When I first considered writing a book about emotional intelligence (EI), I wanted to dive deeper into the perspectives of seasoned leaders across Canada. I interviewed leaders from various sectors to explore how EI shaped their professional lives and teams. These powerful insights became the foundation for my book, The Power of Emotion.
THE POWER OF EMOTION | RESEARCH | OVERVIEW
How Valuable is Emotional Intelligence Training to Canadian Leaders?
Writing The Power of Emotion, my second book, was a remarkable journey that began shortly after completing my first book, Giving Back. The process of writing Giving Back was a life-altering experience, one that fueled personal growth and reflection. During that time, I realized how deeply emotional intelligence influenced my own life, which inspired me to integrate EI training opportunities into my business, Marshall Connects. My passion for EI only grew stronger as I studied it further, wrote about it, and became a certified Emotional Intelligence Trainer.
Valuable Emotional Intelligence Research from Across Canada
In January 2019, I embarked on a mission to collect anecdotal research for The Power of Emotion by reaching out to leaders across Canada in the Human Resources, Business, and Education sectors. I interviewed 263 leaders, gathering firsthand insights into how EI shaped their leadership and team dynamics. Following each interview, I conducted a brief survey to dive deeper into their experiences. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with 77% of leaders completing and returning the survey. This high engagement underscores the growing recognition of EI's importance among Canadian leaders.
Key Findings from Emotional Intelligence Research
One of the most surprising discoveries was that nearly 50% of the leaders I interviewed had undergone EI training themselves. Similarly, almost 50% reported that they had implemented EI training programs for their teams. These statistics speak volumes about the increasing awareness of EI’s value in the workplace.
Many leaders shared powerful anecdotes about how cultivating EI transformed their leadership approach, boosted team morale, and improved organizational performance. These stories are woven throughout The Power of Emotion, offering readers practical insights and inspiration.
The Growing Demand for Emotional Intelligence Training
Leaders, organizations, and individuals are increasingly embracing EI training for its unmatched ability to enhance personal and professional success. Research consistently shows that emotionally intelligent individuals are better equipped to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, make thoughtful decisions, and regulate their emotions effectively. These skills not only improve individual performance but also foster more cohesive, collaborative work environments.
By regulating our emotions, we gain greater control over our interactions, decisions, and behaviours. This ripple effect can transform workplaces, empowering teams to achieve shared goals with greater synergy and purpose.
Learn to Harness the Power of Emotional Intelligence
The Power of Emotion is more than just a book, it’s a guide to understanding and developing emotional intelligence in ways that can profoundly impact your life and career. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just beginning your journey, the insights and practical tools in this book will help you lead with greater empathy, authenticity, and effectiveness.
I’m deeply grateful to the 263 Canadian leaders who generously shared their time and expertise for this research. Their contributions highlight the immense value of emotional intelligence in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world.
Investing in EI training isn’t just a trend, it’s a necessity for anyone looking to thrive in both personal and professional realms. Ready to unlock your full potential? Let The Mindful Journal be your practical exercise in cultivating emotional intelligence for a brighter future. And if you're eager to dive deeper into your leadership development, I recommend taking an EQ-i 2.0 Leadership Assessment. It’s a great starting point for leaders committed to making meaningful change.
This article was originally published on May 4, 2021, and has been updated (January 2025).
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