Are you at the top of your game? Checklist for effective leaders

Purpose – To use case studies to describe and demonstrate how improvements in adaptability and emotional intelligence (EI) can assist executives in effectively performing their employee and leadership roles. Design/methodology/approach – Three case studies are highlighted. They document how actively recognizing EI deficiencies and working to develop these through coaching and practice improve employees’ capabilities to identify and control their behaviors and actions, leading to a more productive work environment. A brief history of EI origins and research is explained along with descriptions and solutions of common leadership stumbling blocks. Findings – Each case study presents the history of the problem, the solution and the results. Additional information is provided on several EI research studies. Research limitations/implications – Research on improving EI and how it relates to performance and work environment has been conducted in a variety of settings. Only a few of these are presented here. Many EI studies are still in progress to determine lasting effects. Practical implications – Manuscript represents a good primer for use by executives and human resources personnel when implementing EI coaching and practice in work environments. Content also includes identification of common leadership errors and suggested corrective action. Originality/value – Using case studies to describe EI and adaptability issues provide practical advice to those striving to bring change to the work environments and increase the productivity of both themselves and their teams.