2. Define emotional intelligence (EI). What are the key elements of EI? Why is EI so important to successful strategic leadership? Address potential downsides. EI - a high level of social awareness. Recognizing emotions in one's self and others and being able to manage them is the basis of EI. Doing so in an effectively positive manner is the other half, and probably the area where most people fall flat. Self-awareness and regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills comprise the basic spectrum of EI components. Some drawbacks to EI: Empathy can make tough decisions difficult to make. Astute judgment of others is still judgment and not likely to be well-received by others. Passion for one's work and ideas can constrict focus and perspective. Personal connections may lead to perceived over-involvement, micromanagement