CASE STUDY

Strengthening Emotional Intelligence and Team Culture in a Central Government Department.

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Using the EQ-i 2.0 model to increase leadership effectiveness and create high performing teams.

Our client How we used the EQ-i 2.0 assessment and group report to support this Central Government team to heighten their self awareness as well as generate stronger cross-functional collaboration.

Background and Challenge

A senior leadership team within a Central Government department approached Think EQ to support them through a period of transition. The team was experiencing increased pressure, complex stakeholder dynamics, and signs of disconnection following structural and strategic changes. While individually capable, the group was operating below its potential as a collective, with trust and communication emerging as key challenges.

Objectives

The primary goals of the engagement were to:

  • Build greater psychological safety within the team
  • Enhance emotional intelligence (EI) at both an individual and team level
  • Create space for reflection, alignment, and more effective collaboration
  • Equip the team with practical tools to navigate change and complexity

Approach

The programme combined individual coaching, team development sessions, and diagnostic insight using the EQ-i 2.0 framework. Key elements included:

  • EQ-i 2.0 individual assessments for each team member, followed by 1:1 debriefs to explore emotional intelligence strengths and development areas.
  • Team EQ insights mapped to common patterns, blind spots, and cultural dynamics.
  • Facilitated workshops focused on trust, communication, and the relational impact of leadership.
  • Coaching techniques introduced to improve listening, reflection, and accountability within leadership conversations.

Themes Addressed

  • Shifting from reactive problem-solving to reflective leadership
  • Exploring the emotional undercurrents of performance and tension
  • Building shared language around values, feedback, and impact
  • Strengthening cohesion without compromising individual autonomy

Impact

  • Team members reported increased self-awareness and openness, particularly in how they approached conflict, feedback, and decision-making.
  • Several individuals made conscious shifts in their leadership style, showing more curiosity, calm, and compassion under pressure.
  • Trust within the group grew measurably, with the team adopting new norms around active listening and clearer role expectations.
  • The work laid a foundation for stronger cross-functional collaboration and greater confidence navigating ambiguity.

    Client Reflection

    One of the senior leaders described the work as “a turning point for how we show up together,” noting that the combination of personal insight and team practice “gave us permission to be honest and build something better.”

    Learn more about our Emotionally Effective Leader programmes.