The Joy of Leadership: Leading with Emotional Intelligence
by Argo Teetlaus | Leadership Coach & Interim Executive | Pivotly
In today’s fast-moving business world, leaders are asked to do more than set direction — they must connect, inspire, and create clarity. Emotional intelligence (EQ) has become a core part of leadership coaching in Estonia and across the Baltics. It helps leaders build trust, manage emotions, and create environments where people can thrive.
At Pivotly, we see EQ as a practical leadership tool — a bridge between strategy and human understanding. Leaders who strengthen their emotional intelligence create teams that are not only productive but also resilient and collaborative.
Five Practical Ways to Lead with Emotional Intelligence
1️⃣ Practice Active Listening
True understanding begins with attention. Give your team undivided focus, ask curious questions, and listen beyond words. It builds trust — the foundation of every high-performing team.
2️⃣ Manage Your Own Emotions
Pause before reacting. Recognise your triggers and use short reflection techniques — like breathing or note-taking — to respond calmly and clearly. Clarity creates stability.
3️⃣ Foster an Empathetic Culture
Invite different perspectives and acknowledge them openly. Empathy strengthens psychological safety and makes collaboration flow naturally.
4️⃣ Develop Social Awareness
Notice what is unsaid. Understanding how people feel helps you address issues early and keep motivation high. A leader who sees beyond tasks creates loyalty.
5️⃣ Give and Receive Feedback Constructively
Feedback is growth in conversation form. Share it with care and receive it with curiosity. Behind every comment is a signal for improvement.
Recommended Reading
If you want to go deeper into this topic, Daniel Goleman’s classic “Emotional Intelligence — Why It Can Matter More Than IQ” is a must-read.
It offers clear frameworks on how EQ shapes decision-making, leadership presence, and well-being — themes we frequently explore in Pivotly Leadership Coaching
Personal Reflection — From Burnout to Balance
Early in my career, I treated work like a race. Deadlines mattered more than anything else — until I hit a breaking point.
That moment forced me to re-evaluate what leadership really means. I realised that clarity, balance, and emotional intelligence weren’t optional — they were the core of sustainable performance.
Since then, I’ve rebuilt my leadership philosophy around coaching, self-awareness, and trust.
Today, I see EQ not just as a professional skill but as a way to live and lead with purpose.
Leaders who develop their EQ create deeper meaning and lasting impact for their teams.
Questions for Reflection
How aware are you of your own emotions in daily leadership situations?
What helps you stay present and listen when pressure is high?
How could your team benefit if you brought more empathy into decision-making?
Let’s Continue the Conversation
If you’d like to strengthen emotional intelligence in your leadership or team, I’d love to connect.
➡️ Book a conversation or learn more about my work on the Argo Teetlaus page
You can also connect with me directly on LinkedIn
Let’s keep exploring how clarity and emotional intelligence shape better leadership.