Emotionally Intelligent Leaders

Build effective leadership skills for the public sector. Learn to lead people with confidence, empathy, and impact.

Effective leaders come in all shapes and sizes, but a common characteristic is a high degree of what psychologists call "emotional intelligence." Research indicates that not only is emotional intelligence more important than technical skills or traditional cognitive skills in shaping leadership effectiveness, but an organization's success is directly related to the emotional intelligence level of its leaders. As the working environment continues to change, emotional intelligence skills become increasingly important in determining who succeeds and who fails. Learn how to assess, develop, and apply the emotionally intelligent competencies required for a leadership position.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for current and aspiring leaders who want to enhance their effectiveness through the development of emotional intelligence. It is particularly beneficial for managers, team leaders, executives, and professionals in leadership roles who recognize the importance of emotional intelligence in driving organizational success.

What You'll Learn at a Glance

• Understanding the fundamentals of emotional intelligence.
• Assessing and developing personal emotional intelligence competencies.
• Applying emotional intelligence in leadership and team dynamics.
• Enhancing social competencies for effective communication and collaboration.
• Using feedback and real-time scenarios to practice emotional intelligence skills.

Course Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Emotional Intelligence

• Define Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and why it matters more than IQ/technical skill for leadership effectiveness.
• Distinguish personal vs. social competencies and the four skills: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Management.
• Clarify how EQ differs from IQ and personality, and begin reflective practice on your motivations and goals.
• Discuss Goleman’s work popularizing EQ for practical leadership use.

Module 2: The Science Behind the Development of Individual Emotional Intelligence

• Explain neuroplasticity—how focused attention reshapes brain pathways (see brain diagram, p. 9).
• Contrast Fixed vs. Growth Mindsets and how each shapes behavior and learning (infographic, p. 12).
• Identify the “inner critic”/negative self-talk and its impacts (limited thinking, perfectionism, mood, relationships).
• Practice strategies to reduce negative self-talk and reflect on personal influencers and habits.

Module 3: Diving In: Emotional Intelligence Competencies and Personal EQ Assessment

• Describe the four EQ competencies in depth and how they pair into personal and social competence.
• Complete an individual EQ self-appraisal and record scores for Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, and Relationship Management.
• Interpret results and connect EQ to performance outcomes (research summary, p. 18).
• Understand the neural basis of EQ and habit formation (rational vs. limbic pathways; plasticity, p. 19) and discuss real examples.

Module 4: Application of Personal Competencies in Real Time

• Apply self-awareness and self-management to stressful interactions; share and debrief difficult situations.
• Practice Active Listening (five actions) and complete a listening self-assessment.
• Read nonverbal cues and channel effects (e.g., 7/38/55 guideline; telephone tone/words ratios, p. 27; nonverbal guide, p. 28).
• Recognize “emotional hijacking” and use in-the-moment resets (pause/breathe, seek to understand, clarify, or delay).

Module 5: Application of Social Competences in Real Time

• Practice Social Awareness and Relationship Management with structured feedback exercises.
• Learn the art and steps of effective feedback—prepare, create awareness, co-design a plan, and follow up.
• Role-play scenarios to give/receive feedback and translate insights into behavior change.
• Identify common blind spots (e.g., micromanaging, need for recognition) and capture key takeaways for work and life.