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Can you learn Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a crucial skill for consultants, enabling them to build trust, navigate complex relationships, and deliver impactful results. Unlike technical or analytical skills, EI is about recognising and managing both your own emotions and those of others.

Consultants with high EI foster stronger client relationships, enhance team collaboration, and demonstrate greater resilience under pressure. The good news? Emotional Intelligence is not a fixed trait – it can be developed and strengthened through awareness, practice, and feedback.

That’s why evaluating and developing your EI is essential for long-term success in the consulting profession.

Why Emotional Intelligence matters in consulting

Consultants solve problems, influence stakeholders, and facilitate change. However, without a deep understanding of people, they may struggle to apply their technical expertise effectively in a client context.

Consultants with high EI can:

 

  • Build rapport – Clients and colleagues respond positively to consultants who demonstrate empathy and genuine interest in their perspectives.
  • Navigate conflict – A strong understanding of people helps consultants resolve disagreements while maintaining relationships and trust.
  • Influence decisions – Nurturing connections with others allows consultants to present ideas persuasively and adapt communication styles to different audiences.
  • Manage stress – Better self-awareness and continuous reflection enable consultants to regulate their emotions, allowing them to prioritise and perform even under pressure.

How can you assess your Emotional Intelligence?

Before seeking to improve your EI, it is essential to evaluate your current capability through:

 

  1. Self-reflection
  • Analyse past interactions
    • How do you typically respond to criticism, stress, or conflict?
    • Do you listen actively during conversations, or are you quick to react emotionally?
  • Assessment tip: Be honest – don’t go easy on yourself!
  1. Seeking feedback
  • Ask colleagues, clients, coaches, and mentors for their perspectives on your emotional awareness, communication style, and adaptability.
  • Assessment tip: Be open to constructive feedback and treat it as a valuable learning opportunity.
  1. Using psychometric tools
  1. Observing patterns
  • Keep a journal to track your emotional responses and interactions over time.
  • Identify recurring triggers and themes in your behaviour to pinpoint areas needing improvement.
  • Assessment tip: Look for patterns of behaviour that both help and hinder your connection and interaction with others.

Practical steps to develop your Emotional Intelligence

Once you have assessed your EI, focus on these five key development areas:

 

  1. Self-awareness – Recognising and understanding your emotions
  • Practice mindfulness to stay present and identify emotions in real-time.
  • Reflect on your emotional responses and their impact on others.
  • Regularly review your strengths and weaknesses, adjusting your behaviour accordingly.
  1. Self-regulation – Managing emotions constructively and staying composed under pressure
  • Pause before reacting in emotionally charged situations to ensure your response aligns with your goals.
  • Develop stress-management techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, exercise, or time management.
  • Reframe challenges as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.
  1. Empathy – Understanding and sharing the feelings of others
  • Listen actively, focusing on the person speaking without interrupting or formulating a response too soon.
  • Observe nonverbal cues, such as body language and tone, to gain deeper insights into others’ emotions.
  • Take genuine interest in others’ perspectives and experiences.
  1. Social Skills – Building strong relationships and effectively managing interactions
  • Develop rapport by finding common ground and showing appreciation for others’ contributions.
  • Practice assertive communication by expressing thoughts clearly while respecting others’ viewpoints.
  • Foster collaboration by encouraging diverse input and mediating conflicts constructively.
  1. Motivation – Harnessing intrinsic drive to achieve goals and inspire others
  • Set clear, meaningful objectives that align with your values.
  • Cultivate optimism by focusing on positive outcomes, even in challenging situations.
  • Celebrate small wins to maintain momentum and build resilience.

Integrating EI development into your consulting practice

Improving your EI is an ongoing journey that requires consistent effort. To embed EI development into your professional growth:

 

  • Invest in training – Attend workshops or courses on EI.
  • Engage in continuous learning – Read books, articles, and research on EI. Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence is a great starting point.
  • Apply EI principles daily – Keep EI front of mind in interactions with clients and colleagues.
  • Seek coaching or mentorship – Work with a coach or mentor to refine your EI skills.
  • Measure progress – Periodically reassess your EI through feedback and self-reflection to ensure continuous improvement.

Conclusion

The journey to higher Emotional Intelligence requires patience, practice, and persistence, but the personal and professional rewards make the effort worthwhile.

Like any skill, EI develops over time. Small, daily improvements in self-awareness, empathy, and communication can transform the way you engage with clients and colleagues – elevating your consulting impact and career success.

A final thought: How people interact with you is often driven by how you engage with them!

At Elevation Learning, we partner with clients to enhance their consultants’ Emotional Intelligence to improve collaboration with clients and colleagues, and harness these skills to drive lasting, impactful change. For more information on how we can help you, feel free to get in touch at info@elevationlearning.co.uk or Contact Us.

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