This week, Brin’na unpacks why brilliant minds can still fail as leaders—and how emotional intelligence (EQ) can be the secret weapon that transforms a leader from simply smart to truly impactful. Through a compelling coaching story about "Jamie," a technically gifted leader whose team was stalling, we learn that strategy alone isn't enough. Connection, trust, and empathy make all the difference.

💥 Key Takeaways:

The Intelligence Trap:

Even smart leaders can fall into these traps:

o Explaining more but connecting less

o Mistaking compliance for commitment

o Solving problems without building trust

The 4 Pillars of Emotional Intelligence for Leaders:

1. Self-Awareness: Understand your emotional impact

2. Self-Management: Pause and respond intentionally

3. Social Awareness: Read the room and what’s not said

4. Relationship Management: Build trust, manage conflict, and develop others

EQ in Action:

When Jamie assessed how her team felt during meetings, she realized excitement on her end came across as dismissal to her team. The result of shifting her approach? Execution improved by 40%.

🛠️ Try This:

Before your next meeting, ask yourself:

• What is the emotional temperature in this space?

• How might my tone or delivery impact others?

• What do my people need to feel in order to truly buy in?

🧭 Quote to Remember:

“Being the smartest person in the room doesn’t make you the best leader. Being the most emotionally intelligent one might.”