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):

 

Statement	1–5
I can usually name the emotion I’m feeling in the moment.
I stay calm and constructive when things don’t go as planned.
I ask others how they’re doing — and genuinely listen to the response.
I notice when someone is uncomfortable or disengaged in a group setting.
I’m open to feedback about how I come across emotionally.
I adjust my communication based on who I’m speaking with.
I reflect before reacting when I feel triggered or frustrated.
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.