Emotional intelligence has remained a relevant leadership concept despite initial skepticism, as its core qualities help leaders address fundamental challenges in today's changing business environment. These challenges include leaner organizations requiring influence over direct authority, a diverse multigenerational workforce with different expectations, and an evolving collaborative leadership role. Emotionally intelligent leaders listen actively, engage and motivate diverse teams, and inspire trust especially during economic uncertainty. Research shows these leadership behaviors deliver results by modifying brain chemistry and narrowing the performance gap between leaders who do and do not demonstrate emotional intelligence.