Cultivating Emotional Intelligence

Do you ever feel a disconnect in a conversation? That's a signal to try practising emotional intelligence. Before arriving in India, I’d been working closely with a team of German colleagues. We were always direct and transparent with each other. Soon after joining a fast-growing mobile apps company in Delhi, I was discussing possible marketing activities with a colleague. The conversation proceeded along these lines: ‘’How about we organize a customer round table?’’ ‘’It might be difficult.’’ ‘’What do we need to do to make it work?’’ ‘’There’s quite a lot to consider…’’ ’’Is there a budget issue?’’ ‘’It's not that we wouldn't be able to get sign off…’’ It proceeded along these lines for 10 minutes (at least it felt like that). I was asking questions and receiving what I felt were vague, non-committal answers. I was beginning to feel a little frustrated. What precisely was I not grasping? And then, it clicked. ⚡💡 ‘’You think this is a bad idea!?’’ ‘’It’s not that it’s a bad idea….’’ I laughed. Clearly, my new colleague thought it was a bad idea - at least at this stage in the company’s growth. ‘’I need your guidance. If you think it’s a bad idea, can you tell me?’’ We worked closely together for over 7 years. If I hadn’t paused and wondered what was really going on there, I might have allowed my frustration to escalate. It was a lesson in emotionally intelligent self-leadership. But it was also a sharp reminder that though I logically understood cultural differences, I wasn’t tuning in and practicing that awareness in that moment. When I chose to pause, I was able to derive the wisdom from the emotion. If you want to improve your leadership, practice emotional intelligence. 🧠 ❤️ That means taking a pause and asking: 🔦 What is the data in the emotion you are feeling? 🔦 How is it trying to guide you to make better decisions? It only takes 6 Seconds to tune into your emotions and know what you’re feeling. And then you need to do the necessary work of pausing and deciding how best to show up in that situation. Emotional intelligence means being smarter with your feelings. 6th June is Emotional Intelligence Day. How will you use the data in your emotions to make smarter decisions? (Preferably not just today, but every day.) The colleague was Monisha Sahu, a wise, strategic marketer with a fantastic track record of high impact marketing - and a leader with significantly stronger emotional intelligence skills than me. 🙏🏻 #eqleadership #emotionalwisdom #emotionalintelligence #sixseconds #sixsecondsmeai Jayne Morrison Lize Rech  

The conversation that changed how I think about emotions wasn't the one I expected. Someone asked me when I last felt my feelings instead of just managing them. I couldn't answer. Because somewhere along the way, I'd gotten so good at staying composed that I forgot to actually feel. Maybe you can relate. The constant push to be the steady leader. To have answers. To keep the team moving forward no matter what. But here's what I've discovered: Real emotional intelligence isn't just about controlling emotions. It's about understanding them first. Controlling your responses. And helping others do the same. Here are 8 ways to build real emotional intelligence: 1. Notice your patterns Track what triggers you during high-stakes moments. When do you feel energized? Depleted? Reactive? Understanding your patterns helps you lead better. 2. Name what you're feeling Replace "I'm fine" with what's actually true. Are you frustrated? Excited? Overwhelmed? Clarity starts with honest labeling. 3. Build in buffer time When tensions rise, count to six before responding. Those six seconds can transform a reaction into a thoughtful response. 4. Protect your energy Schedule tough conversations when you're at your best. Leading through conflict takes more bandwidth than most leaders realize. 5. Listen without solving This is the hardest for me and something I work on every day... Sometimes your team just needs to be heard. Let them share fully before offering solutions. Trust builds in these moments. 6. Read the room Watch for what's not being said in meetings. Crossed arms, silence, sudden energy shifts… these signals matter as much as words. 7. Ask questions that matter "What do you need from me?" beats assumptions. "Help me understand your perspective" opens doors. Real leadership happens in these exchanges. 8. Think beyond your view Before big decisions, consider the ripple effects. How will this land with your team? Your clients? Great leaders think in circles, not straight lines. The truth about emotional intelligence? It's not about being less human. It's about being more connected. Because when leaders understand their own emotions, they create cultures where others can thrive. And that's how you build something extraordinary. 📌 Save this for when emotions run high. ♻️ Repost if this resonates with your leadership journey. 👉 Follow Desiree Gruber for more insights on storytelling, leadership, and brand building.

