By Nicole Nadeau, CEO of Launch 360
In today’s volatile and fast-paced business environment, leaders are expected to do more than deliver results—they must motivate teams, navigate change, resolve conflict, and build trust across diverse groups. The distinguishing factor between good leaders and truly exceptional ones often comes down to emotional intelligence (EI or EQ).
As the CEO of Launch 360, a platform for 360-degree leadership assessments, I work with leaders and organizations to strengthen the competencies that drive long-term success. One of the most essential—and often underestimated—of these competencies is emotional intelligence. It’s not a “nice to have.” It’s a strategic imperative.
What Is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions—and to recognize, understand, and influence the emotions of others.
The concept was popularized in the 1990s by Daniel Goleman, a psychologist, science journalist, and author of the groundbreaking book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ (1995). Goleman’s research helped bring the idea of EI from academic theory into mainstream business leadership. In his model, emotional intelligence comprises five key components:
-
Self-Awareness – Recognizing your own emotions and how they affect your thoughts and behavior.
-
Self-Regulation – Managing emotional responses and staying in control.
-
Motivation – Being driven to achieve for reasons beyond external rewards.
-
Empathy – Understanding the emotional makeup of other people.
-
Social Skills – Building relationships, managing conflict, and leading with influence.
Goleman argued that while IQ and technical skills matter, they are merely threshold capabilities. What truly sets high-performing leaders apart is emotional intelligence. Research continues to confirm this: Goleman found that nearly 90% of the difference between star performers and average performers at the senior leadership level is attributable to emotional intelligence.
Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Business
Emotionally intelligent leaders are more likely to:
-
Make sound decisions, even under stress
-
Inspire loyalty and engagement
-
Build inclusive, collaborative teams
-
Resolve conflict with grace and fairness
-
Adapt more easily to change
In contrast, leaders low in emotional intelligence may struggle with miscommunication, micromanagement, reactivity, or a lack of trust—leading to disengagement, higher turnover, and poor morale. A toxic work environment is often a direct reflection of low EI in those at the top.
In fact, research from TalentSmart reveals that 90% of top performers have high emotional intelligence, and organizations led by emotionally intelligent leaders are more profitable, innovative, and resilient.
Emotional Intelligence Is Teachable
One of the most powerful things about emotional intelligence is that it’s not fixed. While some people may naturally have higher EQ, it can absolutely be developed through intentional practice, coaching, and feedback.
At Launch 360, we help leaders build EI by providing honest, structured feedback through multi-rater assessments. These insights serve as a mirror—highlighting strengths, blind spots, and opportunities for growth.
Practical Ways to Build Emotional Intelligence
Here are a few proven methods and exercises inspired by Goleman’s framework and our work with leaders:
1. Emotion Journaling
Builds: Self-Awareness
Each day, write down:
-
What emotions did I experience today?
-
What triggered them?
-
How did I respond?
Over time, you’ll notice patterns and gain insight into how emotions influence behavior.
2. The Name-and-Tame Technique
Builds: Self-Regulation
In the heat of the moment, pause and name the emotion you’re feeling: “I’m feeling frustrated.”
This activates the prefrontal cortex and helps reduce emotional intensity—a technique supported by neuroscientific research.
3. Empathy Walks
Builds: Empathy
Put yourself in someone else’s shoes. After a challenging conversation, ask:
-
What might they have been thinking or feeling?
-
What might be driving their behavior?
This strengthens emotional perspective-taking—an essential skill for inclusive leadership.
4. Ask for Feedback
Builds: Social Awareness
Use simple, open questions like:
-
“What’s one thing I do well as a teammate?”
-
“What’s one area I could improve in our interactions?”
This creates a feedback-rich environment and improves your relational intelligence.
5. Active Listening Challenge
Builds: Social Skills
In your next meeting or conversation:
-
Avoid interrupting.
-
Repeat back what you heard before replying.
-
Focus on body language and tone.
True listening increases connection and minimizes misunderstanding.
Final Thoughts: Leadership for a Human-Centered Workplace
Daniel Goleman’s work helped redefine what effective leadership looks like in the modern world. Emotional intelligence is no longer a “soft” skill—it’s the foundation of adaptive, people-centered leadership.
The leaders who thrive in today’s environment aren’t just strategic thinkers—they are emotionally attuned, self-aware, and empathetic communicators. They understand that leadership is about more than results; it’s about influence, connection, and trust.
If your organization is ready to build these capabilities at scale, we’d love to help. Our 360-degree leadership assessments measure emotional intelligence and other critical competencies to drive growth from the inside out.
