Emotions in business?

Taboo, until a few years ago.

Remember the days when "leave your feelings at the door" was the unwritten rule of business? Those days are long gone.

Here's the deal:

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is not just a fad.

It's the game-changer for leaders.

When I look back on my own life, I realize:

• My IQ got me to start a business.

• By my EQ helped me sustain and grow it.

These are the 5 key skills to focus on to develop EQ.

1.Self-awareness: I started journaling. Yes, journaling. Seeing my thoughts on paper was a revelation. It helped me to clarify my motives and feelings and act with intention.

2.Self-regulation: Reacting in the moment feels good, for a moment. Learning to pause, reflect, then act, changed my leadership style. It was tough to learn, but worth it.

3.Empathy: Understanding doesn't mean agreeing. It means seeing the world from someone else's perspective. This was my biggest game-changer. Suddenly, I understood why my mentor was such a powerful force in my life. His EQ is off the charts.

4.Social skills: It's learning the skills of listening deeply and leveraging diverse viewpoints. This single skill elevates leaders to connect and support their team in a new way.

5.Motivation: I had to dig deep. Why did I want to lead? The answer was not to be the best but to bring out the best in others. It was no longer about ego, but what I can offer to others. That shift in perspective was my EQ awakening.

The lesson?

EQ in leadership about understanding and being aware of emotions, yours and those around you.

Emotional intelligence is the secret sauce. It's what separates good leaders from great ones.

Till next week,

Noemi

P.S. Say hi to me on LinkedIn.