Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence (EQ) model is all about how we understand and manage emotions – our own and other people’s. It includes five key areas: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Unlike IQ, which is more fixed, emotional intelligence can be developed—and it plays a huge role in how we connect, communicate, and lead. It’s what helps us stay calm under pressure, read the room, and respond with empathy instead of reactivity.
For emerging leaders, EQ is one of the most important leadership capabilities to cultivate. Why? Because leadership is relational. Whether you’re giving feedback, leading a change, or navigating team tension, your emotional intelligence will shape how you’re perceived and how effective you are. Goleman’s model reminds us that being a great leader isn’t just about being smart or skilled, it’s about being emotionally present, aware, and intentional in how we show up.
