The Role Of Emotional Intelligence In Women’s Career Growth

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognise, understand, and manage emotions in oneself and others, is often negatively associated with women in the workplace, with women more frequently labelled as “emotional” rather than strategic thinkers. A 2025 analysis from Phys found that approximately 78% of women were described as “emotional” in performance reviews compared with just 11% of men, highlighting how EI traits are misread and can disadvantage women professionally.

Yet emotional intelligence is not a weakness, as it’s a career superpower that can significantly enhance women’s professional influence, relationships, leadership presence, and overall success.

Research shows that EI contributes to career satisfaction, advancement, and resilience even when women face gendered workplace barriers. A recent study in the Journal of Behavioral and Applied Management found that elements of emotional intelligence, like relationship awareness and effective leader–member dynamics, helped women navigate bias and advance professionally.

Here are four methods to build stronger EI in the workplace. 

One reason EI is undervalued is due to stereotype bias. Women’s emotional expressions are sometimes misinterpreted as weakness rather than insight. A recent industry report from Phys highlights this bias, showing that women are far more likely than men to be labelled “emotional” in performance contexts, despite comparable performance levels.

Reframing emotional awareness, both self and others’, as a strategic asset helps women harness this skill for constructive leadership rather than downplaying it.

Women with high emotional intelligence tend to excel at relationship‑building and collaboration, which are skills that are increasingly essential in team‑based work environments. According to The Open University, emotionally intelligent professionals can enhance team performance, reduce conflict, and foster trust among colleagues.

These strengths position women as indispensable connectors and leaders who can bridge divides and guide teams effectively.

Emotional intelligence helps women manage the emotional labor of navigating bias and micro‑inequities at work. EI allows women to regulate their responses, maintain composure, and advocate for themselves with confidence. This is true even when faced with subtle forms of discrimination, as per the Journal of Behavioral and Applied Management.

This resilience is essential for long‑term career sustainability and visibility.

EI is intricately linked to leadership effectiveness. Leaders who understand and manage emotions well are better at motivating teams, resolving conflict, and making balanced decisions under pressure. According to Yale, emotional intelligence strengthens trust, communication, and workplace engagement, all predictors of career advancement.

For women aspiring to senior roles, these capabilities position them as thoughtful, adaptable, and influential leaders.