Leadership Tips from Someone Who’s Had Enough of Ego Eddie’s Shenanigans

🧠 “Emotional intelligence isn’t just staying calm—it’s recognizing who’s actually talking in your head and deciding they don’t get to drive today.”

So… you met the crew in my last post:
👉 GRWM: Leading with Emotional Intelligence (While Ego Eddie Steals Your Spotlight)
That delightful rollercoaster where we realized your inner leadership team might include a few saboteurs dressed in business casual.

Now it’s time to show them who’s boss. (Spoiler: It’s supposed to be you.)

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✋ Meet Your Emotional Toolkit

Because your EQ doesn’t need to be soft. It needs to be smart.

1. Name It to Tame It

If you don’t call them out, they’ll keep running the show.

“You’re not qualified.” → Imposter Irene
“Fix it again.” → Perfectionism Patty
“Win the argument.” → Righteous Ricky
“You’re the smartest one here.” → Ego Eddie

Just naming them out loud? Instantly shrinks their power.
Bonus: it makes your internal drama feel like a sitcom instead of a meltdown.

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2. Get Curious, Not Critical

Instead of beating yourself up, ask:

“What am I protecting myself from right now?”

You’re not broken. You’re just reacting to pressure.
Patty, Irene, and the gang show up when something deeper is brewing.

Let curiosity lead. Criticism only fuels more stress.

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3. Speak Louder Than Irene

When Irene starts spiraling, fight back with truth.

Try these power phrases:

• “I’ve earned this seat.”
• “I lead with growth, not perfection.”
• “I’m not an imposter—I’m an evolver.”

Say it. Out loud. Even in the car. Even at your desk.
Your inner critic has a microphone—don’t hand her the speakers too.

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4. Interrupt the Script

Ricky expects you to fight.
Surprise him.

“That’s a good point—tell me more.”
“Let’s explore both ideas.”
“I care more about the outcome than being right.”

He’ll be speechless. Your team? Empowered.

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5. Make EQ Cultural, Not Just Personal

When you manage your inner chaos, your team learns it’s okay to show up human too.

Leading with emotional intelligence gives permission for:

• Mistakes without meltdowns
• Questions without shame
• Growth without burnout

🌟 Emotional intelligence creates hope. And hope builds trust.

🎤 Final Word:

You are not your saboteurs.
They’re just past coping mechanisms dressed up as strategy.

Put them on a performance plan. Or fire them.
(You’re the boss, remember?)

Because emotional intelligence is not just knowing how you feel—

It’s knowing who’s talking… and choosing better.

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📣 Next up:

How to Build Emotionally Intelligent Teams (Without Sounding Like You Read It Off a Coffee Mug)
☕ Get ready for the group glow-up.