Leadership & Emotional Intelligence (EI).

Most recently, I had the honor of serving as the Opening Speaker for an Executive Forum.

This blog is my way of briefly putting that message on paper. My focus was Leadership and Emotional Intelligence (EI). Just as we cannot thrive in today’s world without Artificial Intelligence (AI), we also cannot lead effectively without Emotional Intelligence (EI).

“Great leaders don’t just choose one color — they know when to use each. Leadership, change management, and emotional intelligence require a full box.” — #LearnedMan

“When people feel seen and valued, they don’t just show up — they step up.” — Dr. Brad Johnson

“Leadership is often felt before it is seen.” — #LearnedMan

Let’s jump into the essence of the message. My opening remarks centered on Leadership and Emotional Intelligence, framed through the metaphor of four oversized crayons — each color representing a critical phase and skill in leadership.

🔵 Blue – Self-awareness

🔴 Red – Self-regulation

🟡 Yellow – Empathy

🟢 Green – Social skills & motivation

All four crayons represent necessary phases. Leadership is not linear; it’s cyclical. Emotional intelligence weaves through every color. Great leaders don’t just choose one color — they know when to use each. Leadership, change management, and emotional intelligence require a full box.

The Four-Crayon Framework

🔵 Blue Crayon: Vision & Plan

Represents clarity of direction.

Leadership: leaders must paint the picture and keep the “why” visible.

Emotional Intelligence: requires self-awareness — knowing your values and how they guide your vision.

Example: “Blue is always present. Just like the sky, the vision must always stay above us to keep us aligned.”

🔴 Red Crayon: Stop & Reevaluate

Represents a pause — when something is off-track.

Change Management: not every action is progress; sometimes leaders must call a time-out.

EI Connection: self-regulation — pausing before reacting, giving space for reflection.

Example: “Red reminds us that sometimes leadership means saying no, or not yet, to protect the mission and the people.”

🟡 Yellow Crayon: Caution & Consideration Represents the middle ground — moving carefully.

Change Management: testing small adjustments before full implementation.

EI Connection: empathy — understanding resistance, hearing concerns, and pacing change.

Example: “Yellow reminds us that when things are unclear, we must listen, gather perspective, and avoid rushing decisions that lead back to red.”

🟢 Green Crayon: Go & Grow

Represents progress and stability.

Leadership: when the plan is clear, the team is aligned, and momentum is strong — move forward.

EI Connection: social skills — inspiring, motivating, and communicating effectively to sustain growth.

Example: “Green is growth, and growth comes when vision, reflection, and caution align into action.

As we put a bow on it, all four crayons are necessary phases. Leadership is not linear; it’s cyclical.

Emotional intelligence weaves through every color:

🔵 Blue – Self-awareness

🔴 Red – Self-regulation

🟡 Yellow – Empathy

🟢 Green – Social skills & motivation

Which crayon do you need to use more often in your leadership?”