In today’s complex and fast-paced working environment, technical expertise and experience alone are no longer enough to ensure effective leadership. Increasingly, the differentiator between good leaders and great leaders is their level of emotional intelligence.
Research consistently shows that leaders with higher emotional intelligence are better able to manage pressure, make sound decisions, communicate clearly and build strong, trusting relationships. They are more resilient, more adaptable and more effective at influencing and engaging others.
Emotional intelligence underpins how we recognise and manage our own emotions, how we respond under pressure, and how we understand and work with the emotions of others. When leaders lack emotional awareness or control, communication suffers, relationships become strained, and performance is impacted.
Failing to understand the role emotions play at work means leaders risk reacting rather than responding, damaging trust, and limiting their ability to influence, motivate and lead effectively.
In this engaging taster session, participants will gain insight into what emotional intelligence really is, why it matters for leadership, and how developing it can immediately improve communication, decision-making and professional relationships.
This workshop is delivered by Mark Corder.
- Understand what emotional intelligence is and why it matters for effective leadership
- Develop greater awareness of how emotions influence behaviour, communication and decisions
- Learn simple, practical techniques to manage emotions more effectively under pressure
- Explore how empathy and emotional awareness strengthen working relationships
- Take away insights that can be applied immediately in day-to-day leadership situations
Agenda
(10.00-10.45)
1. What is emotional intelligence?
- Understanding what emotional intelligence is, how it differs from IQ, and how it can be scientifically measured.
2. Self-awareness and emotional triggers
- Exploring how emotions are triggered, particularly under pressure
- Understanding “survival mode” and its impact on thinking, behaviour and communication
- Recognising emotional responses and their potential impact on others
3. Managing emotions and improving decision-making
- How emotions influence judgement and decision-making
- Techniques to pause, regain control and respond more constructively
- Balancing emotional and rational thinking for better outcomes
- Practical examples of emotionally intelligent responses in leadership situations
4. Empathy, relationships and leadership impact
- Understanding empathy and why it matters in leadership
- The link between emotional intelligence, influence and relationship management
5. Q&A
- Opportunity for participants to ask questions and explore how emotional intelligence applies to their own leadership context
