_125.png "Untitled design (15)_125.png")
Leadership today is no longer defined solely by authority, experience, or technical expertise. In modern workplaces across Australia and New Zealand, the ability to lead effectively is increasingly shaped by emotional intelligence. Leaders who understand and manage emotions — both their own and those of others — consistently make better decisions and build stronger, more engaged teams.
Emotional intelligence, often referred to as EQ, influences how leaders communicate, respond under pressure, and guide others through change. It is a critical skill that separates reactive leadership from thoughtful, high-impact decision-making.
Every leadership decision affects people. Whether it involves performance feedback, team restructuring, conflict resolution, or strategic direction, emotions are always present. Leaders who ignore this reality risk damaging trust and morale, even when their decisions are logically sound.
Emotionally intelligent leaders are better able to:
Stay calm during high-pressure situations
Communicate with clarity and empathy
Anticipate how decisions may be received
Build trust through consistent behaviour
These abilities help leaders navigate complexity without escalating tension or uncertainty.
Self-awareness is the cornerstone of emotional intelligence. Leaders who understand their emotional triggers, communication patterns, and stress responses are better equipped to regulate their behaviour.
Rather than reacting impulsively, self-aware leaders pause and respond with intention. This composure allows them to make decisions that are aligned with long-term goals rather than short-term emotion.
Self-awareness also makes leaders more open to feedback, enabling continuous improvement and stronger relationships.
Leadership often involves making decisions in uncertain or emotionally charged environments. Emotional regulation — the ability to manage emotions constructively — helps leaders think clearly when stakes are high.
When leaders regulate emotions effectively, they are less likely to:
Make rushed decisions
React defensively to feedback
Avoid difficult conversations
Instead, they approach challenges with clarity and balance, resulting in decisions that are fair, thoughtful, and sustainable.
Trust is built through emotional intelligence. Leaders who listen actively, acknowledge concerns, and communicate transparently create psychologically safe environments.
Teams led by emotionally intelligent leaders tend to:
Communicate more openly
Collaborate effectively
Show higher engagement
Adapt better to change
In Australia and New Zealand’s evolving work culture, where employee wellbeing and inclusion are increasingly valued, emotional intelligence has become an essential leadership capability.
Leadership requires navigating difficult conversations — performance discussions, salary reviews, conflict resolution, and organisational change. Emotional intelligence allows leaders to handle these moments with empathy and clarity.
By staying calm and respectful, leaders reduce defensiveness and encourage constructive dialogue. This approach leads to better outcomes and preserves professional relationships.
A Perspective Inspired by Dr Shadé Zahrai
Dr Shadé Zahrai’s work shows that emotionally intelligent leaders make better decisions by staying self-aware, composed, and intentional under pressure. By regulating emotions and communicating with clarity, leaders build trust, influence outcomes, and lead more effectively.
