The Distinction Between Likability and Leadership Skills

This chapter explores the distinction between likability and emotional intelligence in leadership. It emphasizes that true leadership requires more than just being likable; it demands assertiveness, clear emotional communication, and strong decision-making skills.

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People avoid you for reasons that have nothing to do with your deodorant.
You can be smart, talented, even funny—but if people feel unseen or misunderstood around you, your life gets smaller.

Dr. Steven Stein has tested emotional intelligence in everyone from Air Force recruiters to reality TV contestants. And the results are weirdly human.

EQ isn’t about being soft. It’s about knowing when to shut up, when to speak up, and when to walk away.

This episode breaks down emotional intelligence like it’s a muscle group: you’ve got to work it, stress it, and recover from it. Steven explains the science, shares unexpected stories (like lighthouse keepers and narcissists), and makes EQ feel practical

We explore:

🔹 Spot the everyday signs you're low on EQ (and how to fix them) 🔹 Build empathy without becoming a pushover 🔹 Train your emotional intelligence like going to the gym

🔹 The biggest traits of success in the FBI, air force, army and navy

🔹 The psychology of reality TV

Come away with the practical side of emotional intelligence in real life - not just in theory

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Steven Stein

Bestselling author and psychologist who has worked with leading corporates, defense agencies and some of the biggest reality TV shows.

⁠Steven J. Stein⁠