When Daniel Goleman talks about emotional intelligence (EI) in his TED Talk “Why Aren’t We More Compassionate?” it’s clear that understanding and managing emotions is a crucial skill for any leader.
For me, the golf course offers an unparalleled setting to develop this ability.
Goleman highlights how busy we are in our daily lives, and how that often prevents us from tapping into our own emotional awareness or showing compassion to others. On the golf course, away from emails, meetings, and the usual distractions, leaders have the chance to slow down and truly observe their emotional responses in real-time.
Every round of golf presents a series of emotional highs and lows—whether it’s the frustration of a poor shot or the satisfaction of a successful putt. These moments provide immediate, real-world opportunities for leaders to practice emotional intelligence. During our coaching sessions, I guide leaders to reflect on how they handle stress, how they communicate with others, and how their emotions impact their performance, both on the course and in the workplace.
The connection between emotional intelligence and leadership is undeniable. When leaders become more aware of their emotions on the course, they take that awareness back into their roles. This heightened EI helps them become more empathetic, resilient, and effective leaders in their organisations.
Watch Daniel Goleman’s TED Talk here:
Why Aren’t We More Compassionate?
