Emotional Intelligence in Work

I still remember the moment everything shifted. A team member left a meeting quiet, frustrated — not because of the work, but because of how I handled the conversation. It wasn’t a performance issue. It was a leadership issue — and the problem was me. That’s when I realised: The most powerful leadership skill isn’t strategy, vision, or charisma. It’s emotional intelligence. To lead effectively, you must master four core dimensions of Emotional Intelligence: 1️⃣ Self-Awareness — understand yourself first Ask yourself daily: → What emotion drove my decisions today? → How did my behaviour impact others? 2️⃣ Self-Regulation — pause before you react →Leaders aren’t measured by how they perform when things are smooth — but how they respond when emotions spike. Breathe. Observe. Then speak. 3️⃣ Social Awareness — read the room → Pay attention to tone, body language, energy shifts, and silence. → Often, what’s unsaid tells you more than what’s spoken. 4️⃣ Relationship Management — lead through connection Great leaders build trust through consistent presence, empathy, and accountability. You don’t command commitment — you earn it. Mastering emotional intelligence doesn’t just make you a better leader. It makes you someone people want to follow — not because they have to, but because they trust you. Which one of these four EI dimensions will you focus on developing? ♻ Share this with your network if it resonates. ☝ And follow Stuart Andrews for more insights like this.

How to Build Resilience: The Ultimate Guide Resilience isn't born. It's built. I spent years studying why some people bounce back from challenges while others break. The answer isn't willpower—it's a system. Here's the framework that changed everything for me: Your resilience isn't one skill—it's six interconnected domains that work as a system. Vision powers everything: • Purpose • Smart Goals • Alignment Composure is your emotional foundation: • Emotional Intelligence • Control and Authority • Mindfulness Reasoning is your strategic edge: • Plan and Anticipate • Resourcefulness • Problem-solving Health is the domain most leaders neglect: • Exercise and Nutrition • Quality of sleep • Relaxation Tenacity separates the great from the merely good: • Realistic Optimism • Self-belief • Persistence Collaboration might seem optional, but isolation kills resilience: • Support networks • Good relationships • Trust and Teamwork The 6 methods that transformed my resilience: Goggins 40% Rule: When your mind tells you to stop, you've only reached 40% of your limit. Keep going. Cognitive Reframing: When faced with stress, consciously choose to see it as a challenge to overcome rather than a threat to avoid. Premeditation Malorum: Visualize and explore the worst-case scenario to reduce anxiety and stress around potential outcomes. McGonigal's Challenge Response: Transform stress into a powerful ally by consciously choosing to see it as a challenge. Stockdale Paradox: Acknowledge the severity of your situation without sugarcoating it, but maintain faith in your eventual success. The 5×5 Rule: If it won't matter in 5 years, don't spend more than 5 minutes being upset by it. ------------------------------------------------- Follow me Dan Murray-Serter 🧠 for more on habits and leadership. ♻️ Repost this if you think it can help someone in your network! 🖐️ P.S Join my newsletter The Science Of Success where I break down stories and studies of success to teach you how to turn it from probability to predictability here: https://lnkd.in/ecuRJtrr

Feeling stung by that recent job rejection? Here's a mindset shift that could help you in the search ahead: Reframe rejection not as a judgment of your capabilities, but as data to help you improve. This not only helps you learn; it builds your resilience.  Resilient people don't just "stay positive.” They have a process for bouncing back. When you receive a painful job rejection, try to:  1. Pause to process emotions instead of immediately reacting.  2. Gather objective information about what happened.  3. Use that intel to move forward thoughtfully.  This approach works because it shifts you from catastrophizing to problem-solving. Instead of spiraling into "I'm not good enough," you can ask, "What specifically can I improve for next time?" You may find a useful adjustment, or that opportunity just wasn’t the right one for you.  Remember that failure does not reflect your worth. It is evidence that you are brave enough to try. Want more research-backed insights on building resilience? Subscribe to my weekly newsletter—link in comments.

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 a “soft skill,” it's so much more than that. It's one of the keys to leading and living at your best. And in leadership, it's a superpower and the foundation for trust, resilience, and influence. Here are 7 practical ways to strengthen it every day: ✅ Pause before reacting. Create space between stimulus and response. ✅ Name your emotions. Label what you’re feeling — clarity drives control. ✅ Seek feedback. Ask, “How did I show up in that meeting?” and listen. ✅ Practice empathy. Try seeing the world through someone else’s lens. ✅ Notice triggers. Identify patterns that derail you and reframe them. ✅ Communicate with curiosity. Replace assumptions with questions. ✅ Reflect daily. End the day by asking, “What did I learn about myself today? Building emotional intelligence isn’t about being perfect or overthinking each decision. It's about being intentional and having greater self-awareness. Leaders who commit to this daily practice create cultures where people thrive. What’s one way you’re building your emotional intelligence this week?

I used to think leadership was all about expertise and results. But it’s not the whole story. Over the years, I’ve realised that the most impactful leaders focus on emotions – their own and everyone else’s. In my KPMG days, I learned this the hard way, and had to turn things around. And what I found is that: 👉 When I genuinely listened, people trusted me. 👉 When I stayed calm under pressure, so did my team. 👉 And when I showed I cared about my team, they worked harder. Many leaders think emotional intelligence is soft. But that’s because they find it quite hard. It can feel intangible, but it’s a set of skills anyone can develop. 1/ Self-awareness helps you understand your emotions and make better decisions. 2/ Self-regulation ensures you respond thoughtfully, not react impulsively. 3/ Empathy creates stronger connections and loyalty. 4/ Motivation keeps you and your teams driven by purpose, not just deadlines. 5/ And social skills tie it all together, turning relationships into results. This isn’t just theory – it’s real, tangible, and proven to work. If you’re not leaning into emotional intelligence, you’re leaving impact – and results – on the table. The document I’ve shared here distils these ideas into actionable tips inspired by Daniel Goleman’s work on emotional intelligence. 👉 Which of these five areas do you think is most overlooked in leadership today? Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear your take. __ ♻️ Like this? Share it with your network. The ripple effect starts with you. 🔔 And follow me (Mostyn Wilson) for more on career success.

