Being a delivery lead isn’t just about project management, timelines, and resources. It also requires you to lead teams, build collaboration, and generally navigate the complex world of human emotions and relationships.  

Ashwini Mayakar and I have been deliberately contemplating how Emotional Intelligence could enhance our skills as leaders and we have shared our thoughts below – 

This means that you can’t be a truly effective delivery lead without some emotional intelligence (EQ). As a delivery lead, EQ isn’t a ‘nice to have’ – it’s a critical skill that will impact your team’s productivity, engagement, and overall success.

What is emotional intelligence? 

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognise, understand, manage, and influence emotions – our own, and other people’s. In the workplace this might include: 

Why does emotional intelligence matter?

Delivery leads need to interact with diverse teams, stakeholders, and clients – this requires good communication, conflict resolution, and an understanding of how teams work. Having good emotional intelligence makes you better at your job because: 

• Better collaboration: Teams with a delivery lead who understands and manages emotions tend to be more cohesive, and people are more likely to feel valued and understood. 
• Better decision making: If you can remain calm under pressure, you’re likely to make better decisions that benefit the team and the wider project. 
• Effective conflict resolution: Conflict is inevitable in any team environment but having good emotional intelligence helps you to empathise with team members and mediate conflicts more effectively. 
• Greater trust: When you show empathy, listen actively and understand emotions, you can build greater trust and credibility among team members and stakeholders. 
• Easier change management: All projects involve change and that can be unsettling for team members, but a delivery lead with strong emotional intelligence can guide the team through transitions more smoothly. 

How can delivery leads develop better emotional intelligence? 

1. Practice self-awareness 

Regularly reflecting on your own emotions and reactions can help to build emotional intelligence. Keep a journal to note situations where you felt strong emotions, and what triggered them. The feelings circle can help you to understand your emotions – this is an important first step in managing your feelings better.

2. Seek feedback 

Set up structured meetings regularly with team members and peers to gain constructive feedback on how you handle situations and emotions, and use these insights to see where you can improve 

3. Be a better listener 

Active listening is a crucial part of emotional intelligence. Make a conscious effort to listen more than you speak in meetings, and pay attention to what is said but also consider things like body language, tone and facial expressions. If you aren’t getting or adding value to a conversation then apply the law of two feet!

4. Develop empathy 

Put yourself in other team members’ shoes and try to understand their perspective, especially during high-stress situations.  Acknowledge their emotions and show that you care about their wellbeing. This should include being aware of their work-life balance. 

5. Stay positive! 

A positive outlook is contagious. Maintaining a positive outlook and practicing gratitude helps to inspire your team during tough times and creates a culture of optimism and resilience.

6. Enhance your communication 

Clear, empathetic communication is key to emotional intelligence – be transparent with your team about expectations, changes, and challenges. Encourage open dialogue so everyone feels heard and valued.  

How will EQ help you as a delivery lead? 

By following our advice and building your own emotional intelligence, you can impact on your own personal performance – but also the overall success of your team. 

Enhancing your emotional awareness, managing reactions and being more open in your communication creates an environment of trust, collaboration and productivity. 

Developing emotional intelligence is an ongoing process but the benefits to you and your team are well worth the effort. 

As a delivery lead, focusing on your emotional intelligence won’t only help you excel in your role and inspire – it will uplift the entire team. By embracing EQ as a core competency, you can transform your leadership approach and your impact on your team and projects. 

If you practice or believe in emotional intelligence, we’d love to hear about your experiences. 

You can watch more about EI in this video or read more in this book