Globally, the conversation around EQ in the workplace isn’t new but it’s certainly growing louder.
In Gallup’s 2025 State of the Global Workplace report, one theme cuts through: engagement and wellbeing are directly linked to the quality of leadership. And emotionally intelligent leaders are those who consistently create environments where people feel heard, safe, and empowered.
But here’s the real challenge: many leaders are feeling overwhelmed themselves. The middle manager crunch is real. Leaders are expected to show up strong for their teams, even when they’re unsure or exhausted themselves. That’s why EQ matters now more than ever. It helps leaders not only perform but also sustain that performance.
EQ isn’t only about being kind or approachable. It’s about knowing yourself, navigating emotions, and using that insight to lead others with purpose and clarity.
Recently, I had the opportunity to unpack this powerful topic in two very different but equally energising media conversations: a TV interview with Die Groot Ontbyt and a follow-up radio chat with SAfm The Full Circle. Both platforms gave me space to explore how EQ continues to
Watch the Die Groot Ontbyt Interview here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-VHSJScSBs
Listen to the SAfm Full Circle Interview here:
https://omny.fm/shows/the-full-circle/careercorner-why-eq-wins-at-work
It all starts with self-awareness
At the heart of EQ is self-awareness, the ability to understand your own patterns, emotions, and triggers. During the interviews, I shared that self-awareness isn’t a fluffy skill. It’s your anchor when everything else around you are shifting.
In practice, this looks like:
- Noticing your emotional reactions before they hijack your decision-making
- Recognising when your energy is off, and intentionally choosing how you show up
- Reflecting after a tough conversation instead of spiralling or blaming
And it goes deeper. Self-awareness is the root of empathy. When we understand ourselves better, we extend that grace and insight to others. We become better listeners, better problem solvers, and ultimately, better leaders.
The half-year check-in
Here’s a reality check: we’re halfway through 2025. That means we’ve had six months of leadership lessons, stretch goals, wins, wobbles, and everything in between. Whether you’re on track or slightly off course, the good news is there’s still time to realign.
Ask yourself:
- Where have I shown up with emotional intelligence this year?
- Where could I listen more, lead softer, or hold firmer boundaries?
- What do I want the second half of 2025 to look and feel like?
As I often remind my clients: your success is the progressive realisation of predetermined, worthwhile personal goals. Success isn’t about flashy wins, it is also about consistency, clarity, and showing up even when it’s hard.
What now?
Let’s not just talk about emotional intelligence. Let’s practise it.
As leaders, coaches, managers, and mentors, we have a responsibility to create human-centred workplaces. Workplaces where people are more than deliverables, and leadership is more than checklists.
As Jocko Willink famously said:
“Don’t just think. Don’t just talk. Don’t just dream. The only thing that matters is that you actually do. So do.”
Make the second half of 2025 one of purpose, emotional clarity, and personal transformation.
Need support developing EQ in your teams or your leadership approach? Let’s connect.
