In today’s high-pressure business environment, leaders don’t just manage strategy—they shape culture, morale, and performance through their very presence. Every interaction, every reaction, sends a signal. The question is: Are you fueling resilience or feeding anxiety? And, can you tell the difference?
I recently worked with two leaders who left vastly different emotional imprints. One remained composed, even in the most intense crises. He openly shared his concerns, sought input, and engaged with intention. His steady leadership fostered confidence, kept his team solutions-focused, and ensured people walked away from his meetings motivated and clear-headed—even in times of uncertainty.
The other, though equally skilled, radiated stress. His clipped tone, tense body language, and relentless focus on the bottom line created an atmosphere of apprehension and low-grade fear. Every decision was second-guessed, every comment scrutinized, and tension ran high. His team mirrored that tension—hesitant, reactive, and ultimately burned out. Productivity fell, innovation stalled, and turnover spiked.
Both CEOs wanted the same thing: the best for their organizations. But their behaviors differed because their Emotional Intelligence (EI) differed. EI isn’t a “soft skill”—it’s a leadership imperative. Emotional regulation directly impacts decision-making, collaboration, and business outcomes. Whether in boardrooms, crisis moments, or everyday interactions, a leader’s ability to stay composed and intentional is critical.
Your Emotions Are Contagious
Research confirms that we have “mirror neurons” that unconsciously absorb and reflect the emotions of those around us—especially those in power. Positivity fuels cooperation, resilience, and innovation, while negativity breeds stress, disengagement, and fear-based decision-making. In a volatile world, leaders must be hyper-aware of the emotional tone they set.
My Top Tips on How to Lead with Emotional Intelligence
- Develop an Early Warning System. Tension and uncertainty are inevitable. The key is to recognize them before they spiral. Personally, I notice a sudden tightness in my stomach or hands when negativity starts creeping in—that’s my cue to slow down and assess the situation. Identifying your own early warning signs allows you to adjust before emotions take over.
- Read the Room. What do people need to ease the tension? How can you help rather than amplify stress? Become an expert at reading verbal and nonverbal cues. Noticing subtle shifts in tone, body language, or pace enables you to recalibrate in real time. This is listening to learn, and it gets easier with practice.
- Regulate Your Response. Your reaction sets the emotional tone for the team. Take a beat, steady your tone, and model composure. Recognizing the emotional “wake” you leave behind requires self-awareness and humility, it’s not about your intentions but your actual impact. The best leaders understand their own emotional triggers and manage them effectively.
- Create a Positive Ripple Effect. Just as negativity spreads, so does optimism. In challenging times, teams look to leaders for reassurance and inspiration. That means clear communication, constructive feedback, and emotional steadiness that fosters trust and engagement.
Leadership isn’t just about strategy and execution; it’s also about presence. Set the right tone, because emotions are contagious, and your team is taking cues from you.
As always, let me know your thoughts, and if you want to talk about the ways we can work together, please reach out!
Best,
