This is the reason it is called leadership development. You learn and develop your sense of leadership through experiences. One approach that I practise is to ask a diverse group of attendees (different years of experience, different job function, different gender, etc) for their feedback after the communication of a difficult decision. Use those feedback to make a better decision.

Two game-changers for me: daily reflection and active listening. Every evening, I journal 10 minutes about interactions, my reactions, and what I could've done differently. During meetings, I consciously watch body language, pause before responding, and ask clarifying questions. No judgment, just curiosity. Learning to sit with discomfort and truly hear people transformed my leadership. It's not about being perfect, but being present and self-aware.

Facing tough leadership decisions is like steering a ship through a storm. The waves (problems) are unpredictable, and the wind (external pressures) threatens to push you off course. Hope these 03 reflective questions help navigate tough decisions: (1) What emotions am I experiencing, and how are they influencing my decisions? - This helps you recognize emotional triggers and avoid reactive choices. (2) How might this decision impact my team, and what concerns or needs should I consider? -Encourages understanding of others’ perspectives, fostering trust and alignment. (3) Is this decision aligned with my core values and long-term goals? - Ensures you stay focused on what truly matters, avoiding short-term fixes.

Boosting emotional intelligence in leadership starts with self-awareness. Regularly reflect on your emotions and how they influence your decisions, ensuring you respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. Practice active listening to understand team members’ perspectives and feelings. Cultivate empathy by considering the impact of decisions on others and showing genuine care for their well-being. Improve self-regulation by managing stress and staying calm under pressure. Seek feedback to identify blind spots and grow from them. Finally, prioritize clear, compassionate communication to build trust and create an environment where emotional intelligence becomes a shared value.

Take time to identify your emotional triggers and how they influence your decisions. Use tools like journaling or mindfulness apps to track patterns in your emotions.

Practice self-awareness and empathy by reflecting on personal triggers and understanding others' perspectives. Develop active listening skills, embrace feedback, and stay calm under pressure. Emotional intelligence grows with patience, continuous learning, and leading with compassion

Start by reflecting on your emotions and understanding how they influence your decisions and interactions. Practice active listening to understand others’ perspectives, fostering trust and collaboration. Regularly seek feedback from colleagues to identify areas for improvement. Cultivate emotional regulation through mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to stay composed under pressure. Lastly, show empathy and appreciation to your team, recognizing their efforts and challenges, which strengthens relationships and morale.

Take a moment to understand your feelings—are you stressed, angry, or calm? For example, if a team member misses a deadline, instead of reacting immediately, pause and think: "Why am I upset?" Next, practice empathy. Put yourself in their shoes—maybe they faced unexpected challenges. Communication is key. Listen actively during tough conversations and acknowledge others' emotions. For instance, saying, “I see you’re overwhelmed. Let’s figure this out together,” builds trust. Finally, reflect daily, what went well, what didn’t? These steps, taken consistently, will help you lead with patience, understanding, and clarity.

Facing tough leadership decisions daily is never easy, but strengthening your emotional intelligence (EI) can make all the difference. Start by practicing self-awareness—take time to reflect on your emotions and how they affect your choices. Developing empathy is also crucial—understanding and sharing the feelings of your team helps build strong connections. Finally, improving communication skills is key to fostering trust and open dialogue, allowing for more effective decision-making.

My advice: Start with self-awareness: reflect on how decisions impact your emotions and identify stress triggers. Practices like mindfulness or journaling can deepen this introspection. Next, focus on self-regulation: pause before reacting, breathe, and evaluate your emotional responses to act rationally. Strengthen empathy by actively listening to understand not just what others say but how they feel. Finally, manage relationships by fostering trust and open dialogue, channeling emotions constructively. Emotional intelligence grows with daily practice (a lot), enabling resilient and compassionate