AI & EI: The Heart of Modern Leadership Part 2

Using emotional intelligence to lead, sell, and serve in the age of AI

Self-Awareness: The Foundation of AI & EI

Here’s a question to chew on: If AI can predict what we’ll type next, can we predict how we’ll react next?

A Thought to Start:
Though continued thinking about this topic, I keep coming back to how easy it is to move fast, sometimes too fast. Between tools, automation, and constant input, it’s easy to skip the step of checking in with ourselves before responding, deciding, or leading. Self-awareness is that pause. It’s the foundation of every other layer of emotional intelligence, and maybe the most important one as we start blending our human instincts with AI tools. Before you dismiss this know that we’re not talking about days, or hours, in this. Speed to respond is certainly a Fairway Core Value AND taking a minute or two, and knowing when to take longer, are important skills.

Key Concepts:

Self-awareness is knowing your emotional “dashboard.”
Think of it like this: AI runs on data; you run on emotion and experience. When you’re self-aware, you can see your internal signals; frustration, excitement, defensiveness, compassion, and understand how they’re influencing your words and actions. The better you get at reading that dashboard, the better you can steer your responses and decisions.
Reflection is your best upgrade.
Generative AI can make us more efficient, but it can also make us reactive if we’re not careful. Before you let a prompt or email fly, take a breath and ask, “What’s driving my response right now?” Sometimes, what needs editing isn’t the message; it’s our mindset. A few seconds of reflection can turn a reaction into a thoughtful choice.
Your tone is your tell.
AI can mimic style and professionalism, but it can’t truly replicate tone that comes from emotional awareness. That’s why messages generated by AI can feel flat if we don’t add our humanity back in. Check your tone before you hit send. Does it sound like you? Does it sound like Fairway; caring, real, and people-first? Could you have picked up the phone? Unless you’re Brene Brown or Simon Sinek and you have truly mastered the art of written communication, am guessing, actually talking to someone live may often be a great choice.
AI can actually help you grow your self-awareness.
Try using AI as a mirror, not a megaphone. Ask it to analyze your writing for tone or emotional cues. Use that feedback to learn about how your communication might come across to others. It’s a great way to blend tech and self-reflection.

Call to Action:
This week, slow down before you respond, especially in moments of pressure. Before you send that message, pause and check in with yourself: What am I feeling right now, and how might that be shaping my tone or decision? You might find that a few seconds of awareness completely changes the outcome.

Want to read or learn more?
• Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
• Travis Bradberry & Jean Greaves, Emotional Intelligence 2.0
• Harvard Business Review, “How Self-Awareness Helps You Lead Better”

Coming Next Week:
Self-Management: The art of staying composed and intentional when emotions run high.