Emotional intelligence isn’t just about understanding yourself, it’s about how you help others rise and become leaders. In the workplace, leaders who use emotional intelligence with intention create a vibrant culture where people feel seen, supported, and motivated. Here are 7 easy ways to practice EQ daily and lift others up: ✅Listen fully: put away distractions and give someone your undivided attention. Presence is power. ✅Acknowledge emotions: name what you notice. Here's an example: “I can tell this is frustrating; let’s talk through it.” ✅Offer encouragement: a small word of belief at the right moment can change the trajectory of someone’s day. ✅Show curiosity: ask thoughtful questions that invite input, ideas, and perspectives. ✅Give credit generously: spotlight the contributions of others in front of peers and leaders. ✅Practice empathy in action: adjust workloads, extend flexibility, or simply check in when stress is high. ✅Lead with optimism: model resilience by framing challenges as opportunities to grow together. When leaders commit to these simple behaviors, it has a ripple effect on the culture of the entire organization. Trust deepens, morale lifts, and culture thrives. What’s one emotionally intelligent action you can take today to build a culture where people love to work?

We often glorify leadership as the art of inspiring others, but we rarely talk about the skill of being led well. Yet the two are inseparable. In teams with high 🧠 psychological safety, leaders create the space for candor, dissent, and vulnerability but it’s the followers who decide what to do with it. Do they step in with honesty or retreat into silence? Do they use that safety to challenge ideas constructively? Amy Edmondson’s research shows that psychological safety correlates not just with leader behavior but with reciprocal trust. It’s a two-way street. When you’re giving safety (listening, inviting, protecting risk-taking), you also need to take it: - to allow others to challenge you, - to let feedback land without defense, - to own your part in the dynamic. In my work with teams and leaders, I’ve seen them thrive only when both sides understood that psychological safety is a shared practice, not some sort of a perk. Because at its core, it is about courage with mutual responsibility. Reflection: 💭If you’re a leader, ask yourself: Do I model openness in both directions? 💭If you’re a team member, ask: When safety is offered, do I take it? Because leadership and followership are not opposite roles. They’re two forms of participation in the same trust system.

Earlier this week, I opened a leadership meeting with a reflection I shared with our senior team: Be aware of your leadership shadow. It’s accurate to think leadership is about what we intentionally do — the strategic decisions, the emails we send, the meetings we lead. But just as powerful is what we unintentionally communicate through our presence (or absence), our words (or silence), and how we spend our time. I asked our leaders to consider: - What are you writing — and what messages does that send? - What are you saying — or not saying — in key moments? - What are you doing — or avoiding doing — that others notice? - What does your calendar say about your priorities? Your shadow as a leader is always being cast — whether you’re aware of it or not. While no leader is perfect, the opportunity for all leaders is to become more self-aware and make that shadow a reflection of the values, culture, and direction you want to model. What does your leadership shadow look like today? #Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #Culture

Emotional Intelligence is not just a buzz word! Imagine this: A room full of people – laptops open, notes scribbled, ideas exchanged – the energy high, and then… one moment changes it all. A senior executive, proficient in the art of data and numbers, asks a simple question to a junior. He hesitates, stammers, and finally answers, visibly nervous. Senior doesn't flinch, but calmly, almost empathetically, nods, acknowledges his answer, and tunes into his perspective. The air clears, the conversation flows, and in that moment, everyone in the room realizes – this isn’t just a boss. This is a leader who listens. That’s emotional intelligence. Recently, an old Steve Jobs video is going viral where he takes a moment to pause, and then answer a question he was asked by a student. A good emotionally sound leader is not impulsive to jump and show off his or her skills. They know the responsibility they carry for being the leader. Not the textbook kind, but the rare kind that makes people feel safe, understood, valued. As leaders, it's easy to focus on KPIs, forecasts, and the next big challenge. But are we, as leaders, aware of the intangible metrics? Do our team members feel heard? Do they feel comfortable sharing a new idea or challenging an existing one? Do they feel they can fail without fear? I often joke around my team that the only person that can make their life difficult has to be me, if it is a client, they should escalate it to me. Real emotional intelligence isn’t just knowing what others feel – it’s about being proactive in responding to it. When a leader steps into a room, they don’t just read the energy; they shape it. It is not about how you perceive people and professionals around you, but how you think and conduct yourself too. They cultivate an environment where people bring their whole selves, where they don't just work but thrive. One small example I like: Google’s Project Aristotle. It found that the most successful teams weren’t the ones with the highest IQs, but those with leaders who showed empathy and cultivated psychological safety. In an era that’s moving at lightning speed, where remote and hybrid work blur the lines, emotional intelligence becomes a superpower. Because when a leader can manage their own emotions, understand their team's, and respond with empathy – that’s when true innovation, loyalty, and growth happen. Trust me I have been around so many leaders and the one thing they have taught me is that leadership isn't just about leading – it’s about lifting. It is about making others comfortable, confident and courageous. #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #TeamEmpowerment

