CIFFA Forwarder Magazine

33 THE FORWARDER | WINTER 2025 The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Presenter: Charles Fortier HR specialist Charles Fortier led an interactive discussion at CIFFA’s conference about emotional intelligence at work, what is it, and how do we leverage it to understand both ourselves and others? Not showing emotions at work has influenced generations of leaders but has not been the most progressive policy to adopt, Fortier said, because both IQ (“the brain side”) and EQ (“the emotional side”) are related to leadership success. Fortier pointed out that the relationship between success and EQ was more than twice as large as that for success as relates to IQ. Fortier queried the audience about what made for great leadership qualities in the leaders of their organizations? Great leaders’ characteristics were as follows: Great leaders: • Listened • Understood me • Had my back • Trusted me • Pushed me to do my best • Were honest • Were clear in expectations • Followed through • Were consistent • Included me in a decision “Emotional intelligence is your ability to recognize and understand emotions in yourself and others, and your ability to use this awareness to manage your behaviour and relationship” Fortier listed: • 5 composites and 15 competencies that are strongly linked to leadership performance and overall social and emotional wellbeing Emotional intelligence is NOT about being nice…. it’s about managing yourself and understanding others. Guiding an exercise in self-management, Fortier asked the audience: How are you feeling about the current climate? Is that emotion helping you? What emotion would be more helpful? What is missing for you to feel that way? What is one easy step you can take to move forward? A simple exercise, but an instrumental tip for self management in the workplace and outside of it.