Women and Emotional Intelligence

As a woman in business have you ever been criticised for being too emotional, for taking things too personally?  I know I have.  As a junior manager I reported to men and always felt I wasn’t doing things right. I was too soft apparently. It was seen as a weakness.

Around this time I asked for a promotion.  My male manager said “I hear what you are saying BUT……”  But said it all.  He might have heard what I was saying but he wasn’t truly listening.  

Back then, women were seen as weak managers because emotional intelligence was undervalued; and traditional leadership roles were heavily based on hierarchy, authority, control and emotional detachment.

Meanwhile, emotional expression - empathy, sensitivity, collaboration was (and sometimes still is) wrongly associated with

😔 Indecisiveness

😔 Lack of authority

😔 Over sentimentality 

😔 Weakness

These were the days when Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister in the UK.  She broke the glass ceiling, and retained her premiership for over 10 years demonstrating that women could rise to the top of a male dominated world. She was tough, strategic and committed to her beliefs.

She inspired many women to aim higher, but actually did little to actively support other women. Instead she embraced a masculine leadership style and was authoritative; distancing herself from more feminine leadership traits such as collaboration or empathy.

What effect did this have?

It reinforced the old idea that women had to “act like men” to lead effectively. 

Things have moved on and at last the importance of emotional intelligence is recognised, not as “soft” but as strategic.

Women who lean into their natural EQ strengths create businesses that are more resilient, more adaptable and more human centred; and in today's rapidly changing world, that is not just nice to have; it's essential.

For women business owners, emotional intelligence is your superpower.  

1. Empathy: Building Stronger Relationships

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It is a cornerstone of emotional intelligence. Women leaders often excel in empathy, which allows them to build deep, trust-based relationships with employees, clients, and partners.

In business, relationships are everything. Leaders who listen and truly "get" their people are able to inspire loyalty, improve collaboration, and create workplaces where individuals feel seen and valued.

2. Self-Awareness: Leading with Authenticity

Self-awareness is another key element of emotional intelligence, and one that many women leaders cultivate through reflection and experience. Women who are self-aware recognise their strengths, acknowledge their limitations, and lead from a place of authenticity rather than ego. This kind of leadership fosters cultures of honesty and accountability and gives teams permission to show up as their full selves, too.

3. Adaptability: Navigating Change with Resilience

Running a business — or leading any team — is a constant exercise in managing change. Emotional intelligence enhances adaptability. Leaders who are in tune with their own emotions and those of others can manage uncertainty more effectively. Many women bring natural adaptability to the table, balancing multiple roles and shifting gears quickly without losing sight of the bigger picture.

4. Communication: Inspiring and Influencing

At its heart, leadership is about influence and great communication is what makes that possible. Women leaders often excel at communicating with clarity, empathy, and emotional nuance. They are skilled at listening as well as speaking, asking powerful questions, and adjusting their message to meet the needs of their audience. This ability to connect and influence authentically gives them a distinct advantage in leading teams, negotiating deals, and winning customer trust.

5. Decision-Making: Combining Data with Intuition

Another strength that emotional intelligence brings is the ability to balance logic and emotion in decision-making. Successful women entrepreneurs often integrate intuition with data, leading to decisions that are not only strategically sound but also aligned with their values and the needs of the people they serve. This balanced approach can foster innovation, mitigate risks, and build businesses that endure.

By embracing your emotional intelligence you will attract and retain people who are aligned to your vision, will fit within your culture and will support you with the growth of your business.

If you are ready to take the next step on your business journey; you can watch my FREE WEBINAR here or register to receive my Resilient Founder weekly updates.