Gone are the days when leadership was defined solely by authority and decision-making. Today’s most successful leaders possess a skill that’s harder to measure but infinitely more impactful: emotional intelligence (EQ). This ability to understand, manage, and connect with emotions is what sets truly great leaders apart.

Central to EQ is empathy: being attuned to others’ feelings and reacting with compassion and insight. High-EQ leaders shine in strengthening bonds, calming tensions, and promoting cohesion among their teams. Feeling acknowledged and appreciated makes employees more committed, driven, and efficient.

EQ involves not only empathy for others but also a deep understanding of oneself. Leaders with high EQ have a clear grasp of their abilities, limitations, and emotional responses. It enables them to navigate stress, maintain poise in high-pressure moments, and make deliberate decisions. In a world where complexity and people skills are paramount, EQ has become the cornerstone leadership styles of impactful leadership.