August 27, 2025 
When I was pregnant with my first child, I felt a deep sense of responsibility for my role. I was working long hours and worried about the impact my maternity leave might have on the business. It took me weeks to build up the courage to tell my boss, I was scared of letting him down and uncertain about how he’d react.
When I finally shared the news in his office, he stood up, gave me a hug, and offered the warmest congratulations. I could feel he was genuinely happy for me. I also knew my absence would be a challenge for the business, but he had the grace never to show it. His emotional intelligence made me feel valued, supported, and safe.
Years later, when I was pregnant with my second child, I approached my new boss with the same news, encouraged by my previous experience. His reaction couldn’t have been more different, he complained and immediately expressed stress about my upcoming leave. I’ll let you imagine how I felt.
These two moments taught me something profound: how a leader responds emotionally can shape how people feel, perform, and belong. Emotional intelligence isn’t just a leadership skill, it’s a human one.
What is Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as recognise and respond appropriately to the emotions of others. It involves skills like self-awareness, empathy, emotional regulation, and social awareness. In leadership, EI plays a crucial role in how people communicate, make decisions, handle stress, and build trust. Leaders with strong emotional intelligence are better equipped to navigate interpersonal dynamics, foster inclusive cultures, and lead with authenticity and care.
The Science behind Emotional Intelligence
As the Langley Group explains, emotions are not just fleeting feelings, they are data. They offer insights into what matters to us, what motivates us, and how we relate to others. Leaders who learn to read this emotional data can make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and create psychologically safe environments where people thrive.
Scientific research supports this. A systematic literature review found a strong positive correlation between emotional intelligence and transformational leadership. Leaders with high EI were shown to influence employee efficiency and engagement through empathy, self-awareness, and cognitive flexibility.
Leadership is not just a cognitive task, it’s a whole-body experience. Emotions are processed through a dynamic brain-body system that influences how we think, act, and interact. When leaders understand this connection, they can better regulate their responses, stay calm under pressure, and model resilience for their teams.
This self-awareness is the foundation of emotionally intelligent leadership. It enables leaders to:
- Recognise their emotional triggers
- Respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively
- Stay present and empathetic in challenging conversations
Why EI Matters More Than Ever
In hybrid and remote work environments, emotional cues are harder to read. Leaders must be even more intentional about checking in, listening actively, and fostering connection. Emotional intelligence helps leaders:
- Navigate uncertainty with empathy
- Build trust across diverse teams
- Inspire engagement and loyalty
In my 20 years in the corporate world, I’ve seen firsthand the difference emotionally intelligent leadership can make. Leaders who are aware of their emotions and know how to regulate them create calm, focused, and resilient teams. On the other hand, I’ve also witnessed, and at times been, leaders who were ruled by their emotions. The damage this can cause to team morale, trust, and performance is real and lasting. Emotional intelligence isn’t just about being nice, it’s about being intentional, self-aware, and responsible for the emotional climate we create.
A 2023 study highlights that EI is not only a leadership competency, it’s a strategic asset for human resource management. Emotionally intelligent leaders are better equipped to manage change, foster inclusion, and lead with authenticity.
Building Emotional Intelligence in Leaders
The good news? Emotional intelligence isn’t something you either have or don’t, it’s something you can learn, grow, and strengthen over time. I’ve seen this in myself and in others. Through training, coaching, and honest reflection, leaders can become more aware of their emotional patterns, learn to respond rather than react, and build deeper, more trusting relationships with their teams.
And the benefits don’t stop at work. When leaders develop emotional intelligence, they often notice positive changes in their personal lives too, better communication, stronger relationships, and a greater sense of wellbeing.
It’s not always easy, and it doesn’t happen overnight. But with curiosity, courage, and support, anyone can develop the emotional skills that make a real difference, not just in how they lead, but in how they live and connect with others.
Final Thought
Emotional intelligence isn’t soft, it’s smart. It’s the superpower that enables leaders to connect, inspire, and lead with purpose. In a world that demands agility and authenticity, EI is not just a leadership asset, it’s a leadership imperative.
At Polyglot, we’re passionate about helping leaders on this journey. I’m Claire Denut-Samuels, Global Head of HR Services at Polyglot, PCC-accredited by the International Coaching Federation, with a diploma in positive psychology and wellbeing. I care deeply about emotions and the role they play in helping people feel happy at work, because when people thrive, organisations perform better.
Let’s continue the conversation: How has emotional intelligence shaped your leadership style or team culture? Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with us to explore how EI can transform your workplace.
Note: Polyglot Group recently spoke with HRD Magazine on this very topic. In an exclusive interview, Claire Denut-Samuels, our Global Head of HR Services, shared further insights into the power of emotional intelligence in leadership. Read the full article here.
