{"id":83393,"date":"2025-02-03T05:29:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-03T11:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/?p=83393"},"modified":"2025-07-08T14:58:31","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T19:58:31","slug":"six-signs-of-weak-emotional-intelligence-in-leaders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/six-signs-of-weak-emotional-intelligence-in-leaders\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Signs of Weak Emotional Intelligence in Leaders"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Eli Itzhaki\u2019s locksmith business, <a href=\"https:\/\/keyzoo.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">KeyZoo<\/a>, was booming and fully focused on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/tips-and-resources-to-scale-your-small-business\/\">scaling<\/a>\u2014adding more trucks, optimizing routines and hiring new technicians. Amid this growth, Itzhaki had to dismiss a technician for chronic lateness. It was only when the technician broke down during the exit interview that Itzhaki discovered the real reason behind the employee\u2019s tardiness: a serious family issue.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI missed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/emotional-intelligence-in-leadership\/\">the human element<\/a>,\u201d says Itzhaki. \u201cThat moment made me realize I had been managing the business as if it were a machine, not understanding the real challenges my team faced. That was my wake-up call that EQ isn\u2019t optional. It\u2019s foundational.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Emotional Intelligence, or EQ, is key to effectively leading a team. It\u2019s the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, while also recognizing and influencing the emotions of your team. Leaders with strong EQ can better handle stress, resolve conflicts and make thoughtful decisions. EQ in leadership drives higher team performance, improves employee engagement and enhances overall workplace satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cEQ in leadership is about more than just being empathetic,\u201d Itzhaki says. \u201cIt\u2019s about cultivating a deep understanding of what drives each individual on your team and being aware of the subtle cues that signal when things are off. In our industry, we often deal with customers in high-stress situations\u2014locked out of their homes, worried about security after a break-in or handling a lost car key. If the team is carrying their own unaddressed stress, it can spill over into these customer interactions.\u201d That\u2019s why, he notes, EQ isn\u2019t just about making the workplace pleasant. It\u2019s directly tied to the quality of service and a brand\u2019s reputation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-telltale-signs-of-weak-emotional-intelligence\"><strong>Telltale signs of weak emotional intelligence<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Recognizing weak EQ is crucial for leaders who want to improve their effectiveness. \u201cLeaders who underestimate or dismiss the value and relevance of the interpersonal skills that comprise EQ are the ones who struggle to lead successfully,\u201d says Laura Crandall, founder of the management consulting firm <a href=\"https:\/\/www.slatecommunications.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Slate Communication<\/a> and the author of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Working-Humans-Needed-Conversations-Expected\/dp\/B0CJKH6CRR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Working With Humans<\/em><\/a>. \u201cEmotions can feel unpredictable and surprising, which is why they are often seen as operationally inconvenient or unnecessary. But we work with humans, and emotions are part of the deal.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Leaders with weak EQ may miss important social cues or fail to empathize with their team, creating a work environment that lacks trust and psychological safety. Understanding these red flags is the first step in building stronger emotional intelligence and fostering a more positive and productive workplace.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-red-flag-high-turnover\"><strong>1. Red flag: High turnover<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Consistently high employee turnover is a strong indicator that something is wrong with leadership, and emotional intelligence could be at the root of the problem. When leaders fail to connect emotionally with their team, employees may feel undervalued, unsupported or disengaged. This often leads to dissatisfaction, burnout and, ultimately, higher turnover as employees seek better work environments elsewhere.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Fix: <\/strong>Check in with your people. \u201cIt\u2019s important to recognize that EQ needs to be measured just like any other business metric,\u201d Itzhaki says. \u201cWe send out anonymous surveys every quarter asking the team to rate their sense of being valued, understood and supported.