Emotional intelligence (EI) is the individual's ability to lead a team with emotional stability, empathy and optimism when everyone is feeling stress and uncertainty. During the COVID-19 pandemic, managing one's emotions is necessary to reduce stress levels and overcome everyday challenges.

Think of less fortunate people

In this age of mass media, it is impossible not to think about the struggles of less advantaged people all over the world. During the pandemic, most people think about how the infection rates are higher or lower than where they're located. Today, people, who live in developed countries where vaccines are widely available, are showing great concerns for the equitable availability and distribution of vaccines in other countries. Overall, showing empathy for the less fortunate is necessary to become a highly emotionally intelligent leader.

Become more self aware

Self-awareness is built into the solid foundation of EI and is the area that leaders should spend the most time perfecting. In order to work effectively with others, being aware of one's own emotional strengths and weaknesses is the first step. All leaders have to know their own emotions and thoughts, from fear to apathy and panic, so that they are able to react appropriately to stressful situations. During times of extreme stress, leaders have to remain calm and learn not to induce fear and stress in their clients.

Avoid fearmongering

Great leaders are realistic and honest yet they always remain calm and emotionally stable. They use special techniques to avoid stirring up extreme emotions, such as fear, anger and panic, in the people they support. Being self aware means choosing one's words carefully and being sensitive to the needs of others.

Observe other people

All great leaders are able to observe and respond well to the emotional reactions of other people. During the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been growing concerns about the legality and safety of vaccines. A sensible leader would use cautious techniques to deal with people who are afraid, skeptical or uncertain.

Every leader can function at the highest levels of emotional intelligence in every aspect of life. During times of crisis, the best leaders put their ideas about emotional intelligence into action and develop more techniques on how to deal with all types of people.