Great Lakes Wire

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is crucial in acknowledging emotions, understanding them, and responding appropriately, especially when leading others. According to Mary E. Corrado, three steps are essential for leading with emotional intelligence.

The first step is pausing before reacting to strong emotions like frustration or anger. Corrado advises taking a deep breath or even waiting until the next day to respond. She quotes Warren Buffet’s mentor, Tom Murphy, saying, “You can always tell someone to go to hell tomorrow.”

The second step involves reflecting and processing emotions. Corrado suggests getting curious about the underlying causes of emotions, such as frustration covering up disappointment. Discussing these feelings with a trusted peer can also provide perspective and prevent conflicts. Saying, “I need a little time to think about this—can we revisit later?” is recommended as a way to show strength.

The third step emphasizes leading with empathy. Understanding others' experiences can help in responding with compassion and building trust, which is the foundation of high-performing teams. Corrado notes, “When leaders make people feel safe and understood—even during tense moments—they build trust.”

Corrado concludes by highlighting that leading with emotional intelligence requires slowing down, thinking clearly, and acting intentionally. She encourages giving time for reflection before responding during high-emotion situations.

The article is courtesy of SBAM-approved partner, ASE.