Sustaining Emotional Intelligence for Long-Term Inclusion
Photo credit to Misha Safran, Canva, with Logo credit to Misha Safran & Christi Williford
Are You Willing to Practice What Builds Belonging—Even on the Hard Days?
Inclusion isn’t a box we check or a training we complete—it’s a daily practice that asks for consistency, even when it's inconvenient. Emotional intelligence gives us the tools to keep showing up: to lead with care during conflict, to stay curious when we feel misunderstood, and to respond with empathy when we're tired or stretched thin.
Additionally, it isn't easy to receive feedback. However, most often, feedback is meant to support cohesion not combat. If you are not well-oiled on taking care of yourself, identifying your emotions, and practicing the pause, then receiving feedback will feel like a bee sting every time. And to be even more truthful, feedback often has very little to do with you...unless you make it about you. When we take time to listen instead of dismiss, we can go beneath the feedback and better understand where it came from and how to move through it.
But like any practice, EQ requires tending. We don’t “arrive” at emotional intelligence; we maintain it. Whether it’s gratitude, reflection, or the courage to pause, these rituals help us stay rooted in what matters. Sustainability in leadership isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things more consistently.
💜 Quick Tips (and Why They Matter) 💜
Try a daily gratitude ritual—just three things, in less than three minutes. This simple act rewires your brain toward recognition, which helps you lead with optimism, presence, and relational trust.
Build a “resilience reset” into your week. Whether it’s five minutes of breath-work, walking without your phone, or writing a “release list,” create space to discharge stress. Leaders who care for themselves lead more sustainably.
📅 Schedule emotional check-ins—yes, on your calendar. Set a recurring reminder to ask yourself: “Where am I emotionally? Who might need a little extra support this week?” Leadership thrives on this kind of awareness.
💭 Reflection Questions
What helps me stay grounded and emotionally present—even when I’m overwhelmed?
Where am I relying on intention but falling short in consistent practice?
With empathy and joy,
Misha Safran
PS: Inclusive leadership isn’t innate—it takes support, guidance, and practice. Book a FREE consultation to discuss how I can help you and/or your team build everyday habits of emotional intelligence that elevate inclusion: https://calendly.com/authentic_joy/speaking-inquiry-with-keynote-speaker-misha-safran
PPS: Want to spark more mindful conversations at work? Try CEEQ’s ConnectionCatalyst™ Card Decks—designed to build empathy, reduce judgment, and bring joy back into communication. I am VERY excited to announce that they are NOW ready for Pre-orders! You can purchase one, two, or all three card decks HERE! Stay tuned for the next card deck on TRUST!
Land Acknowledgement: Born on the land of the Anacostans, Piscataway, and Pamunkey peoples. Currently living on Karkin Ohlone land.
All are valued in my practice: BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, humans of all backgrounds and ages. Through sharing my pronouns, I hope to support a safer and braver space for all professionals to share their pronouns.
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