Emotional Intelligence Made Simple: 5 Steps to Lead with Impact

by Nancy Vepraskas  - January 21, 2025

It’s time to make the critical shift from leading the business by yourself to leading an organization of people. At P2Excellence, we help you navigate the uncharted territories of organizational growth with clarity and confidence. 

Stronger Relationships, Better Leadership:
Start with Emotional Intelligence

Hello again, and welcome back to Tuesday’s!

I’m excited to begin a brand-new year with you, focusing on 12 Critical Competencies for High-Impact Leadership. This month, let’s explore Emotional Intelligence—a foundational skill that helps you build deeper relationships, handle tough conversations, and manage stress more effectively.

Let’s walk you through the why, the what, and the how of Emotional Intelligence and then use five key points to guide your growth.

Why Now?
Emotional Intelligence isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the very foundation of leadership influence and healthy connection. By focusing on it now, you’ll set a strong tone for the rest of the year, creating positive momentum for both your work and personal life.

Why You?
You’re juggling priorities, inspiring others, and striving for excellence. Strengthening your Emotional Intelligence will help you stay true to your core values, even when you’re stretched thin or facing conflict.

How Do You Start?
It begins with self-awareness. Taking small but consistent steps—like journaling or asking trusted colleagues for feedback—can have a powerful ripple effect on how you lead, live, and love what you do.

Challenge:

When Emotional Intelligence is low, you may find yourself reacting impulsively or feeling misunderstood.

Tension can rise, trust can erode, and it can be hard to communicate or connect effectively.

You might feel threatened or resentful in stressful moments.

Self Reflection:

Ask yourself:

  • “How do I respond when I feel emotionally charged?
  • "Am I reacting, or am I thoughtfully responding?”

These question help you see whether your emotions are driving you—or if you’re guiding them.

Hack:

A practical step forward is to pause when you feel triggered.

Practice “name it to tame it”—label the emotion: “I’m feeling anxious” or “I’m feeling frustrated.”

By naming your feelings, you begin to take control, rather than letting them control you.

When to Consider Hiring a Coach:

If you notice a recurring pattern—perhaps you keep getting feedback that you’re on edge, or you sense your reactions are straining relationships—it might be time to choose someone who will help you explore your emotional triggers, develop healthier responses, and strengthen your capacity to lead with confidence.

Action Steps:

Keep a short daily journal of emotional triggers.

At the end of each day, note the situations and how you responded.

Over time, you’ll start seeing patterns and can begin shifting your responses in a more intentional way.

I Believe In You

I’m here to support you as you grow in Emotional Intelligence this month. Every pause, every labeled emotion, and every intentional conversation will help you become the leader you want to be.

Join the Conversation

Let’s continue this discussion on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear your insights, experiences, and successes (or stumbles) as you strengthen your Emotional Intelligence.

Please Spread the Word

We’d love for you to refer Tuesday’s to other leaders in your network. Please share this post and encourage your colleagues to subscribe.

Here’s to a month of mindful growth—together!

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Nancy Vepraskas

Nancy Vepraskas is a recognized expert in leadership performance, employee engagement, and culture building. Specializing in the people side of business, Nancy guides leaders in activating change, optimizing talent, and improving processes and strategies to achieve business goals. The results include happier, more motivated employees; heightened customer commitment; and improved bottom-line performance.

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