Emotionally Intelligent Leaders Course

Module 1: Introduction to Emotional Intelligence

• Define Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and why it matters more than IQ/technical skill for leadership effectiveness.
• Distinguish personal vs. social competencies and the four skills: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Management.
• Clarify how EQ differs from IQ and personality, and begin reflective practice on your motivations and goals.
• Discuss Goleman’s work popularizing EQ for practical leadership use.

Module 2: The Science Behind the Development of Individual Emotional Intelligence

• Explain neuroplasticity—how focused attention reshapes brain pathways (see brain diagram, p. 9).
• Contrast Fixed vs. Growth Mindsets and how each shapes behavior and learning (infographic, p. 12).
• Identify the “inner critic”/negative self-talk and its impacts (limited thinking, perfectionism, mood, relationships).
• Practice strategies to reduce negative self-talk and reflect on personal influencers and habits.

Module 3: Diving In: Emotional Intelligence Competencies and Personal EQ Assessment

• Describe the four EQ competencies in depth and how they pair into personal and social competence.
• Complete an individual EQ self-appraisal and record scores for Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, and Relationship Management.
• Interpret results and connect EQ to performance outcomes (research summary, p. 18).
• Understand the neural basis of EQ and habit formation (rational vs. limbic pathways; plasticity, p. 19) and discuss real examples.

Module 4: Application of Personal Competencies in Real Time

• Apply self-awareness and self-management to stressful interactions; share and debrief difficult situations.
• Practice Active Listening (five actions) and complete a listening self-assessment.
• Read nonverbal cues and channel effects (e.g., 7/38/55 guideline; telephone tone/words ratios, p. 27; nonverbal guide, p. 28).
• Recognize “emotional hijacking” and use in-the-moment resets (pause/breathe, seek to understand, clarify, or delay).

Module 5: Application of Social Competences in Real Time

• Practice Social Awareness and Relationship Management with structured feedback exercises.
• Learn the art and steps of effective feedback—prepare, create awareness, co-design a plan, and follow up.
• Role-play scenarios to give/receive feedback and translate insights into behavior change.
• Identify common blind spots (e.g., micromanaging, need for recognition) and capture key takeaways for work and life.