EQ and the Art of Influence

EQ and the Art of Influence

From The HR Hub by WRKdefined Podcast Network

May 19, 2026 · 25 min

About this episode

Jen Shirkani discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in building influence and trust in the workplace.

Many professionals wonder why others with less technical skill seem to get further in their careers. The answer often lies in their ability to build influence and trust through emotional intelligence rather than relying on formal authority. In this conversation, Jen Shirkani explains how to use the "Three Rs" of EQ—recognizing, reading, and responding—to connect your goals with what your stakeholders actually care about. Whether you are delivering bad news or trying to change a leader's mind, these insights help you navigate tough workplace dynamics. Key Takeaways: The "Three Rs" of emotional intelligence: Recognizing, Reading, and Responding. How to identify what a leader truly cares about to frame your pitch effectively. The critical role of trust deposits in building long-term influence. Why sarcasm and "experiential empathy" can backfire during stressful conversations. Navigating the "Badzilla" trap when enforcing unpopular policies. Moving from defensive rule-following to consultative partnership. 00:00 Why some people have more influence 01:05 Defining the Three Rs of EQ 01:52 Connecting ideas to what others care about 03:10 How to identify individual motivations 06:07 The…

People in this episode

Guest: Jen Shirkani

Topics covered

  • emotional intelligence
  • influence
  • trust
  • workplace dynamics
  • communication

Keywords

  • emotional intelligence
  • influence
  • trust deposits
  • communication skills
  • workplace dynamics

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