When I think about the leaders that have had the most profound impact on my life, they all have something in common: “emotional intelligence”.
It’s not just about making good decisions, being strategic, or even inspiring others.
It’s about the way they connect, not only with their team members but also with themselves.
In my journey, I’ve realized that the leaders who truly stand out aren’t just “good” at what they do.
They’re deeply emotionally intelligent, and it shows in subtle, almost invisible ways.
Here are seven things I’ve noticed emotionally intelligent leaders consistently do differently
1. They Genuinely Care
There’s something so powerful about a leader who truly cares about their team. And you know what? You can’t fake that.
People can tell when someone is going through the motions versus when someone actually gives a damn.
I remember one particular leader in my career who, no matter how busy he was, always made time to check in with me—not just on work, but on how I was doing personally.
He genuinely cared, and that made me want to work harder for him.
It wasn’t just about him needing me to hit certain targets.
It was about him wanting me to be well and succeed holistically.
This is the magic of emotionally intelligent leadership.
They understand that success is intertwined with the well-being of their people.
When leaders care deeply about their team’s success and happiness, it creates an unspoken bond.
People feel that and, in turn, become more committed, engaged, and loyal.
It’s that simple, yet so often overlooked.
2. They Create Safe Spaces
One of the most remarkable traits I’ve seen in emotionally intelligent leaders is their ability to create environments where people feel safe being themselves.
I’ve been in workplaces where fear ruled.
Where people were scared to speak up, make mistakes, or even be themselves.
And let me tell you, those environments were stifling.
You’d walk in, and the air felt thick, like people were holding their breath, just waiting for something to go wrong.
In contrast, emotionally intelligent leaders know how to make people feel safe.
They do this by being open with their own emotions.
These leaders don’t pretend to have it all together all the time, and they don’t expect their team to either.
They lead with vulnerability. They admit when they don’t know something or when they’ve messed up.
This creates an atmosphere where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or retribution.
It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being real.
When a leader shows that kind of openness, it gives everyone else permission to do the same.
And that’s when the magic happens—innovation, creativity, and trust all thrive in environments where people feel safe.
3. They Take Care of Themselves
Let’s talk about self-care for a second.
There’s a common misconception that good leaders need to put everyone else’s needs ahead of their own.
I used to think this way, too—that leadership was all about sacrifice, about being the last one to leave the office and the first one to show up in the morning.
But here’s the thing: you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Emotionally intelligent leaders understand this.
They know that in order to show up fully for their team, they need to first show up for themselves.
This might mean taking time off when they need it, setting boundaries, or simply making sure they’re getting enough sleep and exercise.
I’ve worked with leaders who constantly looked drained—always exhausted, always on the verge of burnout.
And guess what? Their teams felt the same way.
But the leaders who prioritized their own well-being not only thrived but also created teams that thrived alongside them.
When you’re in a good space mentally, emotionally, and physically, you’re much better equipped to lead others effectively.
It can feel counterintuitive at first, especially if you’re used to putting everyone else’s needs before your own.
But taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. And emotionally intelligent leaders know that.
4. They Show They Care in Meaningful Ways
We’ve all heard the phrase “actions speak louder than words,” and this couldn’t be truer when it comes to emotionally intelligent leaders.
These leaders don’t just say they care—they show it, and they do it in ways that truly resonate with the people around them.
I remember a leader who, despite managing a large team, always made a point to remember the little things about us.
She knew who loved celebrating birthdays and who preferred to keep it low-key.
It might seem like a small gesture, but it made us all feel seen and valued as individuals.
It’s not about grand gestures or over-the-top praise; it’s about paying attention and showing people that they matter.
Emotionally intelligent leaders listen—really listen—to what their team members need and then take small, meaningful actions to show they care.
For some people, that might mean acknowledging their hard work in a meeting.
For others, it might mean respecting their need for space or a flexible work schedule.
These little things add up and create a culture where people feel valued and appreciated.
5. They Keep a Pulse on Their Team
Have you ever worked for a leader who seemed to know exactly how you were feeling, sometimes even before you knew it yourself?
That’s the power of emotional intelligence.
Emotionally intelligent leaders are incredibly in tune with their team’s emotional states.
They don’t need to wait for someone to break down in a meeting to know something’s off.
They can sense it in the way people interact, the way they speak (or don’t speak), and even in their body language.
But they don’t just rely on intuition. They actively seek out this information.
One leader I worked with would regularly do what she called “temperature checks.”
She’d take time to think about each person on her team.
What was going on in their lives, how they’d been showing up at work, and whether they seemed stressed or disengaged.
Then she’d take action accordingly, whether it was offering extra support, giving them a bit of space, or just checking in with a simple “How are you doing?”
It’s this kind of attentiveness that sets emotionally intelligent leaders apart.
They don’t wait for problems to escalate.
They’re proactive in making sure their team is not just functioning but thriving.
6. They Balance the Needs of the Individual and the Group
One of the most challenging things about leadership is balancing the needs of individuals with the needs of the group.
Emotionally intelligent leaders navigate this balance masterfully.
They care deeply about each team member but never lose sight of the bigger picture—the collective good of the team.
There was a time when I worked with a leader who had to make a tough decision about a team member who wasn’t pulling their weight.
This person was well-liked, but their performance was dragging the whole team down.
It wasn’t an easy situation, and it would have been simpler to let it slide for the sake of keeping the peace.
But emotionally intelligent leaders don’t shy away from hard decisions, especially when they’re in the best interest of the group.
In the end, the decision to let that team member go wasn’t made out of anger or frustration but out of care.
Care for the individual, who wasn’t thriving in their role, and care for the team, who needed to move forward without the constant drag.
It’s not about prioritizing one over the other; it’s about finding that delicate balance.
7. They Think Before They Act
Lastly, emotionally intelligent leaders are thoughtful.
They don’t rush to solve problems just to get them off their plate.
Instead, they take the time to really understand the root of an issue before jumping to a solution.
I’ve been in plenty of situations where a leader would immediately start brainstorming solutions the second a problem was brought to them.
And while that can be helpful in some situations, more often than not, it’s premature.
Emotionally intelligent leaders resist this impulse. They pause, they listen, and they ask questions.
They want to understand not just the surface-level problem but what’s driving it.
Only then do they move into action mode.
This approach not only leads to better solutions but also makes people feel heard.
When you’re dealing with a leader who takes the time to really understand your perspective, it changes the dynamic.
You’re not just a problem to be solved; you’re a person to be supported.
Conclusion
In my experience, these subtle actions are what truly set emotionally intelligent leaders apart.
They may not always be the loudest or most charismatic in the room, but their quiet strength, deep empathy, and genuine care for others make a lasting impact.
They lead not just with their heads but with their hearts, and in doing so, they inspire the best in those around them.
if you found this article helpful, kindly share it with your loved ones. it encourage me to write more. And before You leave, check out the recommended reading below, am sure you will find something that will interest you. THANKS
