{"id":237,"date":"2026-01-05T13:00:37","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T13:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.iablueprint.com\/blog\/?p=237"},"modified":"2026-01-07T16:23:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T16:23:12","slug":"building-an-emotionally-intelligent-team","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.iablueprint.com\/blog\/building-an-emotionally-intelligent-team\/","title":{"rendered":"Building an Emotionally Intelligent Team"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a leader, nothing holds more importance than growing your emotional intelligence (EI). Over time, you can then help your whole team to build these qualities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why is emotional intelligence so crucial for team success? With EI, people can relate to one another more fully. They\u2019ll learn to see from different perspectives, solve conflicts amicably, and collaborate with skill. Plus, they\u2019ll form strong relationships grounded in trust.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.co.za\/doi\/full\/10.4102\/sajhrm.v19i0.1279\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abundant evidence<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> highlights the clear link between emotional intelligence and high performance. Of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.weforum.org\/stories\/2020\/02\/emotional-intelligence-career-life-personal-development\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">34 core skills<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, emotional intelligence is the strongest predictor of success \u2014 and 90% of high performers have strong EI, research has shown. But you may find yourself thinking, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cultivating my own emotional intelligence is challenging enough. How on earth can I help other people develop it?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this post, we\u2019ll demystify the process of growing emotional intelligence. By understanding the building blocks of emotional intelligence, you can take regular steps that guide your team in growing the human skills that will help them build close-knit and lasting relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding Emotional Intelligence<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emotional intelligence is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10543214\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">set of personality traits<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that help people relate to one another effectively. Here are the four key <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ccl.org\/articles\/leading-effectively-articles\/emotional-intelligence-and-leadership-effectiveness\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">building blocks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of emotional intelligence:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Self-awareness: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding of your own emotions and how they affect your reactions to situations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Self-management: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ability to self-regulate, staying centered and responding to emotions in productive ways.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Social awareness: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skill in noticing how others are thinking and feeling.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relationship management: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ability to form healthy relationships based in trust and understanding, informed by social awareness.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Developing emotional intelligence and self awareness lets people proactively respond to others\u2019 emotions and manage their own. It\u2019s also crucial for leading through change, helping leaders stay calm and centered in tough situations. As people grow this skill, they\u2019ll build a supportive workplace culture. By the same token, lack of EI can create a toxic work environment, as researchers write in the journal <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heliyon.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For some people, emotional intelligence is more an innate ability, while for others, it can be developed over time. To achieve your full potential as a leader, prioritize growing this set of qualities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But don\u2019t stop there \u2014 take steps to guide your whole team in developing emotional intelligence. This will foster a supportive work culture where everyone thrives.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Demystifying How to Grow Emotional Intelligence<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-238\" src=\"https:\/\/www.iablueprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-19-022054.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"622\" height=\"409\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/cheerful-asian-woman-in-elegant-outfit-on-leather-sofa-6457493\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Image source<\/span><\/i><i><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A lot has been written about developing emotional intelligence as a leader. But coaching an employee in developing EI may feel more daunting. It may not seem as cut-and-dry as learning a technical skill, after all.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, how to help someone develop emotional intelligence?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This begins with helping them tune into self-awareness as well as understanding of others\u2019 feelings. First, by modeling how to lead with emotional intelligence, you\u2019ll set an example that everyone can follow. Second, by coaching people in using these strategies for building emotional intelligence, you\u2019ll guide them in growing the core qualities of EI.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cultivate self-awareness.<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often we go through the day experiencing micro-reactions to minor things without being consciously aware of them. Someone\u2019s tone, or a decision we disagree with, may throw us off even if we don\u2019t stop to think about why. Emotional intelligence begins with tuning into how these everyday situations make us feel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Journaling is a great way to build self-awareness. You can also ask good questions during one-on-ones to prompt employees to grow this quality:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cHow does that situation make you feel? Why is that?\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI noticed you seemed to disagree with X idea earlier. Can you share your thoughts on that?\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhat would help you to feel more comfortable voicing your thoughts in meetings?\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cCould you have expressed that thought in a way that would\u2019ve been easier for others to hear? What would that sound like?\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Questions like these can foster greater self-understanding. As people grow that ability, they\u2019ll also be able to tap into others\u2019 emotions more clearly.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get curious about what others think and feel.<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a leader and coach, you can prompt people to get curious about how others are feeling and why. Using simple exercises, you can help them understand a situation from different angles.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhere do you think that reaction stemmed from?\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhat led them to make that choice?\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cHow would you describe their communication style? Is it different from yours?