\u201d One of the surprising insights from one of his own surveys, he says, was how he was seen as \u201cintimidating\u201d in certain situations\u2014something he hadn\u2019t considered because he always thought of himself as approachable. \u201cThis feedback has pushed me to be more mindful about how I communicate under stress and to show vulnerability, like openly admitting when I\u2019m having a tough day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-red-flag-disappearing-feedback\"><strong>2. Red flag: Disappearing feedback<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When feedback from your team becomes scarce or nonexistent, it\u2019s a sign that employees no longer feel comfortable sharing their thoughts or opinions. This can happen when leaders consistently ignore or dismiss feedback, creating an environment where team members believe their input doesn\u2019t matter. Over time, this leads to disengagement and a lack of open communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Fix: <\/strong>Make an effort to connect with your employees by finding out what they do, what they are concerned about and what\u2019s important to them both at work and outside of it. Cheryl L. Mason, chief catalyst of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.catalystleadershipmgmt.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Catalyst Leadership Management<\/a> consultancy and author of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Dare-Relate-Leading-Fierce-Heart\/dp\/B0CYQ8X33L\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Dare to Relate: Leading With a Fierce Heart<\/em><\/a><em>,<\/em> implemented walk-arounds in the office space prepandemic, allowing her to engage with employees.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAt first, they were cynical, but they quickly accepted the walks and looked forward to talking to me about ideas, concerns or life beyond work,\u201d she says. When the pandemic hit and people were forced inside, Mason set up small group meetings, established virtual office hours and reached out with one-on-one check-ins. \u201cIn these meetings, we did not talk about work, we talked about life challenges we were all experiencing,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-red-flag-transactional-teamwork\"><strong>3. Red flag: Transactional teamwork<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When your team members work with one another in a purely transactional manner, it indicates a lack of emotional connection and engagement, says Henry Criss, CEO of the <a href=\"https:\/\/fraum.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fraum Center<\/a>. For instance, if you hear phrases like \u201cThat\u2019s not my job,\u201d it\u2019s clear there\u2019s a transactional mindset at play in your team. On the other hand, teams with high EQ are collaborative, saying things like, \u201cSure, we can do that. Let me get Kelly to help.\u201d This is more than just attitude, Criss notes. \u201cIt\u2019s reflected in the performance, revenue and overall results.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Fix: <\/strong>Foster a culture of collaboration by creating opportunities for team bonding and open communication. Encourage cross-functional projects where team members need to rely on one another\u2019s expertise. \u201cWhen onboarding, one of the first things I discuss is relationships,\u201d says Criss. \u201cFrom my experience in sports and organizations, the best teams aren\u2019t always the most talented; they are the ones with technical skills combined with strong, relational bonds, all pulling in the same direction. That\u2019s what I look for and evaluate.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-red-flag-temperature-taking\"><strong>4. Red flag: Temperature taking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your team is constantly gauging the \u201cright time\u201d to deliver tough news or ask for something, it\u2019s a clear sign they\u2019re concerned about your potential overreaction. When employees feel the need to monitor a leader\u2019s emotional state before addressing important issues, it creates an atmosphere of caution and fear. This can lead to delays in communication, unresolved problems and a lack of transparency, as team members avoid speaking up or addressing critical concerns at the right moment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Fix: <\/strong>Work on improving your EQ. \u201cRegularly reflect on your feelings during different situations and identify how they influence your decisions and actions,\u201d advises Richard A. Smith, managing partner of <a href=\"https:\/\/bentonbradford.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Benton + Bradford Consulting<\/a> and workforce expert, speaker, coach and consultant to <em>Fortune<\/em> 500 companies. \u201cNo one is asking leaders to be robots. However, it is important for leaders to manage their emotions to effectively respond to situations instead of blindly reacting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He recommends practicing pausing before responding in emotionally charged situations, thereby allowing for time to assess the situation objectively, as well as developing techniques such as deep breathing to manage stress and stay calm under pressure.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-red-flag-culture-of-blame\"><strong>5. Red flag: Culture of blame<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A culture of blame is another big indicator of lacking EQ in leadership, says Crandall. \u201cIf teams shun responsibility and\/or interest in finding solutions when problems arise, it is a sign that there isn\u2019t enough emotional awareness and psychological safety in the organization to take risks and solve problems.