You're struggling to connect with stakeholders. How can you use emotional intelligence to bridge the gap?

First, try hard to put yourself in the stakeholders' shoes to understand their perspective better. Consider their motivations, concerns, and challenges. Listen actively and attentively to their feedback and opinions. Then, use storytelling techniques to engage stakeholders emotionally and create a compelling vision of the future. End your story by inviting stakeholders to contribute their perspectives.

-create a comfortable environment where the stakeholders can communicate their issues without hesitations -Empathize with them and proactively suggest solutions. - If possible help them to get things done, take off items from their plate, at times this may require you to take things in your hands and complete them even if that’s not your primary role.

Start by recognizing the principles of emotional intelligence, which include self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Being aware of your own emotions and their impact on your interactions will enable you to approach conversations with greater sensitivity and insight.

First, I listen actively, showing genuine interest in their perspectives and ensuring they feel heard. This builds trust. I also make an effort to read non-verbal cues and adjust my communication style to meet their needs, whether that means being more direct or empathetic. Lastly, I stay transparent and honest, fostering open dialogue. By showing empathy and addressing both their emotional and practical concerns, I can rebuild the connection and strengthen the relationship.

Empathy is great, of course, but most stakeholder challenges are solved by simply: 1. Mapping stakeholders 2. Mapping their needs 3. Quantify those needs I’d say 80% of the problem comes down to hard skills, with only 20% relying on soft skills.

Practice active listening by giving stakeholders your full attention, acknowledging their concerns, and asking clarifying questions. This demonstrates that you value their input and are committed to understanding their perspectives, which fosters trust and rapport.

Active Listening is always crucial. It shows the people you communicate with, that you actually care. It helps you understand where they are coming from and what they expect from you. Without active listening most of conversations are useless.

Show empathy by recognizing and validating the emotions of your stakeholders. Understand their motivations and challenges, and respond with compassion. This not only strengthens your relationship but also helps you tailor your communication and solutions to better meet their needs.

I've found that the best way to make sure your communications are received the way you intend is to get to know your stakeholders. Not just understanding their needs, but push yourself to understand their perspectives by understand their job/role and how it works, as well as how that fits into the overall organization. The better you know your stakeholders, the easier it will be to make sure your communications hit the mark.

Use emotional intelligence to remain calm during conflicts. Address issues with empathy and a solution-focused mindset, showing stakeholders you value resolution over friction.