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Continuing to Develop Emotional Intelligence (EI) Matters More Than Ever

A recent study found 71% of hiring managers report prioritizing Emotional Intelligence (EI) over other traditionally sourced skills. Leaders with high EI excel in decision-making, conflict resolution, and engagement—driving organizational growth.


In our fast-paced, interconnected world—where communication flows across platforms, devices, and levels of intimacy—emotional intelligence (EI) has never been more vital. Employees at all levels are expected to interpret messages, express their perspectives clearly, collaborate effectively, manage personal and transferred stress, and demonstrate empathy. These skills directly influence individual performance and organizational success. EI is a multifaceted, adaptive trait that when nurtured and developed allows individuals and organizations to become more adaptive, innovative, and resilient in facing change and challenges.


Pioneered by Daniel Goldman and researchers Mayer and Salovey, EI is defined as the ability to identify, understand, and manage your own emotions and influence others’ during interactions. After nearly 20 years of research, it has come to encompass self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and traits like optimism and assertiveness—key drivers of leadership, relationship building, and team cohesion. Observable EI behaviors—like active listening and demonstrating empathy—are strongly correlated with higher performance (Uhrich et al., 2021).


How do you know if you need to develop your emotional intelligence? 


Common signs include difficulty managing stress, challenges in building strong relationships, conflicts that recurrently occur, or feeling overwhelmed by others’ emotions. If you find it hard to stay calm under pressure or struggle to understand why others react the way they do, these could be indicators that strengthening your EI can make a significant difference. Ask yourself some quick questions:

  • How well do I understand my emotions in real time?

  • Can I regulate negative feelings quickly?

  • Am I motivated when facing new challenges?

  • Do I recognize others’ feelings and tailor my communication?

  • Do I build meaningful relationships that leave others feeling heard and understood?


The good news: EI can be learned and strengthened through targeted training, coaching, and consistent practice. Investing in your EI isn’t just personal growth—it’s a strategic move that elevates leadership, collaboration, and resilience.


Investing in developing EI isn’t just a personal growth strategy; it’s a proven approach to elevating organizational performance. Are you leveraging EI to unlock your full potential?




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