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Emotional Intelligence: an essential skill for successful project managers.


Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to achieve success in your relationships, work, school, sports, and life in general.


Emotional intelligence is important for project management because it helps project managers:

  • Understand their own emotions and how they impact their work. This awareness allows project managers to manage their emotions in a way that is productive and helpful, rather than destructive. For example, if a project manager is feeling stressed, they can take steps to manage their stress so that it does not impact their ability to lead the project effectively.

  • Understand the emotions of others. This ability to empathise with others helps project managers build strong relationships with their team members and stakeholders. For example, if a team member is feeling overwhelmed, a project manager who is emotionally intelligent can recognise the signs and offer support.

  • Motivate and inspire others. Project managers who are emotionally intelligent are able to create a positive and productive work environment. They are able to motivate and inspire their team members to achieve their goals.

  • Resolve conflict effectively. Project managers who are emotionally intelligent are able to handle conflict in a constructive way. They are able to listen to all sides of the issue and work towards a solution that everyone can agree on.

  • Build strong relationships. Project managers who are emotionally intelligent are able to build strong relationships with their team members, stakeholders, and other key players. These strong relationships are essential for the success of any project.

In short, emotional intelligence is an essential skill for project managers. It helps them understand themselves and others, motivate and inspire their team members, resolve conflict effectively, and build strong relationships. All of these skills are essential for the successful completion of any project.


By understanding and managing their own emotions, they can stay calm under pressure, make better decisions, build strong relationships, and create a positive work environment.


The benefits are significant:

  • Increased productivity: Project managers who are emotionally intelligent are able to stay calm under pressure and make better decisions. This leads to increased productivity and a higher quality of work.

  • Improved team morale: Project managers who are emotionally intelligent are able to build strong relationships with their team members. This leads to improved team morale and a more productive work environment.

  • Reduced stress: Project managers who are emotionally intelligent are able to manage their stress effectively. This leads to a healthier work-life balance and a more positive outlook on life.

  • Increased job satisfaction: Project managers who are emotionally intelligent are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. This leads to a more productive and engaged workforce.

There is a strong correlation between EQ and project success. Studies have shown that project managers with high EQ are more likely to have successful projects.


Some of the ways that EQ can lead to project success include:

  • Improved decision-making: Project managers with high EQ are better able to make sound decisions under pressure. They are able to weigh all of the factors involved in a decision and make the best choice for the project.

  • Stronger relationships: Project managers with high EQ are better able to build strong relationships with their team members and stakeholders. These relationships are essential for the successful completion of any project.

  • Increased motivation: Project managers with high EQ are better able to motivate and inspire their team members. They create a positive and productive work environment where team members feel valued and supported.

  • Effective conflict resolution: Project managers with high EQ are better able to resolve conflict effectively. They are able to listen to all sides of the issue and work towards a solution that everyone can agree on.

  • Increased job satisfaction: Project managers with high EQ are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. This leads to a more productive and engaged workforce.

Overall, EQ is a valuable skill for project managers. It can help them improve their decision-making, relationships, motivation, conflict resolution, and job satisfaction. All of these factors can lead to project success.


Taking on a big project leadership role can be a great opportunity. But if you’re feeling doubts or if there are questions about exactly how you’ll provide that leadership, Applied EQ Services Ltd can provide the coaching support you need.

  • Coaching to help calibrate operating processes to align with global best practice,

  • Coaching to help apply project procedures effectively to local project delivery service

  • Coaching to develop communication skills and techniques for confident successful leadership.

Need Help with Your Project Management performance and developing Your Project Leadership gravitas? Engage Applied EQ Services for bespoke online coaching, mentoring and consultancy services.


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