You’re a team leader who wants to develop your emotional intelligence. How do you start?

1 Assess yourself

The first step to developing your EI is to know where you stand. You can use self-assessment tools, such as online quizzes, surveys, or journals, to measure your current level of EI and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Alternatively, you can ask for feedback from your peers, managers, or mentors, who can offer you an external perspective on your EI skills. Be open and honest with yourself and others, and use the results to set realistic and specific goals for improvement.

2 Learn from others

The second step to developing your EI is to learn from others who have demonstrated high levels of EI in their leadership roles. You can seek mentorship from senior leaders, coaches, or experts, who can share their insights, experiences, and advice with you. You can also observe and emulate the behaviors and attitudes of other effective leaders, such as how they listen, empathize, collaborate, and inspire. Additionally, you can read books, articles, podcasts, or videos that offer valuable information and guidance on EI.

3 Practice daily

The third step to developing your EI is to practice daily. You can incorporate EI into your everyday interactions with your team, colleagues, customers, and stakeholders. You can practice active listening, asking open-ended questions, expressing appreciation, giving constructive feedback, resolving conflicts, and showing empathy. You can also practice self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation, and social skills by reflecting on your emotions, thoughts, actions, and impacts. Moreover, you can practice mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercises, or other relaxation techniques to reduce stress and enhance your emotional well-being.

4 Seek feedback

The fourth step to developing your EI is to seek feedback. You can ask for regular and honest feedback from your team, peers, managers, or mentors, who can help you monitor your progress and identify your areas for improvement. You can also use self-evaluation tools, such as journals, diaries, or checklists, to track your achievements and challenges. Be receptive and respectful to the feedback you receive, and use it to adjust your goals and strategies accordingly.

5 Celebrate success

The fifth step to developing your EI is to celebrate success. You can recognize and reward yourself and your team for the efforts and outcomes you have achieved through your EI development. You can celebrate success by sharing your stories, acknowledging your achievements, expressing gratitude, giving recognition, or celebrating milestones. Celebrating success can boost your and your team's confidence, morale, and satisfaction, and motivate you to continue your EI journey.

6 Keep learning

The sixth step to developing your EI is to keep learning. You can always find new opportunities, challenges, and resources to enhance your EI skills and knowledge. You can seek new experiences, roles, or projects that require you to apply and expand your EI. You can also explore new sources, methods, or trends that offer you fresh and relevant insights and guidance on EI. Furthermore, you can join networks, communities, or groups that support your EI learning and development.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?