi-2.0 assessment before she started working with me. After she focused on active listening, asking more questions, and practicing putting herself in someone else’s shoes, she was able to significantly grow her empathy, which made her a more effective leader 😍
Back in 2020, I took an EQ assessment as part of my certification. At the time, I was going through a painful divorce, and my scores were reflective of the emotional turmoil I was experiencing. There are 15 EQ competencies. My self-regard, stress tolerance, and independences were all alarmingly low 😢
🚨 But here’s the thing: EQ isn’t a static measure. It’s a snapshot of where you are in your emotional journey. With the right strategies, it can be developed and enhanced over time.
So, why is EQ so vital for leaders? Unlike IQ, which is relatively fixed, EQ can be cultivated. With higher EQ, you are better equipped to handle stress, make decisions under pressure, and build strong, authentic relationships with your team.
You can empathize with others, manage your own emotions effectively, and navigate the complexities of human interactions—skills that are invaluable in leadership roles ⏩
In fact, EQ is often the differentiator between good leaders and great ones. It’s what allows you to inspire trust, motivate your team, and create a positive, productive work environment. And the good news? You can boost your EQ with intentional practice.
Check out my tips to get started:
🪞 Increase self-awareness: regularly check in with your emotions. Understand what triggers certain feelings and how they affect your behavior.
❤️ Practice empathy: put yourself in others’ shoes. Listen actively and acknowledge their perspectives, even if you don’t agree with them.
🧘🏽 Manage stress: develop coping strategies for stress. Whether it’s deep breathing, exercise, or journaling, find what works for you to maintain your composure in challenging situations.
👯 Enhance interpersonal skills: focus on clear and compassionate communication. Build stronger relationships by being open, honest, and respectful.
📄 Take the EQ-i 2.0 assessment: consider taking the EQ-i 2.0 assessment with me or another EQ-certified coach. This assessment provides actionable insights and strategies to help you grow your EQ and leverage it in your leadership journey. My clients love the clarity, self-awareness and confidence they get from seeing their EQ broken down on paper.
If you’re ready to take your emotional intelligence to the next level, I invite you to join my 🍂 Autumn Confidence Bootcamp starting September 23 at 6pm PST via Zoom. In this 6-week program, you’ll not only boost your EQ but also learn how to apply it to accelerate your success in leadership and beyond. Sign up today and transform the way you lead!
“SAVE MY SEAT” for my Autumn Confidence Bootcamp.
Lots of love,
-Anna