\u201d If you\u2019re leading a blame-focused organization, it is a sign that you may be, perhaps unwittingly, a source of the problem. When this happens, your team will avoid bringing issues, concerns or ideas to you, leading to a lack of trust, fear of negative reactions or the belief that an employee\u2019s input won\u2019t be valued.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Fix: <\/strong>Cultivate approachability by creating an open-door policy and actively inviting feedback. Smith cautions, however, that it\u2019s important to remember that when a manager says, \u201cMy door is always open,\u201d it makes it the employee\u2019s responsibility to seek out the leader. \u201cReject this passive policy. Remember that trust is built over time. You can make deposits in people\u2019s bank accounts by being there regularly and authentically.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-red-flag-low-morale\"><strong>6. Red flag: Low morale<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A decline in team morale that goes unaddressed usually points to low EQ in leadership. When the office becomes tense or creativity and engagement suddenly drop, it often means the leader is missing the emotional undercurrents at play. \u201cIf leaders feel like they are dreading leading or if the spirit of an organization is low, unfocused or spiraling towards cynicism, it\u2019s a big red flag that the subjective, emotional and intuitive\u2014the humanity\u2014is missing from their leadership,\u201d says Crandall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Fix: <\/strong>Learn to listen\u2014and well. \u201cListening is a verb, an action that takes skill and focus,\u201d says Smith. \u201cIt is an essential facet of emotional intelligence competencies that leaders need to succeed and rise higher.\u201d After his mother passed away, Smith\u2019s supervisor came into his office and said, \u201cI still have both my parents, so I can\u2019t really identify with how you must be feeling right now. But how would you like us to handle this situation in the office? We want to be there for you.\u201d Smith says this exchange allowed him to respond in the way that felt right to him, not to uphold some societal expectation that he couldn\u2019t be human in the workplace and should mourn privately.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The biggest mistake leaders make with EQ, says Itzhaki, is thinking it\u2019s about being soft. \u201cIt\u2019s not. It\u2019s about being astutely aware of what\u2019s happening under the surface and being proactive in addressing it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Don\u2019t be a red-flag leader. Sharpen your EQ and let your team know you care by joining the SUCCESS\u00ae Leadership Lab, a dynamic 18-day virtual course for rising leaders who want to lead with clarity, influence and confidence. The hybrid experience combines lessons with live coaching from 10 experts to provide you with practical tools to build trust with your team, navigate chaos and crises, shape a healthy, driven work culture and more. Click <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/offer.success.com\/leadership-lab\/\"><em>here<\/em><\/a><em> to register.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong><em>Photo from fizkes\/Shutterstock.com<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Eli Itzhaki\u2019s locksmith business, KeyZoo, was booming and fully focused on scaling\u2014adding more trucks, optimizing routines and hiring new technicians. Amid this growth, Itzhaki had to dismiss a technician for chronic lateness. It was only when the technician broke down during the exit interview that Itzhaki discovered the real reason behind the employee\u2019s tardiness: a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":73412,"featured_media":83394,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"ub_ctt_via":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[14383],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-83393","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-professional-development"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/SOnline25_Natasha-Khullar-Relph_DigiMag_The-EQ-Advantage.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Natasha Khullar Relph","author_link":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/author\/natasha-khullar-relph\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.1 (Yoast SEO v25.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>6 Signs of Weak Emotional Intelligence in Leaders | SUCCESS<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover how leaders rely on emotional intelligence to build a healthy workplace. Plus, learn six signals of weak emotional intelligence.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"6 Signs of Weak Emotional Intelligence in Leaders\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Eli Itzhaki\u2019s locksmith business, KeyZoo, was booming and fully focused on scaling\u2014adding more trucks, optimizing routines and hiring new technicians. | SUCCESS\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/six-signs-of-weak-emotional-intelligence-in-leaders\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"SUCCESS\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SUCCESSmagazine\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-02-03T11:29:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-07-08T19:58:31+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/SOnline25_Natasha-Khullar-Relph_DigiMag_The-EQ-Advantage_Social.