The importance of emotional intelligence for leaders

Joann Farrell Quinn and Bobbie Ann Adair White

Chapter 15 in Research Handbook on Emotional Intelligence at Work, 2026, pp 307-317 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Leadership and emotional intelligence (EI) are complex, multifaceted concepts. Leadership is broadly understood as the ability to influence others, and EI offers a practical framework for developing the interpersonal and intrapersonal skills essential for effective leadership. EI includes self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management, with nearly 20 competencies that help leaders build trust, resolve conflict, and inspire action. Developing EI begins with individual practices like reflection, journaling, pausing before reacting, and seeking feedback, including 360-degree reviews and executive coaching. However, emotionally intelligent individuals do not automatically form emotionally intelligent teams. Leaders must cultivate both individuals and team norms through intentional practices, such as fostering mutual support, learning together, and engaging stakeholders. Ultimately, emotionally and socially competent leaders create psychologically safe environments, adapt to change, and lead with empathy and clarity, making EI development essential for sustainable leadership and organizational success.

Keywords: Emotional Intelligence; Leadership; Teams; Emotional Intelligence Framework; Emotionally Intelligent Leadership (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035332519
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.elgaronline.com/doi/10.4337/9781035332526.00024 (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:elg:eechap:23315_15

Ordering information: This item can be ordered from
http://www.e-elgar.com

Access Statistics for this chapter

More chapters in Chapters from Edward Elgar Publishing
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Jack Sweeney ().