What is it about?
This article focuses on the importance of emotional intelligence in the professional lives of headteachers, based on their responses to survey questions and interviews, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data. The author was motivated by a concern to give those being surveyed a voice, whilst recognizing the importance of emotional intelligence in their working lives. The structure of the survey and interviews is built on the concept that emotional intelligence relates to both intra-personal and inter-personal factors. Keywords: emotional intelligence, school leadership, headteacher voice
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Why is it important?
Research shows us that the position of headteacher is one of the most stressful in society. At a time of greater focus on well-being and increased scrutiny of people in positions of authority, through school inspection and the influence of social media, this is an extremely important issue.
Perspectives
As someone who who has been a headteacher and school principal for many years, I have reflected on the pressures on many of my colleagues. By surveying and interviewing them, my wish was to empower them and give them a voice. I have located this voice within an academic analysis, largely created by Daniel Goleman's work on emotional intelligence.
Chris McDermott
The University of Hull
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: An Analysis of the Significance of Emotional Intelligence in the Professional Life of a Headteacher, International Journal of Excellence in Smart Learning, February 2026, Knowledge E,
DOI: 10.18502/ijesl.v2i1.19866.
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