This Is Woman's Work with Nicole Kalil
Episode: How To Build An Emotionally Intelligent Team with Dr. Vanessa Druskat | 328
Release Date: July 21, 2025

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of This Is Woman's Work, host Nicole Kalil engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Vanessa Druskat, an internationally recognized expert in leadership and team performance. Together, they delve into the intricacies of building emotionally intelligent (EI) teams, exploring practical strategies and the underlying psychology that fosters high-performing, collaborative environments.

Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Teams

Nicole opens the discussion by reflecting on her transition from a corporate environment to entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges and longing for the synergy found in traditional team settings. She poses a pivotal question to Dr. Druskat:

Nicole Kalil [03:55]: "How important or not important is the leader's emotional intelligence when it comes to the team's emotional intelligence?"

Dr. Druskat emphasizes the critical role of a leader's emotional intelligence in setting the tone for the entire team:

Dr. Vanessa Druskat [03:58]: "If anybody needs to be emotionally intelligent on the team, it's the leader."

She asserts that while individual team members' emotional intelligence is beneficial, the leader's EI is foundational in cultivating an emotionally intelligent team through intentional routines and practices.

Defining an Emotionally Intelligent Team

When prompted to define an emotionally intelligent team, Dr. Druskat outlines key characteristics that distinguish such teams:

Dr. Vanessa Druskat [06:23]: "Emotionally intelligent teams are teams with routines and processes. We call them norms that build trust, psychological safety, and ownership over what the team is doing."

An emotionally intelligent team is marked by active listening, mutual respect, and a cohesive sense of belonging, enabling members to collaborate effectively and perform at their best.

Building Trust and Belonging

A significant portion of the conversation centers on establishing trust and a sense of belonging within teams. Dr. Druskat presents three foundational norms derived from her research:

1. Getting to Know One Another: Understanding each team member's values, communication preferences, and personal backgrounds.

   Dr. Vanessa Druskat [10:35]: "You gotta get to know one another. You gotta take the time to build an understanding of people's values, what's important to them."

2. Giving and Receiving Feedback: Creating a culture where feedback is seen as a tool for mutual growth and success.

   Dr. Vanessa Druskat [12:34]: "People want to know when they're doing something out of line. We consider this helping others succeed."

3. Caring Behavior and Respect: Demonstrating respect through actions like maintaining eye contact and actively listening, which fosters psychological safety.

   Dr. Vanessa Druskat [14:35]: "Especially eye contact from the leader... when you're meeting virtually, eye contact matters even more."

These norms are essential in fulfilling the innate human need for connection and belonging, which in turn enhances team cohesion and performance.

Implementing Feedback Mechanisms

Nicole explores the delicate balance of providing meaningful feedback without fostering fear or discomfort. Dr. Druskat offers actionable strategies:

Nicole Kalil [21:39]: "Any tips on both the getting and the giving of feedback?"

Dr. Vanessa Druskat [21:55]: "First, define what you consider unhelpful behavior. Second, understand how team members prefer to receive feedback. Third, implement processes like periodic surveys to facilitate open communication."

By establishing clear guidelines and respecting individual preferences, teams can create a safe environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and effectively utilized.

Balancing Connection and Productivity

A common leadership challenge discussed is maintaining a balance between fostering personal connections and ensuring productivity. Nicole raises concerns about meeting structures accommodating diverse personalities and preferences.

Dr. Vanessa Druskat [24:33]: "You never resolve it. It's something that you manage and you tell people that you're going to do your best and that you want to know what their needs are."

Dr. Druskat introduces the concept of managing paradoxes within teams, emphasizing that while perfection is unattainable, continuous effort and adjustment can harmonize social connections with productive outcomes.

The Business Case for Emotionally Intelligent Teams

Addressing skepticism about the tangible benefits of emotionally intelligent teams, Dr. Druskat underscores the direct impact on business performance:

Dr. Vanessa Druskat [15:46]: "There's plenty of data. Mediocre team members with good processes and norms... outperform teams filled with geniuses."

She explains that effective team dynamics lead to enhanced innovation, higher performance, and ultimately, greater profitability. Emotionally intelligent teams are not just beneficial for interpersonal relations but are strategic assets in achieving business objectives.

Overcoming Challenges in Team Dynamics

The conversation also touches on the inherent challenges in team dynamics, such as handling rejection and fostering inclusivity. Dr. Druskat references evolutionary psychology to explain why individuals may behave defensively when feeling ostracized:

Dr. Vanessa Druskat [28:38]: "We're wired to behave badly when we are rejected or ostracized or ignored."

Understanding these underlying behaviors allows leaders to proactively create environments where all members feel valued and respected, mitigating negative reactions and promoting a collaborative spirit.

Conclusion

Nicole and Dr. Druskat conclude by reinforcing the notion that building emotionally intelligent teams is a deliberate and ongoing process. It's about embracing diversity, fostering genuine connections, and implementing structured practices that support team cohesion and performance. As Nicole aptly summarizes:

Nicole Kalil [32:08]: "Emotionally intelligent teams don't happen by accident. They're built with intention, with effort, and with the understanding that it's our differences that allow us to create something better."

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for leaders and team members alike, offering both the theoretical foundations and practical tools necessary to cultivate emotionally intelligent teams that excel both individually and collectively.

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Vanessa Druskat's Book: Emotionally Intelligent Teams: Collaborating with Excellence
  (Listeners are encouraged to connect with Dr. Druskat on LinkedIn and explore additional resources through the show notes.)

About the Host: Nicole Kalil

Nicole Kalil is not only the host of This Is Woman's Work but also a multifaceted individual balancing roles as a mom, partner, hotel enthusiast, cheese lover, and entrepreneur. Her relatable insights and entrepreneurial spirit drive meaningful conversations about redefining "woman's work" in today's diverse professional landscapes.

Thank you for tuning into This Is Woman's Work. To explore more episodes and resources, visit nicolekalil.com.