Emotional Intelligence for Modern Leaders | Podcast

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a cornerstone of effective leadership in today’s rapidly changing business environment. What is EQ and how does it shape teams and organizations? In this episode of Weaver: Beyond the Numbers, hosts Linc Ashby, chief talent officer, and Roshmi Dalal, director of executive and leadership coaching, explore the essential role of EQ and its influence on modern leadership.

Key Points:

• Emotional intelligence includes self-awareness, empathy and regulated responses, qualities that strengthen leadership effectiveness.
• Building self-awareness into daily routines enhances leaders’ EQ, supporting a more grounded and resilient presence.
• EQ enables leaders to handle difficult conversations productively, fostering understanding and empathy.

Linc opens the conversation with social psychologist Timothy Clark’s framing of emotional intelligence as the ability to effectively interact with human beings. Together, the hosts examine how today’s climate of rapid change underscores the need for emotional intelligence. Leaders who cultivate EQ are better able to stay grounded, connect authentically with their teams and guide organizations through challenges with empathy and resilience, enhancing interactions and organizational outcomes.

Throughout their discussion, Linc and Roshmi outline practical ways leaders can boost self-awareness, such as recognizing and naming emotions in difficult moments, engaging in long-term practices like journaling and seeking constructive feedback. These approaches help leaders understand their impact and perceptions across different stakeholders.

Roshmi underscores that emotional intelligence, especially empathy, is not about being soft but about approaching conversations with a positive, open and compassionate mindset. “You can immediately sense the energy, emotion and attitude of someone who comes into a conversation with a lot of judgment versus a lot of empathy,” she notes, highlighting the transformative power of empathetic leadership.

By integrating emotional intelligence into their leadership approach, leaders can nurture stronger connections, inspire trust and drive meaningful results across their organizations.

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