Episode 138

138 Phil Johnson - Leadership Leap: Emotional Intelligence for B2B SaaS Excellence

In today's fast-paced world, where artificial intelligence is becoming more prevalent, there's an essential human skill that's rising in value: Emotional Intelligence (EQ).

In this episode of the SaaS Expert Series, Jeff chats with Phil Johnson, founder and CEO of the Master of Business Leadership Program. Together, they explore how the program transforms the way leaders manage their energy. Phil shared impactful stories and provided a deep understanding of the importance of emotional intelligence, not just as a business skill, but as a catalyst for meaningful connections and transformative growth.

This conversation will equip you with the understanding that true leadership and enduring achievements are not a matter of the mind alone but the heart as well.

Key Takeaways

[00:01:13] - Christmas Dinner Brings Joy and Community

[00:03:02] - The Christmas Miracle on Maple Street

[00:07:52] - Developing Emotional Intelligence for Success

[00:16:08] - Emotional Intelligence in Business

[00:21:35] - Experiential Knowledge in Business Leadership

[00:27:51] - Personal Vision and Alignment Importance

[00:31:30] - Developing Emotional Intelligence in Interviews

[00:39:20] - Business Leadership and Emotional Intelligence

Tweetable Quotes

"When they stop giving away their energy they need to steal...the energy of other people goes away because they don't need it. And it's in that process that they're developing their emotional intelligence." - 00:25:11 Phil Johnson

“The more emotionally intelligent you are, not only do you benefit, but everybody you come in contact with benefits, the less emotionally intelligent you are, the more of a negative impact it has on you, but it also has a negative impact on everybody you come in contact with. It's called emotional contagion.” - 00:34:07 Phil Johnson

“If we want better results than we're currently getting, we have to raise our level of consciousness. So, however, somebody's behaving and the results they're getting are simply a reflection of their current level of consciousness.” - 00:38:48 Phil Johnson

“Kindness is free to give and priceless to receive. I've been one of those strangers at the table, and sometimes the best gifts are the ones we don't expect sitting right next to us at the dinner table.” - 00:05:33 Jeff Mains

“And we really need to be developing our emotional intelligence to be able to feel the fear that's going to trigger in us and be able to move through it rather than having that fear control us.” - 00:10:11 Phil Johnson

SaaS Leadership Lessons

Emotional Intelligence Outperforms IQ: EQ is a better predictor of success than IQ. Focusing on developing our emotional capabilities can lead to more meaningful connections, better decision-making, and a greater ability to inspire and motivate others.
EQ as a Learnable Skill: Unlike IQ, which is largely genetic, EQ is a muscle that can be developed through practice and experience. Invest in their emotional growth through training, such as the Master of Business Leadership program, and apply these skills consistently.
Authentic Listening and Vulnerability: Practice authentic listening, which involves not taking things personally and truly understanding others' perspectives. By being open and vulnerable, building trust can create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Transforming Motivation from Pain to Passion: Initially, the motivation to develop EQ may stem from a desire to alleviate pain or discomfort. Over time, we can see the benefits of emotional intelligence, motivation can evolve into a passion for continuous growth and the pursuit of a shared vision.
Emotional Contagion and Influence: Emotions are contagious. We must be aware of the emotional tone they set, as it can significantly affect the morale and productivity of the team. Cultivating a positive emotional environment can lead to higher engagement and better outcomes.
The Lifelong Journey of EQ Development: Emotional intelligence development is not a one-time achievement but a continuous journey. EQ can unlock people’s greater potential and inspire those around them to do the same.