The Quiet Strength of Emotional Intelligence: Lessons from Ratan Tata

Article by Neerja Mahajan: November 25, 2024: With the recent loss of Ratan Tata, India not only bids farewell to a visionary business leader but celebrates a legacy rich in empathy, humility, and unwavering resilience. Ratan Tata taught us that leadership isn’t just about boardroom decisions; it’s about leading with heart, understanding others, and creating genuine connections. His emotional intelligence or Quotient (EQ) has set a standard for us all—a quiet strength that we can strive to bring into our own lives.

One of the most enduring examples of Tata’s EI was his response during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Rather than treating the tragedy as a business crisis, Tata approached it as a human one, personally, visiting affected families, offering support, and extending a compassionate hand in their time of need.

His actions remind us that EQ is a powerful tool, transforming leaders into beacons of trust and compassion.

Inspired by his life, here are five ways we can begin to build this same emotional intelligence in our everyday interactions.

1. Recognise and Reflect on Your Emotions:

Emotional intelligence starts with understanding our own emotions. We often react without fully grasping what we feel, leading to impulsive decisions. Practicing self-reflection can help us gain control and see situations more clearly.

Action Tip: At the end of each day, spend a few moments reflecting on your strongest emotions and consider what triggered them. Over time, this will deepen your awareness, allowing you to respond more thoughtfully.

2. Cultivate Empathy by Listening Deeply:

Tata’s strength lies in his ability to make others feel heard. This form of listening—focused, without interruptions—is a simple but powerful act. It shows respect and builds trust, both key components of EQ.

Action Tip: Try active listening during your next conversation. Rather than thinking about your response, focus fully on what the other person is saying. Then, summarize back to them what you heard, showing you value their perspective.

3. Regulate Your Reactions:

Tata’s composed demeanour, even in difficult times, is a hallmark of his EQ. Staying calm and measured during moments of stress allows you to think more clearly and act wisely. Learning to pause before reacting can make all the difference.

Action Tip: The next time you feel upset or anxious, take three slow breaths before responding.

This small pause helps you respond with clarity and reduces impulsive reactions.

4. Build Lasting Connections Through Appreciation:

Ratan Tata’s legacy isn’t built solely on business success; it’s rooted in the relationships he’s fostered with people across all levels. Acknowledging others, regardless of their title, strengthens bonds and builds loyalty.

Action Tip: Show appreciation every day to someone around you, whether it’s a colleague or a family member. Simple gestures, like saying “thank you” or acknowledging a job well done, go a long way in creating positive relationships.

5. Make Time for Emotional Self-Care:

Emotional intelligence also involves self-compassion. Caring for your own well-being allows you to be more present for others and to face challenges with a positive mindset. Tata’s balanced approach to life is a reminder that nurturing oneself is essential for effective leadership.

Action Tip: Set aside 15 minutes a day for something that refreshes you, like reading, meditating, or a quiet walk. Prioritising self-care builds resilience and keeps you grounded.

Building Your Emotional Intelligence Journey:

Ratan Tata’s story shows that EQ isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about transforming how we connect with others. The practices above may seem small, but they build a foundation for emotional intelligence over time, helping us lead with empathy, respect, and wisdom. For people dreaming to rise to Leadership positions, they need to start building on these habits.

As we continue this series, we’ll dive deeper into other pillars of emotional intelligence, exploring ways to adapt lessons into your daily routine.

About Writer: Neerja Mahajan is a Wisdom Leadership and Happiness Coach, Founder & CEO of Art Hill
Imprints, and author of the upcoming book Smiling Your Way to Happiness. With 25 years of
experience in entrepreneuship and 5 years in leadership coaching, she helps professionals unlock
their leadership potential through emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and practical wisdom.
Neerja is also an IICA-certified independent director. Connect with her@
www.leadership@neerjamahajan.com