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"630\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Natasha Khullar Relph\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@successmagazine\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@successmagazine\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/six-signs-of-weak-emotional-intelligence-in-leaders\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/six-signs-of-weak-emotional-intelligence-in-leaders\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Natasha Khullar Relph\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/#\/schema\/person\/ef3fe7a260e3bb95b995fb2bcda2b9d7\"},\"headline\":\"6 Signs of Weak Emotional Intelligence in Leaders\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-02-03T11:29:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-08T19:58:31+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/six-signs-of-weak-emotional-intelligence-in-leaders\/\"},\"wordCount\":1707,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/six-signs-of-weak-emotional-intelligence-in-leaders\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/SOnline25_Natasha-Khullar-Relph_DigiMag_The-EQ-Advantage.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Professional Development\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/six-signs-of-weak-emotional-intelligence-in-leaders\/#respond\"]}],\"copyrightYear\":\"2025\",\"copyrightHolder\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/#organization\"}},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/six-signs-of-weak-emotional-intelligence-in-leaders\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/six-signs-of-weak-emotional-intelligence-in-leaders\/\",\"name\":\"6 Signs of Weak Emotional Intelligence in Leaders | SUCCESS\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/six-signs-of-weak-emotional-intelligence-in-leaders\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/six-signs-of-weak-emotional-intelligence-in-leaders\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/SOnline25_Natasha-Khullar-Relph_DigiMag_The-EQ-Advantage.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-02-03T11:29:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-08T19:58:31+00:00\",\"description\":\"Discover how leaders rely on emotional intelligence to build a healthy workplace. 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Amid this growth, Itzhaki had to dismiss a technician for chronic lateness. It was only when the technician broke down during the exit interview that Itzhaki discovered the real reason behind the employee\u2019s tardiness: a serious family issue.\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cI missed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.success.com\/emotional-intelligence-in-leadership\/\">the human element<\/a>,\u201d says Itzhaki. \u201cThat moment made me realize I had been managing the business as if it were a machine, not understanding the real challenges my team faced. That was my wake-up call that EQ isn\u2019t optional. It\u2019s foundational.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Emotional Intelligence, or EQ, is key to effectively leading a team. It\u2019s the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, while also recognizing and influencing the emotions of your team. Leaders with strong EQ can better handle stress, resolve conflicts and make thoughtful decisions. EQ in leadership drives higher team performance, improves employee engagement and enhances overall workplace satisfaction.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cEQ in leadership is about more than just being empathetic,\u201d Itzhaki says. \u201cIt\u2019s about cultivating a deep understanding of what drives each individual on your team and being aware of the subtle cues that signal when things are off. In our industry, we often deal with customers in high-stress situations\u2014locked out of their homes, worried about security after a break-in or handling a lost car key. If the team is carrying their own unaddressed stress, it can spill over into these customer interactions.\u201d That\u2019s why, he notes, EQ isn\u2019t just about making the workplace pleasant. It\u2019s directly tied to the quality of service and a brand\u2019s reputation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-telltale-signs-of-weak-emotional-intelligence\"><strong>Telltale signs of weak emotional intelligence<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Recognizing weak EQ is crucial for leaders who want to improve their effectiveness. \u201cLeaders who underestimate or dismiss the value and relevance of the interpersonal skills that comprise EQ are the ones who struggle to lead successfully,\u201d says Laura Crandall, founder of the management consulting firm <a href=\"https:\/\/www.slatecommunications.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Slate Communication<\/a> and the author of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Working-Humans-Needed-Conversations-Expected\/dp\/B0CJKH6CRR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Working With Humans<\/em><\/a>. \u201cEmotions can feel unpredictable and surprising, which is why they are often seen as operationally inconvenient or unnecessary. But we work with humans, and emotions are part of the deal.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Leaders with weak EQ may miss important social cues or fail to empathize with their team, creating a work environment that lacks trust and psychological safety. Understanding these red flags is the first step in building stronger emotional intelligence and fostering a more positive and productive workplace.