In teams and organisations, the size of the “IQ pond” determines our ability to tackle complex challenges. If it’s too small, we struggle. But filling the pond is relatively straightforward—we can hire for knowledge, bring in expertise, or train for technical skills.

Then there’s the river. Unlike the pond, its defining feature is movement. On a calm day, the water flows gently, almost imperceptibly. But after heavy rain, the river surges—fast, unpredictable, and sometimes dangerous. This is EQ.

We don’t always see where the water in the river comes from. We only witness its behaviour—the way it moves, how it changes, and the impact it has. Just like thoughts and emotions in people—we don’t see where they originate, but we do see their behaviour.

The True Test of Leadership

Too often, leaders judge their EQ on calm days—when the river is steady, emotions are in check, and everything appears under control. But leadership is truly tested in the storm, when the river floods.

The mistake? Assuming floods are rare.

Every flood leaves a mark. The water eventually recedes, but the damage remains—eroded trust, strained relationships, and debris in the form of unresolved tensions.

If we only evaluate leaders based on their performance in fair weather, we overlook their ability to manage the inevitable storms.

The Challenge for Leaders

When the river is raging, you can’t easily access the pond. Logic (IQ) becomes secondary to emotion (EQ).

A leader with high EQ understands this dynamic. They recognise that in moments of crisis, emotional intelligence is what determines whether they inspire confidence or create chaos. They manage their own emotions while navigating those of their team.

And yet, many organisations prioritise IQ over EQ when selecting leaders. They assess knowledge, strategy, and decision-making skills but underestimate the power of emotional regulation, self-awareness, and empathy.

Building a Leadership Culture That Withstands the Storms

Great leadership isn’t about avoiding emotional floods; it’s about managing them.

• Acknowledge the river – Recognise that emotions will surge, and they will leave an impact.
• Develop emotional resilience – Build EQ muscles just like you would build strategic thinking.
• Judge leaders beyond the calm days – The true test of leadership is how they handle the storms.

The best leaders don’t just have a deep IQ pond. They understand the flow of the river, and they know how to navigate it without losing control.

If you want to develop your own EQ or that of your team, please contact me to discover how this can give you a competitive advantage.