What it takes to lead

This week is International Leadership Week, so we’re taking a closer look at what it takes to lead, the benefits of EQ, and how AI is shaping the future of leadership.

Leading change with EQ

In 2023, business leaders faced an all-time-high rate of change, and studies show that it has only accelerated further this year. Leaders with high EQ (a measure of emotional intelligence) are pivotal at these moments because they listen, communicate clearly, and support their team through the changes, building trust and morale. A low-EQ leader, on the other hand, ignores concerns, fuels stress, and risks losing top talent. The difference? Emotional intelligence transforms challenges into opportunities for growth. In this video Daniel Goleman, the pioneer who brought EQ into the spotlight, explains why it’s essential for effective leadership. The good news is that EQ is a learnable skill that can transform how leaders connect with their teams. Here are some of our key takeaways:

• High-EQ leaders uplift performance by creating positivity and clarity, while low-EQ leaders foster stress and turnover.
• Developing EQ starts with self-awareness and managing emotions effectively.
• Intentional practice, like active listening and empathy, can make EQ a leadership superpower.

According to Daniel Goleman, learning EQ consists of 5 components:

1. Self-awareness
2. Self-regulation
3. Internal motivation
4. Empathy
5. Social skills

His international bestselling book is great for a deeper dive into these elements.

What it takes to lead

Today's leaders — think Jacinda Ardern or Satya Nadella — inspire through connection, adapt to constant change, and prioritise collaboration over control. And great leadership starts with great learning. Leading well means keeping up with the latest tools and strategies — if you’re wanting to upskill, this article unpacks what it takes to lead effectively in a fast-evolving world. Here are the most important things to think about:

• Effective leadership today focuses on collaboration, empathy, and innovation, leaving behind rigid hierarchies.
• Digital transformation and AI aren’t optional; leaders must embrace these tools to stay competitive and informed.
• Empathy and trust are key for motivating teams, celebrating successes, and navigating challenges together.

Can AI lead better than a human?

It’s a bold question: could AI do a better job at leadership than humans? This TEDTalk breaks down the provocative idea that AI, with its limitless patience and data-driven insights, might overcome the flaws of human leadership, offering fairer, more supportive, and personalised guidance. While concerns about bias and over-reliance loom large, it’s a thought-provoking perspective on how AI could revolutionise the way we lead and work. As a creative training agency that believes in combining human potential and the power of learning to build a future where we all thrive… this sparked a lot of debate! What do you think?