October 30, 2025 | Lynn Reed Insights
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
IQ gets you hired; EQ gets you promoted.
The quote is attributed to psychologist Daniel Goleman, who wrote in his book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, that “IQ gets you hired; EQ gets you promoted”. While IQ helps secure a job, EQ drives career growth by enabling leaders to manage emotions, build strong relationships, and influence others effectively.
For example, a client engaged us to coach a high-potential senior manager at a global investment bank. Despite excellent technical skills and motivation, the individual needed to enhance executive presence, relationship-building, communication, and flexibility.
Using the EQi-2.0 model for self-assessment and 360 feedback, we identified growth areas including Emotional Expression, Assertiveness, Interpersonal Relationships, Empathy, and Flexibility. Through structured coaching and applied strategies, the manager demonstrated measurable improvements within weeks.
Emotional intelligence helps leaders communicate effectively, build trust, and strengthen team performance. Unlike IQ, which is relatively fixed, EQ can be developed, making it a powerful tool for leadership success.
What Is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence is not cognitive intelligence (IQ), skills assessment, achievement, vocational interest, personality or being “emotional” or “too nice.” Emotional intelligence is a collection of components comprising our emotional and social functioning and general psychological well-being; it relates to potential for performance—not performance itself.
The Five Key Components of Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is a revolutionary, paradigm-shattering idea.
Psychologist Daniel Goleman popularized EI in his 1995 bestseller Emotional Intelligence. However, Dr. Reuven Bar-On first introduced the concept in 1982, emphasizing psychological well-being and positive psychology. His model forms the basis of EQ-i 2.0, widely used in leadership development.
The EQi-2.0 model is made up of 5 Composites:
- Self-Perception
- Self-Expression
- Interpersonal
- Decision Making
- Stress Management
Each Composite contains three Elements, with a 16th Element, Well-being (“Happiness”), encompassing the entire model. Developing these skills enhances leadership capabilities, from influencing others to making strategic decisions and maintaining positive workplace dynamics.
How EQ Differs from IQ in Leadership
Leadership positions require more than technical skills. High EQ helps you build strong relationships, communicate effectively, set a positive example, and navigate complex social dynamics. IQ and EQ are complementary; both are important for overall success.
Why Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Matters
How can I be empathetic when I really don’t care?
Some leaders question the value of “soft skills,” believing hard skills like technical expertise are more critical. While technical abilities are important, emotional intelligence determines leadership effectiveness.
Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills: Understanding EQ’s Value
Hard skills often refer to problem-solving, product knowledge, analytical skills, and technical expertise—important for getting a job. Soft skills, including communication, influence, relationship-building, and conflict resolution, are key aspects of Emotional Intelligence.
The Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Team Performance
An illustrative exercise in our leadership programs involves identifying the traits of the best leaders our program participants have worked with. Initially, traits like “strong communicator” or “supports collaboration” are listed. Later, after learning the EQ model, 85–90% of these traits fall under Emotional Intelligence, highlighting its crucial role.
Key Impacts of EI in Leadership:
- Employee engagement and motivation
- Team collaboration and cohesion
- Decision-making under pressure
- Retention and organizational culture
Real-World Impacts of Emotionally Intelligent Leadership
The public figures that have consistently demonstrated high levels of EQ include Jamie Dimon (CEO of JPMorgan), Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher, Martin Luther King, Jr., Mary Barra, Winston Churchill, etc. They all led with executive presence, were passionate, and resilient.
Our programs on Emotional Intelligence focus on developing a thorough understanding of the elements of EQ, how they relate to the workplace and life, the diagnostic assessment output, and how to make key elements (identified by each participant) more present in their life. Programs are available in-person, virtually, or via executive coaching.
How Leaders Can Build Emotional Intelligence
- Practice active listening – focus fully on the speaker and respond thoughtfully.
- Seek 360° feedback – gain insights from colleagues, peers, and supervisors.
- Reflect before reacting – develop self-awareness in high-pressure situations.
- Build empathy through curiosity – understand others’ perspectives.
- Model calm under stress – demonstrate composure and resilience.
Trained by one of the leading experts in the field, Lynn Reed has delivered this program for over 15 years in over 20+ countries around the world with great success.
The Big-3 EQ Elements for Effective Leadership
The “Big-3” EQi-2.0 elements for leadership success:
- Self-Regard
- Self-Actualization
- Optimism
Adding Interpersonal Relationships to the mix boosts overall well-being. Clients work individually and in teams, developing tailored strategies based on our coaching and applications from our workbook to strengthen EQ. Program satisfaction averages 9.0/10.
Trained by one of the leading experts in the field, Lynn Reed has delivered this program for over 15 years in 20+ countries with great success.
Why Developing Emotional Intelligence Is a Strategic Advantage
Emotional intelligence is not just a “soft skill”—it’s a strategic advantage. Leaders with high EQ communicate effectively, build trust, and create high-performing teams.
While some may dismiss EQ as “soft,” it provides critical advantages for emotional well-being and professional success. Ready to strengthen emotional intelligence across your leadership team? Contact Lynn Reed Associates to explore our tailored leadership coaching and development programs.