Many leaders have experimented with generative AI for tasks like content creation or data analysis, but few have considered its potential for self-reflection and leadership growth.
There’s an untapped potential in using AI for developing emotional intelligence — a skill many leaders struggle with but rarely address. Much like therapy, the process can feel uncomfortable. That’s where AI presents a unique advantage.
Here at The Metiss Group, we’ve spent 30 years helping leaders develop leadership skills that make a real impact, including emotional intelligence (EQ).
This article will walk you through a quick and effective prompt that works with ChatGPT, Claude, DeepSeek, or whatever generative AI tool you prefer. By the end, you’ll have a practical way to use AI to identify EQ blind spots and take action.
Step 1: Describe the Situation
Think back to a recent challenge in the workplace that left you feeling stuck. Maybe you were frustrated with an underperforming employee, overwhelmed with too much on your plate, or caught in an awkward team conflict. These moments often highlight areas where your emotional intelligence could use some work, but it’s not always obvious which skill is lacking or what you can do about it.
This is where AI can help. Instead of just replaying the situation in your head or brushing past it, describe it clearly. You’re looking for a few key details:
- What happened?
- How did you feel?
- What was difficult about it?
For example, maybe you think: “I have too many responsibilities, and I’m constantly behind. My team relies on me, but I’m exhausted.”
Or: “One of my employees keeps missing deadlines, and I don’t know how to address it without making them shut down.”
Once you have your situation in mind, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 2: Ask AI for an EQ Breakdown
Now, it’s time to let AI do some of the heavy lifting. You’re going to ask it to analyze your situation through the emotional intelligence framework presented in one of our favorite books, The EQ Edge.
Use this simple prompt:
"I’m experiencing [describe your situation]. I want to understand which area of emotional intelligence is being challenged based on the EQ Edge framework and how I can improve in that area."
Let’s say a leader enters this:
"I feel overwhelmed with a schedule that’s too busy. My team is relying on me, but I’m constantly behind."
AI might respond with something like this:
"This situation is likely affecting your stress tolerance and impulse control, two key components of emotional intelligence. Improving your ability to manage stress under pressure and resist reactive decision-making can help. Here are three strategies to develop these skills…"
Just like that, AI gives you a starting point. Instead of wondering whether the issue is time management, delegation, or something else, you now have a clearer idea of what’s actually holding you back — and, more importantly, what to do about it.
Step 3: Implement AI-Recommended Strategies
Now that you have your EQ diagnosis, it’s time to put the advice into action.
The AI tool you’re using will likely offer strategies tailored to the specific area of emotional intelligence that needs work. If stress tolerance is the issue, you might get advice on mindfulness techniques, prioritization strategies, or boundary-setting. If the problem is emotional self-awareness, AI might suggest journaling prompts or reflection exercises.
Here’s where the real work begins. Take what AI suggests, reflect on it, and start testing those strategies in real life. Try out a stress-management technique during a high-pressure week. Approach a difficult conversation with a new communication tactic. See what works, what doesn’t, and adjust accordingly.
Over time, this process becomes a habit. You get better at recognizing where your EQ is slipping, you develop stronger decision-making skills, and, most importantly, you become a more effective leader.
The Bottom Line
AI isn’t going to fix all of your leadership challenges. It won’t magically make you more emotionally intelligent overnight. But what it can do is act as a sounding board, helping you pinpoint the areas of EQ that need work and giving you practical ways to strengthen them.
So, the next time you hit a leadership roadblock, don’t just power through it blindly. Take a step back, describe the situation, and let AI help you see where your emotional intelligence might be holding you back.
Now that you understand how AI can kickstart your EQ development, the next step is to see if you’d be a good or bad fit for an emotional intelligence development program.
