Why Emotional Intelligence Outshines IQ in Effective Leadership

Introduction
In the world of leadership, emotional intelligence (EQ) has gained significant recognition as an essential skill, often surpassing traditional measures of intelligence (IQ) in importance. While IQ measures cognitive abilities, EQ focuses on understanding, managing, and leveraging emotions effectively—both one’s own and those of others. This article explores why emotional intelligence plays such a pivotal role in leadership success, and how leaders can harness its power to create thriving, resilient teams.
What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to perceive, control, and evaluate emotions in oneself and others. It comprises five core components: selfawareness, selfregulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. These components enable leaders to create stronger connections with their teams, enhance communication, and make decisions that take into account both logic and emotions.
1. SelfAwareness: The foundation of emotional intelligence, selfawareness