I used to think leadership was about technical expertise and giving orders. But after years of leading ICT projects, I realized something was missing. My teams weren’t reaching their full potential, and I felt a disconnect between myself and my team members. Then, I discovered the power of emotional intelligence.

This one shift in focus – from purely technical skills to cultivating self-awareness, empathy, and strong relationships – revolutionized my leadership approach.

Here’s how it changed things:

• Increased Team Morale: By fostering a positive and supportive environment, I saw a dramatic increase in team morale and motivation.
• Improved Communication: Active listening and empathetic communication led to clearer expectations, fewer misunderstandings, and stronger collaboration.
• Enhanced Problem-Solving: A more collaborative and emotionally intelligent approach unlocked creative problem-solving and innovative solutions.
• Greater Resilience: By understanding and responding to the emotional needs of my team, we were able to navigate challenges with greater resilience and adaptability.
• Stronger Relationships: Building genuine connections with my team members fostered trust and respect, leading to a more harmonious and productive work environment.

Cultivating emotional intelligence isn’t a quick fix, but it’s an ongoing journey of self-improvement and growth. It’s about understanding yourself, connecting with others, and leading with both your head and your heart.

If you’re an ICT project manager looking to level up your leadership, I encourage you to embrace the power of emotional intelligence. It might just be the one thing that changes everything for you, too.