Emotional Intelligence For Public Sector Leaders Training Course

Introduction

In today’s dynamic and complex governance landscape, the ability to lead with empathy, self-awareness, and interpersonal insight is more essential than ever. Emotional Intelligence (EI) is increasingly recognized as a core leadership skill, particularly for public sector professionals responsible for navigating policy, people, and high-stakes decision-making under pressure. Leaders who cultivate emotional intelligence foster inclusive cultures, manage stress effectively, and drive performance through trust and collaboration.

This Emotional Intelligence for Public Sector Leaders Training Course is designed to develop high-impact leadership through the mastery of EI competencies. From managing political dynamics to enhancing public trust, participants will gain actionable tools to lead with clarity, resilience, and ethical influence. The course blends research-based insights with real-world public sector challenges to empower forward-thinking governance.

Target Audience

• Senior government officials and public administrators
• Departmental directors and heads of public institutions
• Policy advisors and government strategists
• Public service team leaders and project managers
• Human resource professionals in the public sector
• Elected leaders and political office holders
• Leadership development and capacity-building trainers

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamentals of emotional intelligence and its leadership impact
• Build self-awareness and emotional regulation for high-stakes environments
• Strengthen empathy and interpersonal relationships within public service
• Manage workplace stress and foster resilience under pressure
• Navigate conflict, criticism, and political dynamics with emotional agility
• Apply emotional intelligence to drive inclusive team performance
• Build emotionally intelligent communication and influence skills
• Integrate EI into public service ethics and leadership accountability
• Create emotionally intelligent institutions through policy and practice

Duration

5 Days

Course Outline

Module 1: Understanding Emotional Intelligence in Public Leadership

• Defining emotional intelligence and leadership alignment
• Components of EI: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, motivation, and social skills
• EI vs. IQ in public governance success
• Public sector case studies of emotionally intelligent leadership
• Measuring emotional intelligence: tools and assessments

Module 2: Developing Self-Awareness and Personal Mastery

• Recognizing emotional triggers and patterns
• Building confidence and authenticity in decision-making
• Reflection techniques for leadership growth
• The neuroscience of emotions in leadership
• Daily habits for enhancing emotional intelligence

Module 3: Managing Emotions and Stress Resilience

• Techniques for regulating emotions in public service
• Preventing emotional burnout in high-pressure roles
• Mindfulness and emotional agility practices
• Stress management strategies for teams
• Leadership presence during uncertainty and crisis

Module 4: Cultivating Empathy and Social Intelligence

• Understanding the role of empathy in leadership
• Reading emotional cues and non-verbal communication
• Cultural sensitivity and inclusive engagement
• Trust-building techniques with staff and citizens
• Emotional alignment for team cohesion

Module 5: Conflict Management and Political Acumen

• Applying EI in negotiation and mediation
• Managing criticism and political pressure constructively
• Leading through difficult conversations
• Emotional neutrality in policy conflicts
• Maintaining composure and clarity in public forums

Module 6: Emotionally Intelligent Communication and Influence

• Speaking with empathy and assertiveness
• Storytelling as a tool for public influence
• Listening as leadership: active and empathetic methods
• Framing messages for emotional impact
• Influencing without authority

Module 7: Embedding Emotional Intelligence in Teams and Institutions

• Creating emotionally intelligent teams
• Building psychological safety and positive culture
• Institutional strategies for EI integration
• Feedback systems that build growth and morale
• Aligning EI with performance management

Module 8: Leading with Integrity, Ethics, and Emotional Accountability

• The connection between ethics and emotional intelligence
• Transparent decision-making under emotional pressure
• Modeling accountability and moral courage
• Ethical leadership under public scrutiny
• Emotional intelligence in policy and governance values

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.