Small businesses thrive when their teams are productive, motivated, and engaged. However, unproductive workplace behaviors (UWB) like absenteeism, conflict, and disengagement can disrupt operations, lower morale, and hurt profitability. I recently came across a dissertation by Natasha Janel Minix-Tennison called Exploring How Small Business Leaders Describe Using Emotional Intelligence to Reduce Employee Counterproductive Work Behavior, which reveals that leadership in small businesses can combat these challenges through emotional intelligence (EI). The study, which focused on leaders in Texas, found that self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management, the four domains of EI, enable leaders to empathize, build workplace trust, and lead by example. These findings can help small business leaders looking to foster engagement, address UWBs, and drive organizational success.

Emotional Intelligence as a Leadership Tool
Emotional intelligence, popularized by Daniel Goleman, is a crucial competency for leaders navigating the complexities of workplace dynamics. It provides the ability to manage one’s own emotions, understand others’ feelings, and foster positive relationships, all while maintaining a calm and effective leadership style. For small business leaders, these skills are especially valuable in close-knit environments where interpersonal tensions can quickly escalate into unproductive behaviors.
Leaders who possess high EI can identify and address the root causes of UWBs, whether they stem from stress, miscommunication, or unmet expectations. For example, if an employee begins arriving late to work, an emotionally intelligent leader might recognize this as a sign of burnout rather than poor work ethic. By opening a constructive dialogue, the leader can collaboratively address the issue, restoring both the employee’s engagement and productivity.
The Impact of Leadership on Employee Engagement
Employee engagement is a critical component in reducing UWBs. Engaged employees are more likely to be emotionally invested in their work, aligned with organizational goals, and motivated to contribute positively to the team. Leadership plays a direct role in fostering this engagement.
The study by Minix-Tennison emphasized the importance of relationship management; a key domain of EI, in building trust and rapport with employees. Leaders who take the time to understand their team’s unique strengths and challenges can create an environment where employees feel valued. This sense of belonging reduces the likelihood of behaviors like passive resistance, missed deadlines, or interpersonal conflicts.
The research highlighted that emotionally intelligent leaders often lead by example. Through self-management, they model constructive responses to stress and conflict, setting a standard for how employees should behave. By demonstrating accountability and emotional control, leaders encourage similar behaviors among their teams, creating a culture of mutual respect and productivity. Leadership is fundamental in such environments.
Reducing UWBs with Emotional Intelligence
Unproductive workplace behaviors are not just random acts of defiance; they often result from deeper emotional or systemic issues. Emotional intelligence equips leaders with tools to address these challenges effectively:
- Fostering Open Communication: Leaders who practice social awareness can detect early signs of disengagement or dissatisfaction. By maintaining open lines of communication, they provide employees with a safe space to voice concerns and seek solutions collaboratively.
- Creating a Culture of Empathy: Employees are more likely to remain engaged and committed when they feel understood. Leaders who empathize with their teams’ struggles can build stronger connections, which diminishes feelings of isolation and resentment; key precursors to UWBs.
- Promoting a Growth-Oriented Mindset: Emotional intelligence helps leaders focus on development rather than punishment. Instead of reprimanding an employee for missing a deadline, a leader might explore underlying challenges and offer support, such as time management resources or additional training.

Practical Applications for Small Business Leaders
To implement the insights from the study, small business leaders can take the following steps:
- Develop Self-Awareness: Leaders should regularly reflect on their emotional triggers and decision-making processes. Understanding how their actions influence others can help them cultivate more positive interactions.
- Invest in EI Training: Workshops or coaching sessions focused on emotional intelligence can enhance leaders’ ability to manage stress, improve communication, and foster collaboration.
- Encourage a Feedback Culture: Creating a workplace where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts not only improves engagement but also helps identify potential sources of UWBs before they escalate.
- Leverage Relationship Management: Building strong, trusting relationships with employees fosters loyalty and reduces counterproductive behaviors. Simple actions like recognizing achievements, offering support, and maintaining transparent communication go a long way.
- Monitor Team Dynamics: Using EI, leaders can detect when team dynamics are strained and intervene to address conflicts or misalignments constructively. Leadership skills play a crucial role in this detection and intervention.
The Broader Implications of Emotionally Intelligent Leadership
Minix-Tennison found that emotionally intelligent leadership transforms workplace cultures, particularly in small businesses. By proactively addressing the emotional needs of their teams, leaders not only mitigate UWBs but also enhance overall engagement, productivity, and morale. These benefits extend beyond individual teams, contributing to the long-term success and resilience of small businesses.
As small business leaders adopt these practices, they can create environments where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to excel. The ripple effects of emotionally intelligent leadership can redefine what success looks like for small businesses, making them more competitive and sustainable in today’s complex marketplace.