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In an increasingly fast-paced,
volatile, and unpredictable world, leading is no longer just about making
rational decisions — it’s about navigating emotions, both our own and others’,
with empathy, clarity, and presence. Daniel Goleman, a psychologist and Harvard
researcher, brilliantly brought the concept of emotional intelligence into the
spotlight as one of the key differentiators for personal and professional
success. Far from being an abstract theory, the five pillars of emotional
intelligence have become essential foundations for leaders, workers, and anyone
who wishes to live with more balance, purpose, and connection. These pillars
are: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.
Based on studies from leading institutions such as Yale, Stanford, and MIT, and
grounded in practical methodologies like Quasar K+ strategic planning, these
emotional competencies are not only desirable — they are indispensable.
The first pillar,
emotional self-awareness, is the ability to recognize our own feelings,
understand their origins and their impact. It may sound simple, but it is not.
How often do we react impulsively without knowing why? Goleman shows that those
who develop this awareness become more confident leaders and more integrated
human beings. Steve Jobs, for example, through his journey at Apple, learned from
past mistakes and sought to connect more deeply with his emotions and values,
shaping his leadership with authenticity. The MAT method (Mindset, Action, and
Theater), developed by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, offers practical pathways for
this pillar: through theatrical dynamics and dramatizations, we can dive into
emotional experiences and recognize internal patterns that influence our
actions. In this context, theater becomes a mirror of the self.
Next comes emotional
self-regulation, which refers to the ability to manage impulses, stay calm
under pressure, and choose the best response in challenging situations. Great
leaders like Nelson Mandela demonstrated remarkable mastery of this pillar.
Even after decades of imprisonment, Mandela emerged without resentment,
choosing reconciliation over retaliation. This level of self-control is
cultivated through emotional discipline, conscious breathing, and constant
reflection. In the book Breathing, Voice and Diction, Antônio Carlos dos
Santos highlights the importance of diaphragmatic breathing as a tool for
emotional balance — a resource widely used by actors, speakers, and
high-performance executives. Breathing is the invisible thread between mind and
body, capable of transforming tension into presence and impulsiveness into
wisdom.
The third pillar,
motivation, is often overlooked but vitally important. It refers to the ability
to remain enthusiastic even in the face of obstacles, with focus on goals
greater than immediate rewards. A striking example is J.K. Rowling, who faced
poverty, rejection by publishers, and personal struggles before her work was
finally recognized with the Harry Potter series. Motivation is deeply
linked to purpose and vision. In the Quasar K+ strategic planning model, this
pillar is approached as the driving force that propels individuals and teams
toward sustainable and transformative outcomes. Aligning culture, purpose, and
clear goals creates a motivational network resilient to the ups and downs of
the journey. Theater, with its capacity to build meaningful narratives, is also
a powerful tool in this process: telling your own story with courage is the
first step toward transforming it.
The fourth pillar,
empathy, is the art of putting yourself in another’s shoes. But it goes beyond
simply “feeling” what others feel — it involves deeply understanding the
emotional world of others and responding with sensitivity. Actress Meryl Streep
is a powerful example: her ability to portray such a wide range of characters
stems from her deep empathy, allowing her to access emotions that aren’t hers,
but that become real on stage. In organizations, empathy is a bridge that
connects leaders to their teams, strengthening the sense of belonging and
collaboration. The ThM method (Theater Movement), created by Antônio Carlos dos
Santos, develops this pillar through expressive, physical movement, helping
individuals connect with others' emotions through the body. Stanford and
Cambridge universities have heavily invested in research demonstrating how
consistent empathy practice reduces workplace stress and significantly improves
team performance.
Finally, social skills
are the fifth pillar of emotional intelligence. These skills enable us to
communicate, negotiate, inspire, and resolve conflicts positively. Great
leaders are not only visionaries — they know how to influence and bring people
together around a shared purpose. Martin Luther King, for instance, used his
eloquence, active listening, and empathy to mobilize millions. Antônio Carlos
dos Santos' book Strategic Communication: the art of speaking well
offers practical strategies for developing these abilities, especially
regarding clarity, persuasion, and adapting language to different audiences.
Moreover, the TBMB method (Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater) uses playfulness to
simulate social and organizational conflicts, allowing participants to
symbolically and joyfully experience interpersonal dilemmas.
It’s essential to
understand that these pillars don’t develop in isolation but in harmony, like
an emotional symphony. When a leader cultivates all five, they create an
environment of trust, creativity, and cooperation. And this applies to anyone —
a corporate executive, an educator, an artist, or a worker. Emotional
intelligence is a universal, accessible, and profoundly transformative skill.
It’s not learned only through books but through life — and through
methodologies that unite body, mind, and emotion, such as theater and cultural
strategic planning.
Research from Yale
University reinforces that emotionally intelligent leaders are better at
predicting social trends, mitigating human risks, and strengthening
organizational climate. Thus, planning is also about anticipating emotions,
calibrating attitudes, and creating environments where people feel valued and
recognized. In this context, culture becomes a strategic management tool.
Cultivating an atmosphere of listening, expressiveness, and inclusion is a
direct investment in an organization’s emotional health.
As educators, leaders,
or citizens, we must be the first to practice these five pillars. We teach by
example, speak with awareness, listen with empathy, and act with purpose. As
Antônio Carlos dos Santos writes in Moving Letters: the art of writing well,
to communicate is to move, to touch, to transform. And this transformation
begins within us, when we begin to treat our emotions not as weaknesses but as
strengths that humanize us.
In a time when
machines are advancing, emotional intelligence is what sets us apart. It is
compass and bridge. It invites us to be more than technicians — to be whole.
May we, together, rediscover the most human part of ourselves: the ability to
feel, understand, plan, and transform the world with empathy, courage, and
wisdom.
Access the books by Antônio Carlos dos Santos on amazon.com or amazon.com.br
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