The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Performance Metrics

People with high EQ earn up to $29K more per year. Why? Because emotional intelligence drives trust, leadership, and results. Technical skills might land you the job. Emotional intelligence gets you promoted. Most people think strong performance is enough. But here’s the truth: Promotions and raises don’t just go to the most skilled. They go to those who: ✅ Navigate conflict with calm ✅ Communicate clearly under pressure ✅ Make others feel seen and supported That’s emotional intelligence. And it’s one of the most overlooked leadership skills. What does EQ look like at work? 8 powerful ways to show it: 1/ Make space for emotions (even if you disagree). Validating emotions builds connection and trust. ➟ “I can see how that would be frustrating.” 2/ Set boundaries without apologizing. Clear limits show self-respect and strength. ➟ “I’m at capacity. Let’s find a better time to discuss.” 3/ Stay calm when others get defensive. Your steadiness helps de-escalate tension. ➟ “Let’s slow down and take one step at a time.” 4/ Admit when you’re wrong and adjust quickly. Owning mistakes builds trust and momentum. ➟ “That’s a good point. Let’s rethink this.” 5/ Pause to reset before emotions take over. A short pause prevents long-term damage. ➟ “I need a moment to clear my head. I’ll be back.” 6/ Express disagreement without creating conflict. Disagreeing respectfully keeps dialogue productive. ➟ “Here’s how I’m thinking about it…” 7/ Give feedback that helps people grow. Clarity with kindness inspires improvement. ➟ “Here’s what worked. One thing to try next…” 8/ Choose connection when it’s easier to shut down. Staying present shows maturity and care. ➟ “Let’s talk when you’re ready. I want to help.” These aren't “soft skills.” They’re the hardest (and most human) skills you’ll ever master. The results speak for themselves: Leaders with high EQ see: • 34% higher team engagement • 20% better productivity • 63% lower turnover But the real ROI? You become the kind of leader people don’t just follow. They fight to work with. Reshare ♻️ to help someone in your network. And give me a follow for more posts like this.

Technical excellence might open doors, but it’s emotional intelligence that keeps people in the room. I’ve seen this play out firsthand over nearly two decades of hiring and building teams. ⇝ Early in my career, I placed some of the brightest technical minds but brilliance alone wasn’t enough. Without emotional intelligence, even the smartest hires struggled to thrive. ⇝ Over time, I noticed a pattern: the real game-changers weren’t just skilled. They could listen, adapt, and navigate tough conversations without burning bridges. ⇝ Now, when I interview candidates, I focus less on technical answers and more on how they handle feedback, cross-team clarity, and conflict. That’s where the true impact shows up. If you're building high-performing teams, don’t just assess what someone can do. Pay close attention to how they do it. That’s where retention, culture, and growth begin. #EQInTech #LeadershipHiring #HighImpactTeams #FounderPerspective #SmartHiring #EmotionalIntelligence

What most people get wrong about emotional intelligence (EQ):   ❌ Myth: They worry their team’s performance will suffer.   ✅ Reality:  Decades of research from Harvard, Yale, Gallup, Four Seasons and more show that high EQ cultures increase productivity, revenue, employee engagement, and customer experience while decreasing burnout, turnover, and lost-time accidents.   ❌ Myth: It’s about being nice.   ✅ Reality: It’s about being respectful and showing your team they’re valued.   ❌ Myth: It will make me a soft leader.   ✅ Reality: There’s nothing “soft” about having tough conversations, embracing conflict, and achieving self-mastery to show up consistently for your team amidst high stress and expectations.   ❌ Myth: You either have high EQ or you don’t.   ✅ Reality: Unlike our personality which is pretty static our entire lives, EQ is like a muscle that can grow through training and life experience.   ❌ Myth:  EQ gives me free reign of my emotions.   ✅ Reality:  EQ is about managing my emotions so they don’t hijack my leadership intentions.   ❌ Myth:  If we implement EQ at work, we’ll have to talk about our feelings all the time.   ✅ Reality:  Much of EQ is the silent conversation you have with yourself to manage your emotions and take aligned action on the data your feelings provide you.   ❌ Myth:  If I’m empathetic with my staff they’ll walk all over me.   ✅ Reality:  When you’re empathetic with your staff they’ll feel valued and loyal for the long-term.   What other concerns do you have about EQ? I’d love to break them down for you!

You can have the sharpest technical mind in the room. You can even be the one who knows the market inside and out. But here’s the hard truth: After years of working with top executives across industries, I’ve noticed one common trait among the best performers, the C-level execs who truly thrive in their roles and drive real impact: Soft skills. The true differentiator, the one thing that drives long-term success for high performers and high-performing team. Yes, technical expertise and experience are important. They’ll get you in the room. But it’s your ability to lead, adapt, and connect with people that sets you apart at the top. Here’s what I’ve learned from placing high performers: > Communication is King: The best leaders know how to articulate a vision, listen without ego, and adapt their message to every audience—whether it’s the boardroom or the frontline. > Collaboration Drives Innovation: Exceptional leaders don’t just lead teams; they unite them. They create environments where diverse ideas thrive and turn alignment into action. > Emotional Intelligence Is Non-Negotiable: A leader who can navigate challenges, manage emotions, and empathize with others inspires trust—and trust is what moves organizations forward. > Adaptability Wins Every Time: In today’s world, the ability to pivot and problem-solve in the face of change is more valuable than ever. When I evaluate top candidates, I’m not just looking at their resume. I’m listening for how they communicate, observing how they connect, and assessing their ability to inspire. Because at the end of the day, technical skills might open the door—but soft skills are what make someone indispensable. 👉 If you’re looking to elevate your leadership or your team, here’s the question to ask: Are you developing the soft skills that truly drive success? LS International #Headhunting #Leadership #SoftSkills #HighPerformers

If you think emotional intelligence is a “soft” skill, think again. It’s not optional. It’s foundational. I’ve worked with leaders who could read a balance sheet in their sleep — But couldn’t read the room. Smart? Yes. Successful? Temporarily. Trusted? Rarely. Because in real-world leadership: - Technical brilliance without empathy hits a ceiling. - Strategy without self-awareness creates blind spots. - Communication without emotional regulation breaks trust. Here’s what emotionally intelligent professionals actually do differently: ✅ They pause before reacting → Even under pressure, they choose response over impulse. ✅ They sense what’s not being said → EQ is really about perception. ✅ They lead with presence, not perfection → People follow who they feel safe with, Not just who they report to. ✅ They adapt, not just react → Emotions are data. EQ turns them into direction. ✅ They take feedback without flinching → Because ego takes a back seat to growth. Emotional intelligence isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s the edge that separates good from great. And it’s a muscle.  Which means you can build it. Want to lead better? Start here. ♻️ Repost to remind your network: EQ is a career advantage. 🔔 Follow Dr. Oliver Degnan for strategies to lead with clarity, care, and confidence.