According to research by Harvard the number one skill required to be a great leader in an organization today is emotional intelligence (EI). This skill is now seen as critical for effective leadership.
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability of a leader to recognise, understand, manage, and influence emotions—both our own as leaders and those of whom we lead. It includes skills like empathy, self-awareness, self-regulation, our ability to motivate and to use our social skills.
Research shows new leaders with high emotional intelligence can build stronger relationships, and foster a positive work environment for the benefit of all.
The emphasis on emotional intelligence in coaching reflects the growing understanding that effective leadership is not just about technical skills or corporate knowledge but about managing relationships, fostering trust, and understanding the emotional landscape of the teams you lead and within the organisation as a whole.