Memoirs of a Gully Boys Episode 37: #EmotionalIntelligence – The Key to Meaningful Leadership Leadership isn’t just about strategy and execution; it’s about understanding, connecting with, and inspiring people. Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize and manage not only your emotions but also those of others. Over the years, I’ve learned that while technical skills can get you started, it’s emotional intelligence that keeps you ahead. Leading with Empathy During a critical system overhaul, one of my most skilled team members began missing deadlines and appearing disengaged. Instead of reprimanding him, I called for a private conversation. It turned out he was struggling with a personal issue that was affecting his focus. Rather than pushing harder, I offered him flexibility and reassigned some tasks to lighten his load. Within weeks, his performance rebounded, and his gratitude translated into renewed dedication to the project. Lesson 1: Empathy isn’t a weakness in leadership—it’s the strength that builds loyalty and trust. The Art of Active Listening In a client negotiation years ago, tensions were high due to differing expectations. The meeting began with both sides defensive and unwilling to compromise. Instead of countering every point, I focused on actively listening to their concerns without interrupting. Once they felt heard, their stance softened, and we found common ground to move forward. That day, I realized that listening is not just about hearing words—it’s about understanding emotions, intentions, and the bigger picture. Lesson 2: Active listening dissolves barriers and creates pathways for collaboration. Regulating Emotions in High-Stress Situations During a complex software migration, an unexpected system failure triggered panic among stakeholders. As the project lead, I felt the pressure mounting. However, instead of reacting impulsively, I paused, analyzed the situation, and communicated a clear action plan. Keeping emotions in check not only reassured the team but also set the tone for a calm and focused recovery effort. The project was back on track within days, and the team’s confidence grew as a result. Lesson 3: Emotional regulation isn’t about suppressing feelings—it’s about channeling them effectively to lead under pressure. The Power of Recognition Emotional intelligence also lies in recognizing and appreciating people’s contributions. During a grueling project, I made it a point to acknowledge every team member’s effort, no matter how small. The simple act of recognition boosted morale and created a sense of shared ownership. When the project was completed successfully, the celebration felt more collective than individual—a testament to the power of emotional intelligence in fostering unity. Lesson 4: Recognition fuels motivation and strengthens connections within teams. Closing Thoughts Emotional intelligence is the bridge between leadership and humanity. To be continued...

The tech industry has laid off over 124,000 workers in 2024 alone. That's not just a number - it's careers, families, and lives being impacted. As someone who's been in GTM roles for over a decade, here's what I've learned about staying resilient in turbulent times: → Impact is your best job security. Focus on initiatives that directly affect revenue, efficiency, or customer success. Document your wins and quantify your contributions. When budgets get tight and there is revenue pressure, people who drive measurable business outcomes are the last to go. → Your network is your safety net. Don't wait for tough times to build relationships. Connect authentically with peers, mentors, and industry leaders NOW and EVERYDAY. Share knowledge, offer help, participate in communities. The strongest opportunities often come through warm connections. That’s how I got the role at GTM Partners. → Stay ahead of the curve. The skills that got you here won't necessarily keep you here. Set aside dedicated time each week for learning. Whether it's AI, new GTM strategies, or emerging tools - be the person who brings fresh perspectives to your team. → Keep that growth mindset. Every challenge is an opportunity to evolve. I've seen colleagues turn layoffs into successful pivots, launching consultancies or finding roles that better align with their aspirations. Remember: Jobs come and go, but your skills, network, and reputation stay with you. Keep investing in yourself, regardless of how secure things feel. #layoffs #Career #Growth

“When you run after your thoughts, you are like a dog chasing a stick: every time a stick is thrown, you run after it. Instead, be like a lion who, rather than chasing after the stick, turns to face the thrower. One throws a stick at a lion only once” -Milarepa It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant barrage of thoughts, feelings, and emotions that can dictate daily life Mindfulness is a critical leadership skill. Being the ‘detached observer’ serves as a powerful tool to navigate the complexities of our inner experiences. Mindfulness means being present in the moment, cultivating awareness of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. By engaging in mindfulness, you can learn to manage your mental landscape more effectively, fostering a deeper understanding of yourself. This journey toward self-awareness empowers you to recognize patterns in your thinking and emotional responses, empowering you to respond to situations rather than react impulsively. Don’t be like a dog chasing a stick; it runs after every thought that comes to mind, often leading to exhaustion and confusion. Instead, by adopting the stance of a detached observer, you can choose which thoughts to engage with and which to let pass by. This perspective enables you to view your thoughts as clouds drifting through the sky—acknowledging their presence without feeling compelled to chase after them. By practicing the art of the detached observer’, you gain the ability to assess your thoughts critically. This not only helps avoid negative spirals but also cultivates a more positive mindset. You can consciously choose to focus on thoughts that uplift, rather than getting lost in the noise of anxiety or doubt. Incorporating mindfulness into your daily life will significantly enhance your emotional well-being. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking a moment to pause and reflect can ground you, providing clarity amidst chaos. As you learn to manage your thoughts and emotions, you pave the way for a more balanced and fulfilling life. By choosing your thoughts rather than chasing them, you will cultivate a peaceful mind, ultimately leading to greater emotional resilience and well-being. Have a wonderful weekend my friend :-)