Why Emotional Intelligence Gives Women a Leadership Advantage
Summary
This Resource Hub feature highlights a groundbreaking meta-analysis published in ResearchGate that proves a powerful link: Emotional intelligence (EI) is a strong predictor of transformational leadership effectiveness. And yes, that matters a lot for women.
If you’ve ever felt that your way of leading—with empathy, presence, and emotional depth—is somehow “less than” traditional models of leadership, it’s time to flip that script. A 2022 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Intelligence just gave us scientific proof of what we’ve known intuitively for years: emotional intelligence (EI) is not only a strength, it’s a superpower. And it’s one that women possess in spades. After reviewing 69 studies, researchers found a powerful, consistent link between EI and transformational leadership effectiveness, the kind of leadership that inspires, elevates, and empowers others to become their best.
Transformational leaders aren’t just task-driven, they create vision, build trust, cultivate potential, and lead with heart. This isn’t about charisma or hierarchy. It’s about connection. And the qualities that make this form of leadership so effective—empathy, self-awareness, emotional regulation—align closely with traits more often expressed by women. That’s not speculation; it’s data. The study shows women consistently outperform men in ability-based EI, and that this emotional fluency is a major reason why women are often rated more highly as transformational leaders.
Let that sink in: the very things that are sometimes labeled as "soft skills" or sidelined in traditional leadership paradigms are the precise mechanisms elevating women’s leadership impact. This isn’t about conforming to old standards, it’s about rewriting the standard altogether. When you lead with emotional intelligence, you’re not just getting things done. You’re cultivating trust, catalyzing growth, and changing what leadership even means in today’s world.
The study also explores how personality traits like communion (collaboration, care, inclusion) and agency (assertiveness, ambition) intersect with gender norms in leadership. While women score higher in communal traits, which support transformational leadership, the study challenges the idea that agency must be masculine. Instead, it lifts up a model where both communion and courage coexist and where leadership is strongest when it draws from the full spectrum of emotional and cognitive intelligence.
So to every powerhouse woman leading with heart, vulnerability, intuition, and strategic strength, know this: you’re not bending the rules. You’re building a new playbook. Your leadership isn’t less effective because it looks different. It’s more effective because it does. And science now backs that up! Keep leading loud. The future is already catching up to what you’ve been embodying all along.
Note: This summary is intended to support reflection and discussion on intentional living and leadership.
Key Takeaways
Emotional intelligence (EI) is a core driver of transformational leadership.
- The study confirms that leaders with high emotional intelligence—especially the ability-based kind—are consistently rated as more transformational. This means your self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation aren’t just soft skills—they’re strategic leadership tools.
Women tend to score higher in emotional intelligence—and that matters.
- Across multiple studies, women consistently outperform men in EI. This gives women a distinct edge in leading teams with vision, trust, and emotional depth, all hallmarks of transformational leadership.
Your leadership style is your superpower.
- Instead of trying to conform to traditional, often masculine-coded leadership norms, women’s natural strengths in emotional intelligence, communion, and collaboration elevate team performance, morale, and innovation.
You don’t need to become someone else to lead effectively.
- The findings validate that the relational, emotionally attuned, and values-driven way you lead is not a liability. It’s exactly what today’s organizations and communities need to thrive.
The female leadership “advantage” is real...and backed by science.
- While historically underrepresented in leadership roles, women are often rated more effective in transformational leadership when evaluated by others (not just self-reports). This isn’t about proving worth. It’s about owning it.
Leading from values, not ego, changes the game.
- The research reinforces that powerful leadership doesn’t require dominance. It requires integrity. Presence. And the courage to lead with clarity, care, and emotional wisdom—qualities that are shaping a new, liberating paradigm of leadership.
Reflection Prompts
Where in my leadership am I still dimming emotional wisdom to appear “professional” or “competent”?
- Why this matters: This prompt shines a light on any unconscious compromises you may still be making to fit outdated leadership molds. For powerhouse women, reclaiming emotional intelligence as a strategic strength—not a liability—is key to embodying your full power and leading with freedom.
What relationships or results have been positively shaped by my emotional intelligence—and how can I amplify that impact?
- Why this matters: Rather than defaulting to what's not working, this prompt invites you to see your superpowers clearly. It helps build the self-trust needed to lead with consistency and conviction, especially when facing pressure to conform.
What would it look like to lead more from my feminine-coded strengths—like empathy, collaboration, or intuition—without apology?
- Why this matters: This prompt invites expansion. Instead of simply “balancing” masculine and feminine energy, it challenges you to elevate and embody the very traits that science now links to transformational impact. The goal? Liberation, not assimilation.
Shared Resources
Emotional Intelligence (Goleman, D.)
- Why it matters: Goleman’s popular work laid the foundation for EI being taken seriously in leadership development. His writing contextualizes how self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation affect professional success.
The Four-Branch Model of Emotional Intelligence (Mayer, Salovey & Caruso)
- Why it matters: This scientific framework defines EI as a measurable, ability-based intelligence, helping distinguish it from personality traits or “soft skills.” It’s core to understanding why EI belongs in leadership strategy.
The Female Leadership Advantage & Role Congruity Theory (Eagly & Carli)
- Why it matters: This study offer evidence that women often score higher in transformational leadership styles due to communal traits (like empathy and collaboration), which is key to reframing feminine-coded traits as leadership strengths.
Meta-Analysis on Emotional Intelligence (Joseph & Newman)
- Why it matters: This paper finds that women, on average, score higher in ability-based EI. It supports the argument that the so-called “emotional” style of leadership isn’t just intuitive, it’s effective.
EI and Visionary Leadership (George, J. M.)
- Why it matters: George connected the dots between EI and components of transformational leadership like vision, flexibility, and confidence; affirming why emotionally intelligent leaders spark more innovation and trust.
Additional Resources
- Podcast: “4 Ways Not to be Owned by Your Sh*t” with Susan David (Podcast: 10x Happier with Dan Harris)
- Psychologist Susan David breaks down emotional agility: how to navigate emotions with clarity and strength. It’s a masterclass in emotional intelligence, resilience, and the kind of presence required for transformational leadership.
- Audiobook: “The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance - What Women Should Know” by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman
- This book explores how confidence—just like emotional intelligence—is both learnable and critical to women’s success in leadership. It shares research and stories that empower women to step forward with clarity, conviction, and presence.
- Video: “Why Emotional Intelligence Is More Important Than Ever” featuring Daniel Goleman, Big Think
- Goleman revisits the role of emotional intelligence in today’s ever-changing workplace and leadership landscape. His insights reinforce why women’s emotional fluency is not just valid, it’s vital to organizational growth and trust..
Where to Read
Invitation to Integrate
Values-based leadership flourishes when emotional intelligence is its foundation. This week, choose one of the EI insights that resonates—self-awareness, empathy, or regulation—and commit to practicing it intentionally in a real leadership moment.
Because trustworthy, transformative leadership is cultivated through emotional clarity, consistent integrity, and daily acts of connection.
Claim your toolbelt: Download 5 Steps to Lead With Purpose and Confidence and start weaving emotional intelligence into your values-led leadership today.