🔹 The Nine Pillars of Emotionally Intelligent Leadership 🔹 Great leadership isn’t just about decisions and strategy. It’s about people. Emotional intelligence (EI) helps leaders stay calm under pressure, build trust, and lead with empathy, especially when things get tough. It’s not optional anymore. It’s essential. Here are 9 core skills every emotionally intelligent leader needs: 1️⃣ Self-Awareness Recognise how your emotions influence your decisions and tone. Growth starts with self-knowledge. 2️⃣ Self-Regulation Strong emotions aren’t the problem. Reacting without control is. Pause. Breathe. Respond wisely. 3️⃣ Motivation Bring your own energy. Lead with purpose. Inspire others by staying connected to your "why." 4️⃣ Empathy Understand what others feel, not just what they say. Empathy turns tension into trust. 5️⃣ Social Skills Build relationships. Handle the hard conversations. Bring people together, even in conflict. 6️⃣ Adaptability Plans change. Agility isn’t just about tech—it’s how you respond when the unexpected hits. 7️⃣ Conflict Management Address issues early. Stay focused on solutions, not blame. Use tension to build stronger teams. 8️⃣ Trustworthiness Be someone others can count on. Say what you mean. Do what you say. Own your mistakes. 9️⃣ Positive Influence Lift the room. Lead with optimism, even when it’s hard. Show people what’s possible. 💡 These skills don’t work in silos—they amplify each other. Work on one, and you strengthen them all. 🧭 Emotional intelligence isn’t about being “nice.” It’s about being aware, honest, and human. When it’s present in leadership, everything gets better—engagement, trust, performance, innovation. 🔗 Full blog post here: https://lnkd.in/evvBMhEZ Which of these pillars do you lean on most, and which one do you want to build next? 📌 #EmotionalIntelligence #Leadership #Culture #TeamDevelopment #HumanLeadership

Project Success Powered by People: Integrating Emotional Intelligence (EI) into Your Workflow Project managers, let's talk heart-centered leadership! We all know the importance of processes and keeping projects on track. But what about the fuel that drives high-performing teams? Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the secret weapon for project success. It's more than just attending a workshop. EI thrives on practice! Instead of a one-time training, let's integrate EI development into the daily grind. Here's how: Real-time Challenges, Real-time Learning: Faced with a communication hurdle or a team conflict? Don't just find a solution. Turn it into a teachable moment! Discuss the situation and encourage team members to identify how EI principles could have helped navigate it better. Learning Lab, Not Lecture Hall: Let's move away from a top-down approach. These discussions become a learning lab where everyone contributes and strengthens their emotional intelligence muscles. ️♀️ From Theory to Action: By applying EI in real-world scenarios, we reinforce practical skills for long-term success. The more we use it, the stronger our EQ becomes. This is how we build a team that thrives under pressure and delivers exceptional results. Remember, project management isn't just about tasks and deadlines. It's about people. By prioritizing emotional intelligence, we create a positive, productive work environment where everyone feels valued and supported. This is where true project magic happens. ✨ Want to discuss how to integrate EI into your project workflow? I'm a Project Management Consultant passionate about people-centered project success. Let's chat! #projectmanagement #emotionalintellegence #management #leadership #motivation #consulting #consultants #technology

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘄𝗲'𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲? 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻. The hidden power of emotional nuance in cross-cultural communication. 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗱? Here's a revelation that might surprise you: Even if everyone in your office is speaking English (or another language), we're not always speaking the same language. 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻: I recently worked with a client who took an assessment in English. Her English was excellent, but when she retook it in her native German? The results were like night and day. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: 1. 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗩𝗮𝗿𝘆 • Anger, fear, happiness - their meanings differ across cultures • These subtleties shape our communication 2. 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 • Even fluent English speakers may interpret differently • Native language often carries deeper emotional resonance 3. 𝗡𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 • Body language and tone can speak volumes • These too can have cultural variations 4. 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗞𝗲𝘆 • Don't assume shared understanding • Take time to confirm meanings 5. 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 • Leaders: Adjust your style for your team • Team members: "Manage up" by adapting to leadership styles 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆? Cultural Intelligence (CQ) isn't just nice to have It's a superpower in global leadership. So next time you're in a cross-cultural conversation, remember: You might be speaking the same words, but are you speaking the same language? Have you ever experienced a "lost in translation" moment? Let's take the time to discover the hidden language within our shared language. 𝗣.𝗦. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱? 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀-𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴.