Emotional Intelligence in Creative Environments

Picture a moment when someone on your crew really understood your point of view, not just your words, but the stress, worry or frustration underneath them. That kind of connection is at the heart of emotional intelligence (EQ). It shapes how we communicate on set, backstage, and on site. Our ability to use emotional intelligence also influences how we collaborate under pressure, and how we take care of ourselves and each other in fast-paced creative work.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions, while also being able to recognize, comprehend, and respond to the emotions of others.

Emotional intelligence can be a tricky skill to build, and it takes time and practice in different scenarios. The key aspect is to remain open and non-judgmental to those around you. It’s about how we show up in environments where ​​tight deadlines ​​and change​s​ are part of the job.

Psychologist Daniel Goleman identifies four key domains:

1) Self-Awareness: Understanding your emotions and how they influence your decisions, reactions, and communication.

2) Self-Management: Regulating your emotions, thoughts, and behaviours, especially during high-stress moments like sudden cast changes, weather delays on an exterior shoot, or a compressed load-in. This may also include developing coping skills to help manage stress and high emotion in a healthy way.

3) Social Awareness: Recognizing what others may be feeling and understanding the dynamics between you and your colleagues on set, venue, or site. The ability to empathize, understand the circumstances and emotions of others, and respond appropriately.

4) Relationship Management: Communicating clearly, collaborating effectively, and maintaining trust within your crew. Productive working relationships are essential in environments where collaboration and communication directly impact safety, timelines, and the final creative product.

Across all industries within the Arts & Entertainment sector, the work is collaborative, time-sensitive, and often emotionally intense. High emotional intelligence supports:

Stronger Crew Connections
Whether you’re in a rehearsal, on set, or preparing a large-scale event, EQ helps build trust and respect. Building connection through emotional intelligence can create ​​bonds and a sense of community in industries where this may be more challenging.

Better Decision-Making
When emotions are managed, decisions are clearer. This is essential when working on deadlines, managing last-minute cue changes, or navigating unexpected resets.

Resilience Under Stress
EQ helps you stay grounded during tight deadlines, shifting priorities, and the rapid pace of production cycles.

A Safer, More Supportive Environment
Psychological safety grows when people feel seen and heard. This improves communication, reduces conflict, and supports overall well-being.

Motion Pictures
Certain days on set may involve bigger challenges in one department or another, for instance a stunt-heavy day, or a big background day. A production manager who remains calm and pauses to check in with crew to acknowledge the pressure everyone is under and the level of effort being demonstrated models emotional intelligence and helps keep communication steady. This also provides an opportunity for members of the crew to come forward with any concerns.

Theatrical Performing Arts
Sometimes tech week is smooth; other times, it is filled with challenges. With an unexpected equipment failure during technical rehearsal, emotions can run high. A technical director who notices a crew member looking overwhelmed and quietly asks, “Are you doing okay?” creates space for support and prevents miscommunication.

Live Events
At a large outdoor load-in, a sudden weather shift forces the team to change plans quickly. A department head who stays calm and explains the new priorities helps the crew stay focused and reduces stress for everyone involved. Being aware of what the people around you might be experiencing is an important element in emotional intelligence, and the effect of demonstrating it can make a big impact.

Like any skill, EQ can be developed through practice and intention. Here are simple ways to begin:

Emotional intelligence isn’t about hiding your emotions; it’s about understanding them and using them intentionally. By developing EQ, we support not only our own well-being, but also the safety, communication, and collaboration that make creative work possible.

The more we build emotional intelligence, the more we empower ourselves and our crews to work with empathy, clarity, and resilience no matter what the day brings.