The Psychology of Leadership: Harnessing Emotional Intelligence for Success

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is a key driver of the global economy, significantly contributing to job creation through the provision of essential goods and services. To succeed, entrepreneurs must develop a strong set of leadership qualities, with emotional intelligence (EI) being crucial. EI includes empathy, social skills, self-awareness, self-regulation, and self- motivation, all of which are vital for effective leadership. Research indicates that EI is a strong predictor of leadership success, emphasizing its importance for entrepreneurs despite limited studies on its specific connection to entrepreneurship. This conceptual chapter reviews existing literature to highlight how emotional intelligence can enhance entrepreneurial leadership and offers strategies to help young and aspiring entrepreneurs thrive in today’s complex business landscape.