How to Lead as a Woman Physician Series
Emotional Intelligence & Empathy: Our Leadership Superpower
As women, our naturally high
Who are we developing? Think back
emotional intelligence and empathy
on our discussion about your
set us apart as leaders.
leadership philosophy. Brene Brown defines a leader as a person who
What exactly is EQ, or emotional
develops others. To connect with
intelligence? It’s exactly what it
other human beings, we must have a
sounds like. The ability to sense and
strong, intuitive sense of what they are
match the emotions of others around
feeling – i.e. Emotional Intelligence.
us. EQ has emerged as more highly correlated with successful leadership
Take it one step further. What is
than IQ (1). Why, you ask?
empathy? In essence, it’s our ability to put ourselves in another’s shoes. To
Leadership is about people. Without
see and feel through their eyes and
other people, who are we leading?
heart. EQ is the basic ability to sense
Tammie Chang, MD, LLC