When you spend enough time working with groups, you start to notice patterns. Not just in what people say, but in how the group moves, holds itself, connects, or pulls away. This week I worked with multiple groups that made me feel energised. They were curious, emotionally intelligent, and open. They engaged with the content thoughtfully and respectfully. They were supportive of one another. They weren’t just absorbing information; they were co-creating meaning with me and with each other. And because of that, I relaxed. I offered more of myself: my sensitivity, insight, emotional range. Not because I had to, but because the group could hold it. There was mutuality rather than resistance. And the result was a kind of flow state: a sense that something valuable was being built in real time. It reminded me what good teams feel like. That’s because emotional intelligence isn’t just a personal trait. It’s a collective dynamic. And when it’s present in a team, everything works better. People give more. They trust more. They share more ideas. They feel safe enough to say the uncomfortable thing or admit they don’t know. They support each other without needing to compete for airtime. Contrast that with another group I worked with recently, one where guardedness ran high (see previous article). A few people in the room were tight, closed, and unwilling to show vulnerability. Without saying a word, their presence shifted the group. The others, the ones who started out open and engaged, began to shrink back too. It was as if the emotional field contracted. Safety evaporated. The room grew heavier, and the work became harder. That same phenomenon can happen in teams. A few people can shape the dynamic for everyone. And often, it’s not conscious. We pick up on tone, posture, energy. We sense if it’s safe to speak freely. We adjust accordingly. So, when we talk about emotional intelligence in leadership or in teams, it’s not just a ‘nice to have.’ It’s the foundation of functional culture. It’s the pre-condition for collaboration. It’s what allows a group of individuals to become more than the sum of their parts. You don’t need to be a psychologist or a mindfulness expert. You do need to be willing though. A little bit of emotional awareness, of yourself, others, and of what’s happening in the space between, goes a long way. When emotional intelligence is present, the team breathes. And when it’s missing? The oxygen disappears, and survival behaviour takes over. I’ll take breathing any day!

Who is Melis Senova?

I am a coach and advisor to design leaders, C-level executives and leaders in government. My work in This Human is dedicated to the next generation of designers and leaders.

When you’re ready, here’s how I can help you:

Building confidence in your practice is essential for progress. Get started for free with this workbook.

Download for free

This human community is a place for you to land, connect and learn. It’s free, and it’s yours.

Join us here