Effective Emotional Intelligence or Just Talk?

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a hot topic today, but how much does it impact leadership and workplace efficiency? Does it enhance teams' well-being, or is it just another trendy concept? And can emotional intelligence be developed, or is it something we're born with? To find answers, I sat down with Annamari Heikkilä, Lead Organizational Psychologist at Terveystalo, for an enlightening discussion.

Terveystalo is one of Finland's largest private healthcare service providers, offering a wide range of services including general practitioner and specialist consultations, occupational healthcare, diagnostic services, surgeries, and dental care. The company serves individuals, companies, and public sector organizations.

When we met at Terveystalo's Kamppi office, Annamari greeted me with a warm smile and a genuine hug. It had been over 15 years since we last worked together. From the start, her warmth and approachability underscored what emotional intelligence looks like in action.

The Growing Role of Emotional Intelligence

We began by reflecting on how the importance of emotional intelligence has grown in recent years. Annamari pointed out that modern work, dominated by cognitive tasks, requires leaders to balance analytical skills with emotional insight. "The ability to lead oneself and one's thoughts is more critical now than ever, as social interaction at work has become more abstract and reflective skills more essential," she explained.

What Is Emotional Intelligence?

EQ is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions—both your own and those of others. It encompasses self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management, forming the foundation for navigating complex interpersonal dynamics in the workplace.

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Leadership

Leadership today demands more than operational expertise. "Previously, leadership was about strategies, roadmaps, and performance metrics. Now, it's about integrating humanity," Annamari emphasized. Emotional intelligence fosters psychological safety, key to effective communication, innovation, and collaboration.

Even humor can be a tool of emotional intelligence, helping leaders build rapport and ease tension during challenging moments. However, it must be used wisely to strengthen relationships rather than undermine them.

Can Emotional Intelligence Be Developed?

The good news is that emotional intelligence can be cultivated, even in adulthood. "It all starts with self-awareness. Without it, understanding others is nearly impossible," Annamari said. She encouraged leaders to seek feedback, reflect on their attitudes, and use tools like scientifically backed personality tests to understand themselves better. Building EQ requires curiosity and a genuine interest in personal growth, but the rewards—better relationships, stronger teams, and greater job satisfaction—are worth the effort.

EQ's Tangible Benefits

A leader's emotional intelligence directly impacts team performance and mental well-being. Teams led by emotionally intelligent leaders tend to feel valued, heard, and supported, which translates into higher engagement, creativity, and productivity. Conversely, lacking EQ can lead to disengagement, conflict, and absenteeism.

Research backs up these claims: investing in emotional intelligence drives better organizational outcomes. "It's an underutilized resource," Annamari noted. "Companies must prioritize humanity and feedback cultures in their leadership strategies to unlock their full potential."

Emotional Intelligence: A Leadership Essential

As our conversation wrapped up, Annamari left me with a thought-provoking reminder: emotional intelligence is not just a buzzword but a cornerstone of modern leadership. Organizations that embrace it will thrive and create workplaces where people feel genuinely valued. 

/Riitta Rautakoura, Executive Consultant, Birn+Partners Finland