Emotional intelligence has been recognised as a key characteristic of the successful leader and manager, for it allows him or her to build constructive relationships, avoid damaging ego games, and manage potential conflicts. It is based on the truth that underneath, we are all emotionally driven (though we may not think that), and that most of our key life decisions are based on an emotional response that is often unconscious.

In understanding better how we work emotionally, and our own “inner world”, we come to understand others better. Instead of trying to get our way, we learn to co-operate; instead of thinking we’re always right, we see that there are often many different valid views. We become more flexible, less stressed, better able to formulate the right responses in given situations.

We think that it’s people and situations that govern our lives, but that’s not true; it’s how we respond to them that is the critical factor.

The world of work has become disconnected from human values, and fulfilment and performance suffers as a result. Emotionally intelligent leaders get the best from their people because they invest time and money in them, and come to see how being perfect is a waste of time, that knowing how to fail is central to success, and that kindness is more effective than aggression and intimidation.