Can emotional intelligence (EI) at work become more performance than authentic practice? Dr. Robin Hills, expert psychologist and director of EI4Change, believes it can—and it's harming workplace culture. In this episode, we unpack the common myths surrounding emotional intelligence, exploring how EI, when genuinely understood and ethically applied, can transform workplace relationships, foster resilience, and build lasting trust.

Robin reveals how emotional intelligence has been misunderstood and even misused, discussing how true EI isn't simply about being "nice" but involves navigating discomfort, challenging conversations, and courageous accountability. We dive deep into how leaders can distinguish genuine EI from manipulation and provide practical ways to ensure emotional intelligence is applied authentically to drive positive organizational outcomes.

This episode is filled with actionable insights, and the conversation equips leaders with the knowledge to harness and use emotional intelligence authentically. Don’t miss it!

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Key Takeaways

• Beyond Performative EI: Genuine emotional intelligence involves consistent practice, reflection, and authentic behavioral change.
• The Manipulation Trap: EI must be applied ethically; misusing emotional insights for manipulation erodes trust.
• Embracing Healthy Discomfort: True growth occurs when leaders balance empathy with accountability, facing into tough conversations.
• Redefining Emotions: Emotions aren't inherently good or bad—they provide valuable data, and how leaders respond determines their impact.

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Key Moments

The key moments in this episode are:

0:00:10 – The Real Truth About Emotional Intelligence0:04:08 – Who is Dr. Robin Hills?0:07:07 – Debunking EI Myths: Why Being Nice Isn't Enough0:09:11 – Understanding Neuroscience and Emotional Intelligence0:10:28 – Why Labeling Emotions as 'Positive' or 'Negative' Misses the Point0:14:15 – Have We Made Work Too Comfortable?0:22:03 – Has Emotional Intelligence Become Performative at Work?0:28:07 – Manipulation: The Dark Side of Emotional Intelligence0:32:03 – Bully or Tough Boss? Understanding the EI Difference0:37:29 – Taking Control: Resilience Through Emotional Intelligence0:43:02 - Sticky Notes – Three takeaways for using emotional intelligence authentically

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Get the full transcript of the episode here