Abstract
Emotional intelligence is a concept that has been gaining traction in recent decades, and organizations have been trying to assess its place within leadership and training. Previous research on this topic has shown the growing importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace, with particular attention to employee retention and satisfaction. By using a mixed methods approach to understand the importance of emotional intelligence (EI), this paper explores the specific components of EI employees look for in an organization and a leader. Using a survey of almost one hundred respondents and six in-depth interviews, EI was determined to have a significant impact on employees’ retention, work health, and well-being. These results support the incorporation of EI in mentorship and leadership training.
Date Created
12/9/2025
Project Type
Capstone
College or School
College of Professional Studies Granite Division
Program or Major
Leadership
Date
Fall 12-7-2025
Recommended Citation
Lee, Catherine E., "The Heart of Leadership: What is the Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership?" (2025). M.S. in Leadership. 153.
https://scholars.unh.edu/ms_leadership/153