From burnout to balance: Why the future of leadership demands emotional intelligence
For years, leadership was judged by profits, targets, and efficiency. Today, a new currency drives success: Emotional Intelligence. This has become a response to burnout, rising employee expectations, and Gen Z’s demand for healthier, more human leadership.
The end of burnout culture
The “always on” mindset left behind exhausted and disengaged workers. Deloitte reports nearly half of millennials and Gen Z feel burned out. The cost to organisations is huge: lost productivity, absenteeism, and turnover. Leaders now see that neglecting mental health isn’t just unkind, it’s bad for business.
Enter emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the new cornerstone of leadership. EQ is the ability to manage your own emotions while recognising and responding to others. Leaders with EQ build trust, strengthen communication, and create psychological safety. The payoff? Loyal teams, higher innovation, and stronger results.
Picture this: a manager hears exhaustion in their team’s tone, then grants flexibility. That choice protects both performance and loyalty.
Gen Z is setting the tone
Each generation shapes workplace culture. Well-being, however, is a non-negotiable option for Generation Z. They expect leaders to be present, empathetic, and sometimes just downright human with people about their struggles, resilience, and balancing acts. As far as leaders are concerned, they could have a well-rounded degree in psychology, but what the Gen Z needs is their willingness to listen and change when required.
Redefining resilience
Resilience is about systems of support, flexible policies, and open communication. Leaders who respect boundaries, leaving work on time or taking mental health days, send a powerful message: balance matters here.
Grow with the IMM Institute
Elevate your leadership path by joining the IMM Institute as a Professional Development Associate. Go through the three development levels to achieve Life-Time Associateship for industry acknowledgment.
As an Associate, you will have:
- Access to professional resources and education
- Networking and collaboration opportunities
- Acknowledgment for your skills and contributions
- Exclusive access to publications, awards, and platforms
For new perspectives on the subject, tune in each Friday to IMM Talks: watch or listen as voices in the field share practical ideas that shape business today. Grow your career, extend your network, and future-proof your leadership with IMM Associateship.
The leadership advantage
The future belongs to leaders who pair strategy with empathy. Those who balance business demands with human needs will build more engaged, innovative, and resilient teams.
Simply put, leadership is about relationships. By moving from burnout to balance, leaders protect their people, and future-proof their organisations.
