Welcome to Emotional Intelligence 101, where we explore the tools and mindsets that define exceptional leadership.

Today, we’re diving deep into interpersonal skills—a crucial component of emotional intelligence that shapes how we build trust, communicate effectively, and influence others in a way that leaves them better off, not worse.

In leadership, interpersonal relationships are not just a “soft skill”—they are the foundation of successful teams, cultures, and business outcomes. Without them, collaboration crumbles, engagement plummets, and trust erodes.

So, how do you strengthen your interpersonal skill set? Let’s break it down.

The Three Core Components of Interpersonal Skills

The interpersonal skill set within emotional intelligence consists of three key areas:

• Interpersonal Relationships – The ability to build trust and foster meaningful connections.
• Empathy – Understanding and relating to others’ emotions without absorbing them.
• Social Responsibility – Contributing to the greater good of the team and organization.

1. Interpersonal Relationships: Building Trust and Connection

Leaders with strong interpersonal skills build trust, collaboration, and loyalty. Those who struggle with this often:

• Find it difficult to connect with colleagues or employees.
• Hoard information out of fear of being undermined.
• Feel isolated within their teams.

On the flip side, having too much interpersonal trust can also be problematic. Leaders who are too trusting may:

• Be perceived as naïve.
• Struggle with discernment and boundaries.
• Overextend themselves in relationships without assessing true intentions.

The key? Balance. Pay attention to words, behaviors, and values to discern whom to trust. True leadership requires both openness and wisdom—trusting, but verifying.

2. Empathy: The Power to Understand Others Without Losing Yourself

Empathy is a core leadership trait, enabling you to:

• Understand your team’s challenges and motivations.
• Build relationships based on mutual respect.
• Navigate difficult conversations with emotional intelligence.

But too much empathy can lead to emotional burnout. Leaders high in empathy might:

• Take on others’ emotions as their own.
• Feel drained by the emotional weight of their team.
• Struggle with decision-making due to emotional entanglement.

Empathy should be paired with boundaries. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Filling yourself first allows you to support others without resentment.

Conversely, too little empathy can make a leader seem:

• Aloof or detached.
• Unconcerned with team well-being.
• Dismissive of others’ emotions.

How to build balanced empathy? Seek understanding before being understood. Get curious about different perspectives without immediately absorbing them. Practice compassionate detachment.

3. Social Responsibility: Leadership Beyond the Bottom Line

In an organizational setting, social responsibility is about how you contribute to the greater good of your team, department, or company.

Leaders low in social responsibility often:

• Ignore problems that aren’t “their job.”
• Resist collaboration outside their immediate role.
• Prioritize personal success over collective impact.

Meanwhile, leaders too high in social responsibility may:

• Take on too much, at the cost of their own well-being.
• Constantly put others' needs ahead of their own.
• Struggle to say "no" to additional responsibilities.

The key? Balance. Ask yourself:

• How can I contribute meaningfully without overextending?
• Where can I set boundaries while still making an impact?
• Am I leading by example in fostering a collaborative culture?

How to Strengthen Your Interpersonal Skills as a Leader

• Assess where you are on the spectrum – Do you struggle with trust? Are you too empathetic or not empathetic enough? Do you contribute meaningfully, or do you avoid responsibility?
• Set boundaries that support sustainable leadership – Trust, but verify. Be empathetic, but don’t absorb. Contribute, but don’t overextend.
• Seek self-awareness and continuous growth – Leadership is a constant evolution. The best leaders reflect on their emotional intelligence and adapt.

Remember: Growth comes with emotional discomfort. You are not just learning new skills—you are also unlearning old ways of thinking and behaving.

Give yourself grace. Leadership is not about perfection; it’s about self-awareness, adaptability, and the courage to improve.

Final Thoughts: Leadership That Leaves Others Better Off

Interpersonal skills are not just “nice to have” in leadership—they are essential for trust, collaboration, and influence.

• Strong interpersonal relationships build trust.
• Empathy creates connection while maintaining boundaries.
• Social responsibility ensures you contribute meaningfully without burnout.

When balanced, these skills elevate your leadership, strengthen your workplace culture, and create teams that thrive.

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• Next week, we’ll explore how emotions shape our decision-making process and how to make smarter, emotionally intelligent choices.