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-red-flag-high-turnover\"><strong>1. Red flag: High turnover<\/strong><\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consistently high employee turnover is a strong indicator that something is wrong with leadership, and emotional intelligence could be at the root of the problem. When leaders fail to connect emotionally with their team, employees may feel undervalued, unsupported or disengaged. This often leads to dissatisfaction, burnout and, ultimately, higher turnover as employees seek better work environments elsewhere.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The Fix: <\/strong>Check in with your people. \u201cIt\u2019s important to recognize that EQ needs to be measured just like any other business metric,\u201d Itzhaki says. \u201cWe send out anonymous surveys every quarter asking the team to rate their sense of being valued, understood and supported.\u201d One of the surprising insights from one of his own surveys, he says, was how he was seen as \u201cintimidating\u201d in certain situations\u2014something he hadn\u2019t considered because he always thought of himself as approachable. \u201cThis feedback has pushed me to be more mindful about how I communicate under stress and to show vulnerability, like openly admitting when I\u2019m having a tough day.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-red-flag-disappearing-feedback\"><strong>2. Red flag: Disappearing feedback<\/strong><\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When feedback from your team becomes scarce or nonexistent, it\u2019s a sign that employees no longer feel comfortable sharing their thoughts or opinions. This can happen when leaders consistently ignore or dismiss feedback, creating an environment where team members believe their input doesn\u2019t matter. Over time, this leads to disengagement and a lack of open communication.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The Fix: <\/strong>Make an effort to connect with your employees by finding out what they do, what they are concerned about and what\u2019s important to them both at work and outside of it. Cheryl L. Mason, chief catalyst of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.catalystleadershipmgmt.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Catalyst Leadership Management<\/a> consultancy and author of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Dare-Relate-Leading-Fierce-Heart\/dp\/B0CYQ8X33L\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Dare to Relate: Leading With a Fierce Heart<\/em><\/a><em>,<\/em> implemented walk-arounds in the office space prepandemic, allowing her to engage with employees.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cAt first, they were cynical, but they quickly accepted the walks and looked forward to talking to me about ideas, concerns or life beyond work,\u201d she says. When the pandemic hit and people were forced inside, Mason set up small group meetings, established virtual office hours and reached out with one-on-one check-ins. \u201cIn these meetings, we did not talk about work, we talked about life challenges we were all experiencing,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-red-flag-transactional-teamwork\"><strong>3. Red flag: Transactional teamwork<\/strong><\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When your team members work with one another in a purely transactional manner, it indicates a lack of emotional connection and engagement, says Henry Criss, CEO of the <a href=\"https:\/\/fraum.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fraum Center<\/a>. For instance, if you hear phrases like \u201cThat\u2019s not my job,\u201d it\u2019s clear there\u2019s a transactional mindset at play in your team. On the other hand, teams with high EQ are collaborative, saying things like, \u201cSure, we can do that. Let me get Kelly to help.\u201d This is more than just attitude, Criss notes. \u201cIt\u2019s reflected in the performance, revenue and overall results.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The Fix: <\/strong>Foster a culture of collaboration by creating opportunities for team bonding and open communication. Encourage cross-functional projects where team members need to rely on one another\u2019s expertise. \u201cWhen onboarding, one of the first things I discuss is relationships,\u201d says Criss. \u201cFrom my experience in sports and organizations, the best teams aren\u2019t always the most talented; they are the ones with technical skills combined with strong, relational bonds, all pulling in the same direction. That\u2019s what I look for and evaluate.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-red-flag-temperature-taking\"><strong>4. Red flag: Temperature taking<\/strong><\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If your team is constantly gauging the \u201cright time\u201d to deliver tough news or ask for something, it\u2019s a clear sign they\u2019re concerned about your potential overreaction. When employees feel the need to monitor a leader\u2019s emotional state before addressing important issues, it creates an atmosphere of caution and fear. This can lead to delays in communication, unresolved problems and a lack of transparency, as team members avoid speaking up or addressing critical concerns at the right moment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The Fix: <\/strong>Work on improving your EQ. \u201cRegularly reflect on your feelings during different situations and identify how they influence your decisions and actions,\u201d advises Richard A. Smith, managing partner of <a href=\"https:\/\/bentonbradford.