How important is emotional intelligence to your success in business and in life?

In my experience, it’s everything. We often focus on technical excellence — mastering the “what” of our jobs. But emotional intelligence (EQ) is all about mastering the how. How you interact, how you respond, how you connect.

These are what we used to call “soft skills,” but at High Point University, they call them life skills — and for good reason. High Point University is known for being the premier life skills university. That means students don’t just walk away with a degree; they walk away equipped with the emotional intelligence and people skills they’ll need for life — not just their first job.

While speaking there recently, I met students who can actually earn a certificate in emotional intelligence. That’s right — they’re investing in people skills that truly give them a lifetime competitive advantage.

Knowing I was coming to High Point, I reached out to my friend Dontá Wilson, Chief Consumer and Small Business Banking Officer for Truist Bank. I asked him how important emotional intelligence is in his world.

His answer?

“The ability to anticipate needs, build trust, and lead with empathy is transferable currency in any industry. Emotional intelligence and operational excellence will always be a competitive advantage. These same talents are talents that C-suite executives use every day, even more than technical skill.”

Let that sink in. Even in a field known for numbers, it’s people skills that set you apart. So if you’ve already mastered the technical side of your job, maybe it’s time to look at your EQ side.

Here are three ways to level up your life skills:

Lead with empathy. Before reacting, pause to understand where someone else is coming from. Connection starts with compassion.
Build confidence in communication. Whether having difficult conversations, giving feedback, or delivering a presentation, be confident and clear in your message.
Practice presence. In a world of AI and automation, being fully present is your greatest superpower. Look people in the eye. Listen without distraction. Be human.

Because no matter how advanced our technology gets, it’s our emotional intelligence that keeps us connected, grounded, and — you guessed it — living life in the front-row.

Happy Front-Row Friday!