Circle of Influence: Emotional Intelligence: Leading with Awareness & Empathy as a Chief of Staff
Chiefs of staff often operate in high‑pressure, high‑complexity environments - where
organizational priorities, people dynamics, and leadership demands shift rapidly. To lead effectively in such roles, technical skill and strategic thinking are necessary, but not enough. Emotional intelligence becomes a core leadership capability.
In this session, participants will explore how Emotional Intelligence underpins the most effective chief of staff leadership - helping leaders navigate relationships, steer through ambiguity, and build trust and cohesion across teams.
The discussion will cover:
Self‑awareness & self‑regulation - understanding one’s own emotional triggers and maintaining composure under pressure.
Social awareness & empathy - reading the emotional atmosphere of teams, stakeholders and organisations to inform decisions.
Emotion‑smart decision‑making & conflict navigation - using emotional insight to guide difficult decisions and manage conflict constructively.
Building trust, psychological safety & culture - fostering an environment where people feel understood, supported and able to engage authentically.
Who Should Attend?
This session is for any chief of staff navigating the demands of leadership under pressure - managing stakeholders, teams, change, and complexity - and who wants to deepen their emotional leadership toolbox.