How to Be More Tactful at Work

My husband just left me... For four days for a business trip. So it will be me and the three (our kids) until this weekend. Y'all see how that subject line put you on alert? That's the same thing that happens when you text or email your team member: "Hey" "Call me." "Are you free?" "We need to talk." "See me when you get in." "Stop by my office before you leave." "Let's put some time on the calendar." Without any explanation, you're leaving folks hanging. Context matters. Don't have your employees wondering if they did something wrong or, worse yet, that they're being let go simply because you've neglected to articulate the "why" behind your request. Part of practicing high emotional intelligence is effectively communicating (relationship management) and understanding how your communication will affect others (social awareness). Leaders, don't unnecessarily increase your team's stress level because of short and unclear communication. I know you are busy, but please take a little time to add context. I promise your employees and colleagues will appreciate it. p.s. For real, pray for me as I parent these kids alone for the next several days! #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #wellbeing #PsychologicalSafety

These 8 behaviours separate the good from the great: Most leaders get emotional intelligence wrong. I did too, for years. I confused it for: ❌ Never showing frustration ❌ Always keeping the peace ❌ Being everyone's best friend It's about: ✅ Creating space for tough convos (but having them) ✅ Being in control of how you react ✅ Being open (but not oversharing) Here are 8 ways the best show their emotional intelligence: 1/ They ask for the hard truth. ↳ "What's one thing I could have done better?" after every project. ↳ Track feedback patterns, fix them. 2/ They make small promises count. ↳ Follow through, especially on tiny commitments. ↳ Can't deliver? Flag it before they chase you. 3/ They absorb pressure (without spreading it). ↳ Take deep breaths before responding under pressure. ↳ If you're overwhelmed, say, "Let’s regroup in 5 minutes.” 4/ They set boundaries with grace. ↳ Replace "no" with "I can help tomorrow at 2". ↳ Exit overrun meetings with a short apology. 5/ They listen like a detective. ↳ Listen to understand first. Respond after reflecting. ↳ Assume good intent even if the delivery is bad. 6/ They show their human side. ↳ Share lessons from recent mistakes in team meetings. ↳ Admit when you don't know something. 7/ They choose their responses carefully. ↳ People’s reactions are about them, not you. ↳ Separate the message from the tone, focus on what’s useful. 8/ They chase growth relentlessly. ↳ Say, “That’s on me. Here’s how I’ll fix it.” No excuses. ↳ If you misread a situation, admit it and adjust quickly. The truth is: Emotional intelligence isn’t talking about your feelings all day. It’s using them to move forward. P.S. What’s the most common sign of high emotional intelligence to you? — Visual Inspo: Justin Wright — ♻ Repost to help your network lead the right way. ➕ Follow me (Will McTighe) for more like this.

They call it "soft skills" to make you ignore it. But EQ is your hardest competitive edge. For years, I wondered why my input wasn't valued the same way others' was. Same credentials. Same experience. Different results. Then I realized: I was focused on being impressive instead of being influential. Here's what (actually) builds influence at work 💡 1) Ask what they need before offering what you know ↳ "What's your biggest concern about this?" then tailor your response 2) Create psychological safety before delivering tough news ↳ "I'm bringing this up because I respect our partnership" 3) Use silence as your secret weapon ↳ After making your point, stop talking. Let it land. 4) Address the unspoken concern first ↳ "I know some might think this is too aggressive, but here's why..." 5) Frame feedback as curiosity, not criticism ↳ "I'm curious about your experience with..." 6) Make your boundaries feel like respect, not rejection ↳ "To give this the attention it deserves, I'll need until Friday" 7) End difficult conversations with clarity, not comfort ↳ "Here's what I heard... here's what happens next" Your expertise gets you invited to conversations. Your emotional intelligence makes people listen. Which shift will you try today? -- ♻️ Repost to help your network build influence that lasts 🔔 Follow Dr. Carolyn Frost for EQ strategies that create real impact