Here's how you can boost your leadership communication skills with Emotional Intelligence.

Cultivating more emotional intelligence is amazingly helpful and the good news is this: It's a learnable skill! Many books and courses exist, including Dan Goleman's new book, "Optimal." Working with others, or a coach, can help you develop these skills faster, and with support. See my website (DavidFessell.com) for more, including my articles on Emotional intelligence.

I remember working with a team where one member seemed disengaged during meetings. Instead of assuming they were disinterested, I decided to have a one-on-one conversation with them, actively listening without interrupting. It turned out they were feeling overwhelmed with personal challenges, which was impacting their focus. Simply by offering a listening ear, I was able to provide support that helped them regain their footing and contribute more effectively. This experience taught me that sometimes, the most powerful leadership tool isn’t speaking—it's listening. When your team knows they’re truly heard, they feel valued and are more motivated to bring their best selves to the table.

We are all human begin and having empathy is key in building trust and fellowship within a team, not just seeing the world in black and white. Seeing situations and people as "right" or "wrong" can push away and create a toxic environment as there is no compassion but rather judgment. When leaders or team members show that they care about people as individuals and not just another number, there is a sense of belonging and loyalty that is foster creating a more open and collaborative environment.

?? In conflict situations show your leadership maintaining an open and sincere dialogue inside your team. ?? Establish the appropriate way to behave and the team's rules of coexistence and respect. ?? Have problem-solving tools on hand to make meetings easier to conduct. ?? Focus the team to reach achievable agreements based on the common good and the Company's goals. ?? Ensure that team members' interventions are carried out understanding the needs and limits of others. ?? Be aware of using a clear, open and friendly language that is accompanied by open and confident body language that demonstrates trust and closeness.

Many famous quotes stick to me about emotional intelligence, this one really keeps me thinking deep " CEOs are hired for their intellect and business expertise- and fired for a lack of emotional intelligence." - Daniel Goleman Therefore overtime emotional intelligence becomes just as important or even more than expertise, it plays a critical role in success or failure in achieving goals.