When seeking mid to senior professional roles, one of the most overlooked qualities is emotional intelligene (EQ). Often, candidates and recruiters focus on technical skills, experience, and leadership abilities, but emotional intelligence plays a pivotal role in determining a professional’s success at higher levels of responsibility.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions, as well as recognize and influence the emotions of others. In mid to senior roles, where leadership, strategic decision-making, and team dynamics are crucial, EQ becomes a distinguishing factor that sets exceptional leaders apart from merely competent ones.

Leaders with strong emotional intelligence create environments of trust and open communication, allowing their teams to thrive. They can navigate high-pressure situations, balancing empathy with accountability. This skill is especially valuable in today’s rapidly changing work environment, where adaptability and the ability to lead through uncertainty are critical.

However, emotional intelligence is often undervalued or misunderstood. Hiring managers may prioritize technical expertise or years of experience over EQ, assuming that interpersonal skills can be learned on the job. But professionals who lack emotional intelligence often struggle with team dynamics, mismanage conflicts, or fail to inspire loyalty, which can lead to turnover or poor team performance.

For candidates, showcasing emotional intelligence in interviews and throughout the hiring process can make a significant impact. Discussing how you’ve successfully led diverse teams, resolved conflicts, or adapted during challenging times can demonstrate your EQ in action. It’s important to share not only what you achieved but how you achieved it — particularly in terms of fostering collaboration, motivating teams, or managing emotional complexities in the workplace.

In short, while technical skills and experience are essential, emotional intelligence is the often-overlooked quality that can make the biggest difference in a mid to senior professional role. Leaders who can connect with, inspire, and manage others are the ones who truly thrive at higher levels.

Curt Skene
FOUNDER
Career Network Club (CNC)