AI vs EQ: Why Emotional Intelligence Becomes Your Leadership Superpower
By Chris Mandzufas
AI is transforming business at breakneck speed. While AI continues to evolve rapidly, there’s currently one area where it struggles: understanding and managing human emotions.
The Critical Gap AI Struggles to Fill
AI excels at cognitive tasks but currently has limited emotional intelligence. Today’s AI can process information, but struggles to:
- Read concern in an employee’s eyes
- Sense when a team needs encouragement over instruction
- Build trust during uncertain times
- Inspire people through change.
While AI may develop these capabilities over time, they remain distinctly human advantages today.
We’re now in what researchers call an “emotional recession”. Workplace EQ is declining just as AI capabilities soar. Leaders who master emotional intelligence will have a significant advantage in this evolving landscape.
Five Direct Strategies to Build Your EQ
- Master the Pause
Before reacting to stress, take three breaths and ask: “What does my team need to hear right now?” This transforms reactive leadership into thoughtful guidance. - Listen with Your Eyes
During meetings, watch body language, not just slides. Are people engaged or overwhelmed? Excited or anxious? Adjust your approach based on what you observe. - Acknowledge the Human Cost
When implementing AI or new processes, say: “I know this feels uncertain. Here’s how we’ll support each other through this.” Don’t just sell the benefits—address the emotional reality. - Ask the Right Questions
Replace “Any questions?” with “What concerns do you have about this change?” This opens honest dialogue and builds psychological safety. - Create Feedback Loops
Weekly, ask your team: “What’s one thing we could do differently to work better together?” Then act on their input. This builds trust that remains uniquely valuable.
The Bottom Line
While AI capabilities continue expanding, the human elements of leadership remain critical. The leaders who succeed won’t just rely on AI’s computational power—they’ll combine it with emotional intelligence that makes teams perform beyond what algorithms alone could achieve.
Start building your EQ arsenal now. In our AI-augmented future, these human skills will be your competitive advantage.
Chris Mandzufas is the Managing Director of Brentnalls WA, with over 20 years’ experience helping business leaders achieve growth and success. If you have any questions about this article or would like more information about our Business Growth Network, please don’t hesitate to contact us or call our office at (08) 6212 7200.
