Leadership with emotional intelligence improves performance and reduces turnover.

247 - Leading with empathy and emotional balance is no longer a complementary skill but a competitive advantage in the corporate environment. Companies led by professionals with emotional maturity are up to 23% more effective in conflict management and have 20% less turnover. For Carla Martins, vice president of SERAC — a corporate solutions hub operating in the accounting, legal, educational, and technological areas — this scenario proves that emotional intelligence is now a core competency for any manager.

“Leadership goes beyond technical knowledge. It requires sensitivity to deal with people, understand complex scenarios, and make balanced decisions even under pressure,” says Carla. At SERAC, she coordinates internal programs focused on self-awareness, empathy, nonviolent communication, and conflict resolution. “Our experience shows that emotional development transforms the organizational climate. More balanced teams become more engaged, productive, and committed to results,” she adds.

Studies reinforce the executive's view. A survey by the consulting firm TalentSmart revealed that 90% of high-performing professionals exhibit high levels of emotional intelligence. The same research indicates that this competence can represent up to 58% of performance in management positions. For Carla Martins, leading with emotional intelligence mainly involves active listening, clarity in feedback, and stability in adverse situations. “Environments that cultivate psychological safety are the ones that innovate the most. When the team feels heard and respected, they contribute more and make fewer mistakes,” she explains.

Another essential aspect, according to Carla, is the ability to make balanced decisions, especially under pressure. A study by the consulting firm Korn Ferry indicates that leaders with well-developed emotional intelligence are 32% more likely to make the right decisions in critical moments. “Emotional maturity offers clarity. It allows you to separate impulsive reactions from objective analyses and avoids hasty decisions that could compromise the team and the business,” she emphasizes.

The expert also highlights the importance of continuous feedback as a tool for motivation and alignment. “People need to know where they are going, what they are doing well, and how they can improve. A leader who establishes this channel clearly reduces noise, strengthens the bond with the team, and improves performance,” she analyzes.

In recruitment processes, emotional intelligence has also gained prominence. According to data from PageGroup, companies are increasingly valuing candidates who demonstrate emotional balance, communication skills, and empathy. For Carla, this change reflects a deeper understanding of the role of leadership in collaborative environments. “Knowing how to deal with people has become a technical skill. Organizations have understood that those who don't know how to listen, negotiate, or communicate cannot deliver consistent results,” she states.

The World Economic Forum reinforces this trend by listing emotional intelligence among the ten most valued skills in the job market until at least 2027. In Carla Martins' view, this is a strategic urgency. "Leading with empathy, balance, and emotional clarity is no longer just desirable—it's essential for building sustainable and healthy businesses," she concludes.