\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By helping people understand situations from others\u2019 perspectives, you\u2019ll help them cultivate empathy. In particular, prompt them to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/monitor\/2021\/11\/feature-cultivating-empathy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">consider the perspectives<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of those with different backgrounds from their own. In addition, help them find common ground with those who are different from them, as the American Psychological Association says. This will help you build a more connected, inclusive, and emotionally intelligent team.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read people\u2019s body language.<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remind people to pay attention to the cues that others are giving them through their posture, eye contact, expressions, and movements. If someone is fidgeting a lot, they could be feeling uncomfortable. However, they could also just have a lot of energy. Look for combinations of signs instead of relying on just one, and consider cultural differences in body language.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To help people tune into body language, ask them to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careerhub.sunyempire.edu\/blog\/2025\/06\/19\/how-to-read-body-language-and-get-better-at-workplace-communication\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">practice observing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> these cues in meetings. As they consciously become aware of colleagues\u2019 or clients\u2019 gesture, stance, and expression, they\u2019ll gain insights about how they feel in these moments.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pause to ask questions.<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emotional intelligence doesn\u2019t mean you can read people\u2019s minds. In many cases, it\u2019s crucial to stop and ask questions about how they\u2019re doing. Recognizing the need to ask the question signals emotional intelligence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, if I get onto a Zoom call with my assistant and she doesn\u2019t seem to have her usual level of energy, I could pause to ask how her day is going. I could say, \u201cYou seem a little down today. Is something wrong?\u201d or \u201cHas your morning been challenging? You seem a little stressed.\u201d In other words, I\u2019m not just politely asking, \u201cHow are you?\u201d By making a tactful observation and showing concern, I\u2019m showing that I genuinely want to listen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In one-on-ones with your employees, model how to pause and ask appropriate questions. You can also do a go-around during meetings where you prompt people to share challenges and highlights of the past day or week. Talk with them about the importance of stopping to ask questions and truly listen, too. They\u2019ll realize you don\u2019t see this as a waste of time, but as central to team-building.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Show vulnerability.<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vulnerability means embracing the idea that you can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mckinsey.com\/capabilities\/people-and-organizational-performance\/our-insights\/how-leaders-can-tap-the-power-of-vulnerability\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">always do better<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It also means being <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcma.org\/brene-brown-why-we-need-braver-leaders-how-become-one\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">uncomfortable with uncertainty<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as Bren<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00e9<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Brown says. But too often, we resist the idea of vulnerability, trying to pretend we have all the answers or don\u2019t feel afraid of failure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.inc.com\/peter-economy\/7-ways-to-develop-emotional-intelligence-a-key-leadership-skill-for-modern-managers\/91162072\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">show vulnerability<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as a leader, you give people insights that help them move forward. You reveal your own growth process, which motivates and guides others to take similar steps. As you mentor people in one-on-one check-ins, ask questions that can help them embrace their own vulnerability:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cDo you feel worried about your ability to handle this new task? Why?\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cHow can you handle those fears while giving it your best effort?\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhere do you feel like you most need to grow? How can you build those skills?\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019m a walking testament to the fact that people can grow emotional intelligence. My wife has helped me develop these qualities, often pointing out things that I\u2019d missed. Over time, this helped me tune into others\u2019 reactions and what they convey about their thoughts and feelings. As a leader, this ability has been invaluable. I\u2019m not perfect, but I try to ask good questions and listen when others have something to share. And I prioritize people\u2019s well-being, showing I genuinely care and want them to thrive.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By developing emotional intelligence and self-awareness, your employees will foster real trust and understanding. In turn, you\u2019ll all be able to depend on one another to navigate hurdles, making your whole organization more resilient and capable of handling any challenge. Using these strategies for building emotional intelligence will help you get there.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building a strong and emotionally intelligent team begins with hiring the right people. To discuss how to get started, <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iablueprint.com\/book-a-discovery-call\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">set up a call<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. I\u2019ll walk you through how our 12-step process ensures we find the right person for your needs. I\u2019ll also be glad to share guidance on effectively managing virtual assistants, so you\u2019ll get the most from each new hire. Following this advice, our clients have built long-term relationships with their VAs and executive assistants that have played an instrumental role in their success.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When your whole team develops emotional intelligence, relationships will flourish \u2014 and so will your company. Here, we\u2019ll explore strategies for building emotional intelligence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":240,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-237","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-beaux-pilgrim","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.iablueprint.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/237","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.iablueprint.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.iablueprint.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.iablueprint.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.iablueprint.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=237"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.iablueprint.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/237\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":241,"href":"https:\/\/www.iablueprint.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/237\/revisions\/241"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.iablueprint.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/240"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.iablueprint.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=237"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.iablueprint.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=237"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.iablueprint.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=237"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}