Women Leaders Unlimited Podcast

26 : How your emotional intelligence influences your leadership

Juanita Badenhorst

How Your Emotional Intelligence Influences Your Leadership: The Key to Transformational Success

Today, we're exploring a topic that's crucial for anyone looking to elevate their leadership game: Emotional Intelligence, or EQ. As a transformational coach for women leaders, I've seen firsthand how mastering EQ can transform not just your professional life, but your personal life as well.

Emotional intelligence is often considered the number one predictor of success in various areas of life. It significantly influences your interactions with others and yourself. EQ is critical for success, often surpassing traditional intelligence (IQ) in many aspects. Emotions play a significant role in decision-making and behavior, and understanding and managing them can lead to positive outcomes.

Today, I want to share with you:

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Leadership

Find the full transcript for this episode and other resources for women leaders at womenleadersunlimited.com/26.



Juanita is a Professional and Personal Mentor for Women Leaders.

As a woman executive in a male-dominated industry, the challenges you face are unique and demanding. Balancing your role in a support function often seen as a hindrance to production can make each day an uphill battle. I understand these challenges because I’ve been there too.

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Are you ready to become a confident, resilient leader with the courage to face any obstacle? You don't have to navigate this journey alone. I specialize in coaching women leaders like you, helping you overcome barriers and achieve your highest potential while finding joy in the process. Through my personal journey, I discovered that true growth and success come from within.


For VIP support to unlimit yourself so that you can achieve your highest potential and feel joy in the process, apply for Juanita's VIP program bespoke for your specific needs here and she'll be in touch to invite you to a call.

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In just one session, we’ll work together to uncover practical solutions and strategies that empower you to move forward with clarit...

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Before we dive deeper, let's clarify what emotional intelligence is.

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and influence your own emotions and the emotions of others. It's composed of several key components:

Self-awareness: Understanding your own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, and drivers.

Self-regulation: Managing your emotions in healthy ways, particularly under stress or pressure.

Motivation: Harnessing emotions to pursue goals with energy and persistence.

Empathy: Recognizing and understanding the emotions of others.

Social skills: Managing relationships to move people in desired directions.

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Leadership

Emotional intelligence is a critical factor for leadership success. It can often exceed traditional intelligence (IQ) in determining your effectiveness as a leader. 

Here are some reasons why EQ is so vital:

Influence on Decision-Making

Emotions play a significant role in decision-making and behavior. When you understand and manage your emotions, you can make more rational, balanced decisions. This balance between emotion and reason is crucial for effective leadership.

Impact on Interpersonal Relationships

High EQ helps you build stronger relationships. Understanding your emotions and those of others allows you to communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts, and foster a collaborative work environment. This can lead to higher employee satisfaction and retention.

Enhancing Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is a critical aspect of emotional intelligence. Understanding your emotions, recognizing emotional triggers, and being mindful of your emotional responses are key steps towards developing higher EQ. This self-awareness enables you to lead with authenticity and integrity.

Promoting a Positive Work Environment

Leaders with high emotional intelligence create positive work environments. They are better equipped to handle stress, remain calm under pressure, and inspire their teams. This positivity can lead to increased productivity and morale.

The Benefits of High Emotional Intelligence

High performers typically have high EQ levels. Here are some benefits of improving your emotional intelligence:

Enhanced Job Performance

Studies have shown that individuals with high EQ tend to perform better in their jobs. They are more adaptable, resilient, and capable of managing stress effectively. This leads to better performance and higher productivity.

Better Leadership

Leaders with high EQ are more effective in managing their teams. They can inspire and motivate others, navigate conflicts, and create a positive work environment. This leads to higher team performance and satisfaction.

Improved Relationships

High EQ helps you build and maintain strong relationships. Whether it's with colleagues, clients, or personal connections, understanding and managing emotions leads to healthier, more productive relationships.

Greater Overall Well-Being

Emotional intelligence contributes to your overall well-being. By managing your emotions effectively, you can reduce stress, increase happiness, and achieve a better work-life balance.

Thank you for joining me on this episode of Women Leaders Unlimited. If you found this discussion helpful, please share it with your network and leave a review. Together, we can empower more women to break free from procrastination and achieve their career goals.

In the next episode I will give you a toolkit full of practical ways to enhance your EQ and transform your interactions.

Until next time, stay focused, stay motivated, and keep leading with confidence.