Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Turbulent Times
When the world feels uncertain, one quality consistently stands out as a stabilizing force in workplaces: emotional intelligence (EI). Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions, as well as to perceive and influence the emotions of others. It’s about more than empathy; it’s about awareness, regulation, and the ability to connect effectively with people in moments of both calm and crisis.
In turbulent times like those we’re experiencing right now, EI becomes critical not only for leaders but also for employees at every level. Leaders high in Emotional Intelligence Competencies can inspire, guide, and reassure their teams. Employees can use EI competencies to manage stress, adapt to change, and collaborate productively. EI is not only a core leadership skill, but it is also a foundational workplace skill that everyone can benefit from, regardless of role.
Emotional Intelligence as an Anchor During Uncertainty and Crisis
EI boosts performance, even during turbulence
Research has consistently shown that emotionally intelligent managers and teams perform better in high-pressure environments than those who score lower in emotional intelligence competencies. A study published in MDPI found that managers who exhibited higher levels of EI competencies — particularly self-awareness, self-regulation/self-management, motivation (inspiring performance), and empathy (awareness of others) — were able to significantly boost employee performance, even during crises. These skills anchor organizations, helping them maintain momentum when external factors are chaotic.
EI cultivates resilience and adaptability
Resilience is not about avoiding stress but about navigating it effectively and bouncing back from it. Emotional intelligence provides the tools for resilience by helping individuals process emotions, regulate reactions, and find constructive ways forward. Studies highlight how EI competencies support renewal, enabling people to adapt more effectively in the face of change.
Emotional intelligence is the cornerstone of resilient leadership
Resilient leadership is impossible without EI. Leaders who demonstrate self-awareness and empathy create psychological safety, reduce stress, and maintain cohesion in their teams through turbulent times. Leaders low in EI competencies struggle to connect and inspire, while those high in EI competencies are better equipped to guide teams through uncertainty with clarity and confidence.
Boosting Morale, Engagement, and Collaboration with Emotional Intelligence
Engagement and retention
Employees are more engaged and less likely to leave when they feel seen and supported. Inspiring leaders are often high in EI competencies such as authenticity, self-awareness and awareness of others. But the same applies to peers — employees who demonstrate EI contribute to a culture where people feel valued.
Collaboration
EI is also a collaboration multiplier. It improves communication, reduces conflict, and strengthens professional relationships. Emotional intelligence allows people to motivate others, support colleagues through challenges, and resolve disputes constructively.
Psychological safety
People thrive in work environments where they can speak openly without fear of judgment. Emotional intelligence in the workplace builds an environment of psychological safety, ensuring people can share emotions, struggles, and ideas freely. That foundation of trust becomes essential when organizations are navigating turbulence.
Practical Emotional Intelligence Skills Everyone Can Put into Practice During Trying Times
Self-Awareness & Self-Management
- For leaders: identify/label how they are feeling, and regulate visible emotions to avoid spreading panic.
- For employees: use self-awareness and reflection to recognize stress triggers and respond thoughtfully.
Awareness of Others & Active Listening
- Leaders model Awareness of Others to support and guide their teams through challenges.
- Employees use Awareness of Others to build stronger peer relationships and reduce workplace friction.
Resilience & Adaptability
EI enables both leaders and employees to pivot quickly when circumstances change. Emotional Intelligence Competencies are enduring skills that allow individuals to not just survive turbulence but to grow through it.
How to Strengthen Emotional Intelligence Across an Organization
Hiring
By measuring how often a candidate demonstrates emotional intelligence in the workplace during the selection process, organizations can incorporate EI measures, along with existing selection processes to make more informed hiring decisions.
Assessment
Reliable, valid, science-based assessments enable leaders and staff to receive relevant, actionable feedback from their colleagues.
Reporting
Participants can then use that feedback to leverage their strengths and identify opportunities for growth and development, and create customized action plans to meet their specific goals.
Development
For enduring impact, implement science-based EI training programs to enable deeper learning, activities and specific applications of EI Competencies at all levels of the organization.
Despite its impact, few organizations invest in EI training broadly, even though it is one of the most effective drivers of adaptability and resilience.
Action steps
- Embed EI into hiring, coaching conversations, and leadership/employee development plans.
- Offer workshops focused on empathy, mindfulness, and communication skills.
- Provide employees and leaders with EI assessments and feedback systems to leverage identified strengths, measure growth and highlight opportunities for development
Conclusion: Turbulence as Opportunity, Not Obstacle
Turbulent times can feel overwhelming, but they also provide an opportunity for growth. Emotional intelligence is the skillset that enables leaders and employees alike to turn uncertainty into advantage.
- Leaders who coach with EI inspire trust, stability, and performance.
- Employees who collaborate with empathy foster cultures of connection and resilience.
- Organizations that prioritize emotional intelligence training and development emerge from turbulent times stronger, more adaptable, and more united.
The best leaders allow themselves to be vulnerable, using EI not as a shield but as a bridge to authentic connection. When everyone in an organization embraces emotional intelligence, turbulence is no longer just something to survive—it becomes a chance to thrive.
