Most companies hire and promote based on IQ and productivity — but what if emotional intelligence is the real driver of lasting success? In this episode of Anatomy of Success, Steve Wolinhaus breaks down the nine defining behaviors of emotionally intelligent people and why identifying them can transform your team, your leadership, and your organization.

Inspired by his father — a pioneer in championing EQ long before it was mainstream — Steve makes a compelling case for why emotional intelligence is the rarest and most valuable skill in today's workplace, and why so many companies are consistently promoting the wrong people.

In this episode, you'll discover the 9 things emotionally intelligent people do:

Manage stress in healthy ways that don't bleed into the workplace
Stay assertive without being obnoxious — and set firm boundaries with toxic people
Communicate feelings clearly without being defensive or accusatory
Avoid taking things personally and let thoughts settle before responding
Refuse to be vindictive and release negative emotions instead of holding grudges
Own their mistakes and focus on solutions rather than blame
Lead with genuine empathy and consider the impact of their words on others
Take full responsibility for their personal and professional outcomes
Operate with confidence and thick skin — without needing external validation

Whether you're hiring, building a team, or working on your own personal growth, this episode will give you a clear framework for recognizing and developing emotional intelligence where it matters most.

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