Outstanding leaders do not simply manage tasks—they shape culture and inspire growth. This level of influence requires more than technical expertise; it demands exceptional emotional intelligence (EQ), and the gateway to EQ is self-awareness.

Leaders often rise on technical expertise or business acumen, but staying effective over time hinges on something more subtle: your ability to align, inspire, motivate, and elevate others. A different competency is needed to succeed in leading others: Emotional Intelligence (EQ)—the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions in oneself and others—is consistently linked to leadership success. At the heart of EQ is self-awareness, the cornerstone that makes the other dimensions—self-management, social awareness, and relationship management—possible.

Transformational leadership, a style that emphasizes vision, inspiration, and positive change, has been widely studied and lauded for its effectiveness in various organizational settings. My research underscores the critical role of self-awareness in achieving transformational leadership success.

Emotional intelligence has gained significant traction over the past few decades as a critical factor in leadership and organizational performance. While many leaders focus on technical skills and IQ, others research the indispensable role of EQ.  I particularly love EQ and self-awareness, in driving leadership effectiveness.