EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE MASTERCLASS PART 4: RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Let me ask you something: Have you ever worked for a leader who truly saw your strengths and inspired you to be your best? How did that feel?

Now, think about the opposite—working for someone who only focused on what you weren’t doing well. Not exactly motivating, right?

Here’s something fascinating: According to Gallup research, when leaders focus on their employees’ strengths, the odds of those employees being engaged skyrocket to 73%. But when leaders don’t? That number plummets to just 9%.

It’s a powerful reminder of how much influence we have as leaders—not just on results, but on the hearts and minds of the people we lead.

So far in this series, we’ve explored three critical pillars of emotional intelligence:

  1. Self-Awareness—understanding your emotions and impact.
  2. Self-Management—staying in control and adaptable.
  3. Social Awareness—tuning into the emotions of others.

Today, let’s dive into the fourth and final pillar: Relationship Management.

This is where the rubber meets the road. Relationship management is the glue that holds everything together. It’s how we inspire, collaborate, and build trust. It’s how we turn conflict into connection and teams into families.

Here’s the truth: Relationships matter. They’re the foundation of great leadership. And when we take the time and energy to grow in this area, our influence and results soar.

So, this week, I challenge you to reflect on your relationships:

  • Are you focusing on strengths or shortcomings?
  • Are you building trust and connection?
  • Are you inspiring others to be their best?

Let’s keep growing together. Here’s to becoming the kind of leader who leaves a lasting impact—not just on results, but on people.

A Quick Favor
If this resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with a leader, colleague, or friend who might benefit. Let’s spread the power of emotional intelligence and help others grow, too!

P.S. If you missed the first three parts of this series, you can catch up here:

Let’s keep the conversation going—leave a comment below and share how you’re growing in relationship management!

Here’s to improving your relationship management skills!
—Steve

As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.

To book Steve today, contact Michelle Joyce!
(For information on keynote presentations, team workshops, and one on one coaching.)

“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”

About the Author

Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a premier leadership development company based in Scottsdale. As a dynamic and highly sought-after speaker, Steve has delivered over 2,500 impactful presentations to renowned organizations such as Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Spotify, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

A published author and thought leader on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve lives near Scottsdale with his wife, Julie. Together, they cherish time spent with their three adult children and six grandchildren.