Leading with Awareness, Empathy, and Intent
Instructions: This task invites you to reflect on how empathy and emotional intelligence currently show up in your leadership — and how you can intentionally grow these capacities. There are no right or wrong answers. Just honesty, curiosity, and space for growth.
Step 1: Self-Check – How Emotionally Intelligent Is My Leadership?
Consider the following statements. Rate yourself from 1 (Rarely) to 5 (Almost Always):
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Statement |
1–5 |
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I can usually name the emotion I’m feeling in the moment. |
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I stay calm and constructive when things don’t go as planned. |
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I ask others how they’re doing — and genuinely listen to the response. |
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I notice when someone is uncomfortable or disengaged in a group setting. |
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I’m open to feedback about how I come across emotionally. |
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I adjust my communication based on who I’m speaking with. |
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I reflect before reacting when I feel triggered or frustrated. |
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I try to make people feel respected and included, even during conflict. |
Highlight your strongest habits — and the ones you’d like to work on.
Step 2: Reflective Journal Prompt
Choose one or more of these questions and write a short paragraph (or discuss in a group):
- What role does empathy play in how I lead?
- When do I find it difficult to stay emotionally aware or grounded?
- What helps me build trust and safety in a team setting?
- How can I use emotional intelligence to support equity and inclusion in my work?
Step 3: Set a Micro-Goal
Write one small, specific action you will take to lead with more empathy or emotional intelligence this week. It could be as simple as:
“I will pause before responding to difficult feedback.”
“I will check in with a teammate I haven’t spoken to recently.”
“I will name my own emotion in a high-stress moment.”
Leadership growth happens in small steps — taken with intention.