Things I Never Learned in School: Emotional Dexterity

In graduate school, students are often prepared for the technical, analytical, and research aspects of business, but Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Resilience (AQ) skills — critical for leadership and team management — are frequently overlooked and undernourished. EQ is about recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions in yourself and others, which is essential in fostering collaboration, communication, and trust within teams. Without EQ, even the most technically competent professionals may struggle to lead effectively, manage conflicts, or inspire their teams.

For instance, business schools emphasize financial modeling, strategic planning, and data analysis, but these hard skills often lack the "people" element. When faced with workplace challenges like team dynamics, difficult conversations, or emotional labor, even the most Ivy of graduates may feel ill-equipped. Cultivating empathy, active listening, and emotional regulation can bridge this gap. I love my work, because I’ve seen how fostering connection and flexing our listening and curiosity muscles can be learned on the job. Developing EQ fosters environments where teams feel supported, engaged, and motivated to innovate, which is essential for long-term success.

By incorporating EQ-focused coursework into business programs, schools can prepare students to be more holistic leaders. This not only benefits their personal leadership journey but also creates a ripple effect, positively impacting their future teams and organizations. As workplaces become more collaborative and diverse, prioritizing EQ is critical in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.