The Cost of Misalignment—and How EI Brought a Team Back Together
Have you ever been in a room where no sound was needed to feel a team completely out of sync? Tension hangs heavy, ideas fall flat, and someone always dominates while others retreat. Beneath it all: disconnection.
Identifying the Disconnect
I recently worked with a senior leadership team split into three factions:
- Protect the status quo
- Push for innovation
- Stay silent and observe
They shared one thing: fear. Fear of losing legacy. Fear of missing the future. Fear of regret. When decisions are delayed, morale dips, and trust fragments, the cost becomes clear.
Why Strategy Isn’t Enough
Emotional intelligence and team alignment isn’t optional—it’s foundational. We began not with strategy, but with space: safe space for courageous conversations. We prioritized how people felt, not just what they thought.
Coaching Questions That Shifted the Story
What scares you most if we move forward?
What feels at risk—personally and organizationally?
What unspoken emotions are arriving with this change?
What would a meaningful “win” feel like to you?
What assumptions might be blocking connection?
What one key truth hasn’t been shared yet?
How would genuine alignment feel in this room?
These questions didn’t just start a conversation—they sparked reflection, empathy, and clarity.
Reframing Wins: From Position to Purpose
We asked: “What would a win look like for you?” The answer shifted mindsets:
“A win is when your future self sends a thank-you note to today’s you for being brave enough to care.”
That shift moved the group from defending turf to aligning values.
Reconnecting Through Emotional Intelligence
The result? A co-created roadmap honoring both their history and future ambitions. More importantly: trust returned. Collaboration began. They started speaking with each other, not merely to each other.
Why EQ Matters in Leadership
Emotional Intelligence transforms:
Reaction into reflection
Competition into collaboration
Fear into forward motion
If your team feels stuck, don’t push harder. Pause. Ask better questions. Listen deeply. Let emotional intelligence guide you to what truly matters.
Want support weaving EI into your leadership? Explore our programs at EI Experience or connect with Carolyn Stern to see how tailored coaching can help your team lead from the heart.
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