Blog 7: Practical EQ – Leadership Language That Creates Clarity
Practical EQ: Leadership Language That Builds Clarity and Trust
Discover three simple tools—WAIT, THINK, FOCUS—that help leaders communicate with clarity, emotional intelligence, and trust.
WAIT, THINK, FOCUS: 3 Small Words That Shift Big Conversations
Years ago, as a Scout leader, I discovered W.A.I.T.—“Why Am I Talking?” A gentle pause that kept meetings on track. That tool never left me. Today, it’s still my inner guardrail as a high-energy ENFP/Enneagram 7 who loves to galvanize.
Three Practical EQ Tools
WAIT – Why Am I Talking?
Ask your real intention before speaking.
Add value, don’t just take control.
Let silence do the heavy lifting.
FOCUS – Listen Like a Leader
Ground yourself and be present.
Notice tone, emotion, body language.
Ask, don’t assume.
Pause before responding.
THINK – Speak with Intention
True – Is it accurate?
Helpful – Will it serve?
Insightful – Does it deepen clarity?
Necessary – Is it essential?
Kind – Is it respectful?
EQ in Action
WAIT, THINK, and FOCUS aren’t just mantras. They’re daily practices that shape how people feel in your presence. Practiced consistently, they build emotional intelligence, which builds trust, safety, and performance.
And with micro-coaching, leaders don’t have to rely on memory. Nudges anchor these habits, especially in high-pressure moments. The paradox? Leaders who pause don’t slow down—they accelerate better outcomes. They move at the speed of clarity, not the speed of urgency.
