What do you do if your emotional intelligence is lacking in the private equity industry?

Practice Empathy. Empathy isn't just a tool for business ,it's a fundamental aspect of being human, especially in the fast-paced world of private equity. Imagine sitting across the table from a client who's expressing concerns about a potential investment. Instead of focusing solely on the numbers, take a moment to understand their perspective. Maybe they're worried about the future of their company or the impact on their employees. By putting yourself in their shoes, you not only build rapport but also gain valuable insights that can inform your decisions. It's about recognizing that behind every transaction are people with their own hopes, fears, and aspirations. By embracing empathy, you create connections that go beyond the boardroom.

Start by developing self-awareness, which is the foundation of EI. Reflect on your emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and triggers. Consider seeking feedback from colleagues, mentors, or coaches to gain insight into how others perceive you.

Actively seek feedback from others on your EI skills and areas for improvement. Consider working with an executive coach or mentor who can provide guidance, support, and accountability as you work to develop your emotional intelligence.

Cultivate gratitude and resilience to maintain a positive outlook and navigate challenges effectively. Focus on the things you're grateful for, celebrate small wins, and learn from setbacks or failures to build resilience and bounce back stronger.

(a) Cultivate situational awareness to adapt your leadership approach & communication style to different contexts and individuals within the private equity industry. Pay attention to social cues, nonverbal communication & power dynamics to navigate complex interpersonal relationships &negotiations effectively. By developing situational awareness, you can mould your interactions & decision-making processes to maximise positive outcomes and mitigate potential conflicts or misunderstandings (b) Incorporate empathy into your decision-making process by considering the potential impact of your actions on various stakeholders, including investors, employees & external partners

Be Open-minded: the ability to learn, unlearn and relearn is fast becoming a “superpower” in the work space, especially in the private equity industry. It is important to network with colleagues, ask a lot of questions, seek feedbacks and be honest enough to make necessary changes that would eventually help you evolve and improve.

Measure your progress: "success breeds success" 1. Develop a habit of reflective journaling - Write your thoughts, learning, and reflections everyday and review monthly. This practice will enable you to track your reflections, learnings and the progress you have made so far. 2. Create a Knowledge Bank : Jot down notes, capture your ideas, share your insights, and revisit them often to deepen your understanding. This process brings your unconscious knowledge to your conscious, solidifying your intellectual growth.