There’s been some debate recently on whether Emotional Intelligence can be classified as an actual intelligence – ie something that you have to a lesser or greater degree. Or is it a skill and a competence that can be learned and developed? We believe that emotional intelligence lies within all of us but can often be further developed through effective mentoring.

But leaving this debate and the semantics to others, we do see that emotional awareness – of oneself, and of others – is an essential ingredient in the leader’s toolkit. If we do not pay sufficient attention, then our own emotional and personal history, or perhaps the cumulative effect of the stresses and strains of everyday life, have an impact on our judgement, on our relationships with others, and our effectiveness in our leadership role.

For more insight into this area, why not read our article Keeping your head in the present