Building Better Teams: The Role of Emotional Intelligence

The foundation for successful teamwork in modern workplaces

Working in a team is an essential component of most workplaces. Even for those who work independently, there will inevitably be moments that require collaboration and communication with others. When teams work well together, the benefits are significant – not just for the organisation, but for the individuals within it. Effective teamwork fosters a positive working environment, boosting job satisfaction, enhancing performance, and driving innovative problem-solving.

In 2025, teamwork is more important than ever. With many individuals working from home at least part of the time, one of the biggest challenges of remote work is combating loneliness and bridging gaps in communication. Teams that prioritise connection and collaboration will thrive, regardless of location.

In this blog, we’ll explore how emotional intelligence (EQ) plays a pivotal role in creating cohesive, high-performing teams – and how you can cultivate these skills in your workplace.

Alex is a manager struggling to motivate their team. Virtual meetings often feel unproductive, with team members hesitant to share ideas or feedback. When suggestions are offered, Alex tends to dismiss them quickly or responds defensively, creating an atmosphere of frustration and disengagement. Communication is sporadic, and the lack of connection is taking a toll on team morale. Sound familiar?

But what if Alex developed their own, as well as their team’s, emotional intelligence? By fostering the team’s collective EQ skills, Alex could create an environment where collaboration, trust, and mutual support flourish.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, manage, and use emotional information effectively in various contexts. It encompasses several key aspects, such as recognising and interpreting one’s own emotions, appreciating the feelings and perspectives of others, and applying emotional insights to navigate situations confidently and make better decisions.

For example, a team leader with high emotional intelligence might notice that the team are feeling disengaged and respond by taking a short break or trying a different, more interactive format to generate ideas, such as breakout rooms. They are also more likely to prioritise relationships within the team, and spend time at the start of the meeting building rapport. Similarly, an individual who understands their own emotional triggers is better equipped to remain calm under pressure, leading to more rational and thoughtful decision-making instead of rashly dismissing people’s suggestions.

In essence, emotional intelligence transforms emotions from abstract feelings into actionable insights, strengthening relationships, improving communication, and supporting success in both personal and professional settings.

With greater self-awareness, empathy, and stronger interpersonal skills, Alex could foster trust and collaboration – even from a distance – transforming the team into a cohesive and motivated unit.

Developing emotional intelligence won’t happen overnight. It requires consistent effort and the right resources to build the relevant skills.

By investing in emotional intelligence development, organisations can unlock the full potential of their employees and leaders, creating a more connected and resilient workforce.

Find out more about our bite-sized emotional intelligence development videos, EQ Extra, and how they can help your team enhance their emotional intelligence and thrive in today’s workplace.