What is emotional intelligence?
Emotion is what makes humans human. We find humanity in empathy, connection and understanding each other. We are, essentially, deeply social creatures whose physiology is tied to relationships and connection.
Mirror neurons, for example, activate when we do something and also when we observe someone else doing the same thing. They’re alert to the social cues and actions of others.
Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and manage your own emotions, as well as those of the others around you.
Strong emotional intelligence relies on a few core skills. These include emotional awareness (the ability to identify, name and understand your emotions) and emotional regulation—managing your emotions and supporting others to do the same.
Why emotional intelligence matters in leadership
At a time of extraordinary acceleration and proliferation in AI tools, and with ongoing conversations about AI "taking our jobs”, one thing remains true: we are emotional, conscious beings and the skills that reflect this are more valuable than ever.
Why emotional intelligence matters in the events industry
Emotional intelligence is becoming one of the most valuable skills in the events industry. At its core, it’s about understanding people—how they feel, how they respond under pressure and what they need to succeed.
This can shape the experiences we deliver as event professionals. Events bring together diverse groups of people, each with their own expectations. Leaders with strong emotional intelligence are better placed to create inclusive, welcoming environments where attendees feel valued and heard. This doesn’t just improve satisfaction—it strengthens relationships and encourages lasting connections.
How to develop emotional intelligence as an events leader
Emotional intelligence and communications expert, Christopher Salem (IMEX Frankfurt speaker 2023), shares insights drawn from his personal and professional experience.
Do you recognize any of your own life or work experiences in what Chris has to say?
Learning to respond, not react, is key to emotional intelligence
If you’re feeling under pressure or your buttons are being pushed by colleagues, technology or deadlines, are you able to respond thoughtfully, or do you react emotionally?
Responding often means taking a moment to pause and breathe (simple, but effective), using self-management techniques or reframing the situation in the moment.
Responding not reacting is a learnable skill, and one that benefits from regular practice.
Relationship building—interdependency is the foundation of successful relationships
Healthy work cultures are built on interdependency, not co-dependency. Many of us bring our unconscious habits to work, whether that’s stress responses, frustration or unhelpful patterns of behavior.
Workplaces can also support growth and development. If you’re open to learning, everyday challenges can offer valuable opportunities to build stronger, more constructive relationships.
The five components of emotional intelligence
If you’re looking for a framework to strengthen your emotional intelligence, Daniel Goleman's Theory of Emotional Intelligence remains one of the most widely used and recognized models.
1. Self-awareness
- Recognizing your emotions and how they influence your actions
- Understanding your strengths and weaknesses
- Knowing how you affect others
2. Self-regulation
- Managing your emotions effectively
- Remaining calm under pressure
- Responding rather than reacting
3. Motivation
- The internal driver that behind your actions
- Resilience
- Commitment to goals
4. Social competence
- Empathy—being good listener, tuning in to body language and facial expressions
- Understanding others' emotions
- Considering different perspectives
5. Social skills
- Communication
- Relationship management
- Conflict resolution
- Influencing and collaboration
If you're wondering how this applies to leadership in the events industry, here’s a simple breakdown:
Emotional intelligence: what it means in events
- Self-awareness: Understanding how you respond to stress
- Self-regulation: Staying calm when plans change or challenges arise
- Motivation: Maintaining energy through long projects or days on site
- Empathy: Understanding what attendees, stakeholders and team members need in the moment
- Social skills: Building partnerships, resolving conflicts and leading team
The future of leadership in the events industry
According to McKinsey’s 2025 HR Monitor, as organizations adapt to future skill needs and AI reshapes work, the value of human skills such as communication and leadership continues to rise.
Which makes this a great time to focus on what makes us human, and how technology can support positive change, rather than create fear or uncertainty.
Frequently asked questions —a recap on emotional intelligence
Why is emotional intelligence important for leaders in the events industry?
Emotional intelligence matters because the events industry is built on relationships and collaboration. It helps leaders manage stress, resolve conflicts effectively and create positive experiences for teams, stakeholders and attendees.
What are the five components of emotional intelligence?
The five components of emotional intelligence are:
- Self-awareness
- Self-regulation
- Motivation
- Empathy
- Social skills
Together, these help leaders communicate effectively, build relationships and navigate complex situations.
How does emotional intelligence improve leadership performance?
It helps you communicate clearly, manage conflict and make better decisions under pressure. It also supports stronger engagement, trust and collaboration.
Can emotional intelligence be learned?
Yes—emotional intelligence can be developed through practice, feedback and self-reflection. Leaders can strengthen it through self-awareness, active listening, empathy and emotional regulation.
What is the difference between emotional intelligence and leadership skills?
Leadership skills help you guide teams and achieve goals. Emotional intelligence is a specific set of skills focused on understanding emotions and building relationships. And it strengthens overall leadership ability.
How can leaders develop emotional intelligence in the workplace?
Leaders can develop emotional intelligence by:
- Seeking feedback
- Practicing active listening
- Reflecting on emotional responses
- Building empathy
- Managing stress effectively
- Investing in leadership development and coaching
Consistent practice improves these skills over time.
What is psychological safety in leadership?
Psychological safety encourages open communication, learning and constructive feedback without fear of blame or embarrassment. Emotional intelligence plays a key role in creating this environment.
Why is emotional intelligence becoming more important in the age of AI?
As technology automates more routine tasks, human skills such as empathy, communication, adaptability and relationship building become even more valuable. Emotional intelligence helps leaders balance innovation with human connection.