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Benton + Bradford Consulting<\/a> and workforce expert, speaker, coach and consultant to <em>Fortune<\/em> 500 companies. \u201cNo one is asking leaders to be robots. However, it is important for leaders to manage their emotions to effectively respond to situations instead of blindly reacting.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He recommends practicing pausing before responding in emotionally charged situations, thereby allowing for time to assess the situation objectively, as well as developing techniques such as deep breathing to manage stress and stay calm under pressure.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-red-flag-culture-of-blame\"><strong>5. Red flag: Culture of blame<\/strong><\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A culture of blame is another big indicator of lacking EQ in leadership, says Crandall. \u201cIf teams shun responsibility and\/or interest in finding solutions when problems arise, it is a sign that there isn\u2019t enough emotional awareness and psychological safety in the organization to take risks and solve problems.\u201d If you\u2019re leading a blame-focused organization, it is a sign that you may be, perhaps unwittingly, a source of the problem. When this happens, your team will avoid bringing issues, concerns or ideas to you, leading to a lack of trust, fear of negative reactions or the belief that an employee\u2019s input won\u2019t be valued.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The Fix: <\/strong>Cultivate approachability by creating an open-door policy and actively inviting feedback. Smith cautions, however, that it\u2019s important to remember that when a manager says, \u201cMy door is always open,\u201d it makes it the employee\u2019s responsibility to seek out the leader. \u201cReject this passive policy. Remember that trust is built over time. You can make deposits in people\u2019s bank accounts by being there regularly and authentically.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-red-flag-low-morale\"><strong>6. Red flag: Low morale<\/strong><\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A decline in team morale that goes unaddressed usually points to low EQ in leadership. When the office becomes tense or creativity and engagement suddenly drop, it often means the leader is missing the emotional undercurrents at play. \u201cIf leaders feel like they are dreading leading or if the spirit of an organization is low, unfocused or spiraling towards cynicism, it\u2019s a big red flag that the subjective, emotional and intuitive\u2014the humanity\u2014is missing from their leadership,\u201d says Crandall.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The Fix: <\/strong>Learn to listen\u2014and well. \u201cListening is a verb, an action that takes skill and focus,\u201d says Smith. \u201cIt is an essential facet of emotional intelligence competencies that leaders need to succeed and rise higher.\u201d After his mother passed away, Smith\u2019s supervisor came into his office and said, \u201cI still have both my parents, so I can\u2019t really identify with how you must be feeling right now. But how would you like us to handle this situation in the office? We want to be there for you.\u201d Smith says this exchange allowed him to respond in the way that felt right to him, not to uphold some societal expectation that he couldn\u2019t be human in the workplace and should mourn privately.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The biggest mistake leaders make with EQ, says Itzhaki, is thinking it\u2019s about being soft. \u201cIt\u2019s not. It\u2019s about being astutely aware of what\u2019s happening under the surface and being proactive in addressing it.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><em>Don\u2019t be a red-flag leader. Sharpen your EQ and let your team know you care by joining the SUCCESS\u00ae Leadership Lab, a dynamic 18-day virtual course for rising leaders who want to lead with clarity, influence and confidence. The hybrid experience combines lessons with live coaching from 10 experts to provide you with practical tools to build trust with your team, navigate chaos and crises, shape a healthy, driven work culture and more. Click <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/offer.success.com\/leadership-lab\/\"><em>here<\/em><\/a><em> to register.<\/em><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"fontSize\":\"small\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong><em>Photo from fizkes\/Shutterstock.com<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","tag_names":[],"post_attachment_urls":[],"author_email":"authornatashakhullarrelph@success.com","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83393","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/73412"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=83393"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83393\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/83394"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=83393"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=83393"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.success.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=83393"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}