Research

The world has changed beyond recognition. COVID-19 has upended lives to the point where aspects of day-to-day existence are unrecognizable. Things once taken for granted have become unsettling, stressful, and traumatic. At the same time, other crises continue to escalate around the globe. People are crying out to be listened to and heard—desperately searching for meaning and hope in an uncertain, chaotic world.

Business leaders face an unprecedented array of critical challenges—revamping or even reinventing their businesses in the face of drastically shifting demand; responding agilely to ever-changing restrictions; and making tough decisions that affect people’s livelihoods. On top of this, they must engage a workforce trying to deal with the social, environmental, and economic challenges that have become a part of everyday life.

It’s a perfect storm—a juggling act for leaders focusing on business needs, managing their own emotions, and responding to their people with empathy and inspiration. Everyone needs support—all the way to the top. In a new paper, Emotional Intelligence: Why Now?, the Korn Ferry Institute explores the importance and relevance of the Emotional and Social Competency Inventory (ESCI), a 360-degree feedback tool that helps leaders improve their work, their lives, and their effect on those they interact with. After all, pairing business expertise with Emotional Intelligence is no longer a nice-to-have, but a table stake for leaders. And, as research shows, CEOs differentiate themselves through leading with real humanity, authenticity, and heart, rather than simply with instructions and direction.