Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a cornerstone of effective leadership. Unfortunately, not all leaders possess it, creating a hostile work environment for you.

Imagine working under a leader whose low EQ manifests in poor empathy, inadequate communication, and a lack of understanding of team dynamics. It's a situation many find themselves in, yet few know how to navigate effectively.

Want to thrive under such leadership? Here are five actions to unlock your potential and catalyze positive change, even in the most trying circumstances:

Empathetic Communication: Start by understanding your manager's perspective. Communicate your needs and observations empathetically, focusing on common goals. It's about creating a dialogue that fosters mutual understanding without placing blame.
Seek Feedback and Act: Constructively seek feedback on your work and how you can contribute to a positive change. Use this as a learning opportunity to adapt and grow, showing resilience and the ability to thrive under any leadership style.
Build Emotional Resilience: Develop your emotional resilience. This means not taking low-EQ behaviors personally and focusing on what you can control—your reactions, growth, and the positive influence you can have on your team.
Foster a Supportive Network: Cultivate a supportive network within the organization. This network can offer advice, provide emotional support, and help navigate the challenges posed by low-EQ leadership.
Advocate for Professional Development: Encourage and advocate for leadership development programs that focus on emotional intelligence within your organization. This can be a delicate process, but framing it as a benefit for the entire team and organization can facilitate openness to the idea.