In its simplest form, emotional intelligence is all about your ability to identify and manage your emotions and the emotions of others.

Over the past few weeks, emotional intelligence in the public eye has brought us stories we can learn from. I’ll share one from the business world.

At the end of 2021, Bob Iger, CEO of Disney for 15 years, announced it was time for him to step down. Why? According to this article, Iger admitted,

“I became a little bit more dismissive of other people’s opinions than I should have been,” said Iger. “That was an early sign that it was time. It wasn’t the reason I left, but it was a contributing factor.”

I think it’s worth mentioning that Iger is probably not the first CEO to become “dismissive of other people’s opinions.” He is, however, unique in his willingness to admit it.

“Over time, I started listening less and maybe with a little less tolerance of other people’s opinions,” Iger continued. “Maybe because of getting a little bit more overconfident in my own, which is sometimes what happens when you get built up.”

Leadership Tip
As a leader, frequently ask for the ideas and opinions of other people. Be open-minded, non-judgmental, and listen attentively. You get to decide, but first listen—really listen.  

Elsewhere in the article it states: “His reason is a rare example of emotional intelligence from a CEO atop a global business empire. It’s also a powerful lesson for every leader.”

This scenario provides a good example of emotional intelligence used, well, intelligently. I suggest you take this emotional intelligence self-assessment for yourself to see where you stand on EO. Let me know how you scored.