Category: Education

Online research should feel like a superpower. But for most students, it’s more like wading through digital quicksand—endless tabs, questionable sources, and distractions around every corner. The internet is an incredible resource, but only if you know how to wield it.

Without structure, you waste time. Without safety, you risk exposure to misinformation or worse.  Here’s how to get it right.

How to Start Online Research the Right Way

Most students treat Google like a magic eight ball: type a question, click the first link, and hope for the best. That’s a problem. Research isn’t about finding a source—it’s about understanding a topic through multiple lenses. It’s about learning how to filter, assess, and synthesize.

Before you even begin searching, define your objective. What are you really trying to figure out? Are you gathering general background information, looking for empirical data, or building an argument? Precision here pays off later. When your goal is clear, your path through the noise becomes obvious.

Use Smarter Search Techniques

A lazy search query guarantees garbage results. To control the algorithm, you have to get tactical and learn Google Search operators, little tricks that filter and refine your queries. Use quotation marks to search exact phrases (“renewable energy adoption in Africa”), include site-specific queries like “site:.edu” for academic sources, and don’t be afraid to use Boolean logic. AND narrows, OR expands, and NOT (or minus signs) excludes what you don’t want.

Let’s say you’re writing about the effects of remote learning. Searching “impact of remote learning site:.gov” might lead you to policy reports. Searching the same with “site:.edu” can surface academic studies. Adding “PDF” helps you find whitepapers and full-text documents, not just article summaries.

Google Scholar is a better starting point than general search engines when academic rigor matters. But it’s not the only game in town. Dig through ProQuest, ERIC, JSTOR, PubMed, and the databases offered through your school. And don’t overlook library portals—many offer access to journals, ebooks, and citation tools.

Evaluate Sources Like a Cynic

The internet is full of opinions masquerading as expertise. Learning to differentiate between credible information and digital trash is non-negotiable before you actually cite the sources in your work..

Ask the hard questions: Who wrote this? Are they an authority on the subject, or are they just echoing someone else’s claims? Does the site have an editorial process or peer review system? Is it affiliated with an institution, or is it monetized by ads and affiliate links?

Pay attention to the tone and language. Serious sources are typically measured, transparent, and cite evidence. If something feels overly emotional, politically slanted, or sensational, it’s probably more opinion than fact. Fact-check claims, follow citations, and when in doubt, dig deeper into the author’s background. Don’t hesitate to use AI for accumulating different sources for comparison.

You should be especially careful when downloading something, whether it’s a study or a book. While sites that offer free material sound enticing, they often have issues with cloud security and hackers often infiltrate them, only to silently use them as honeypots for unsuspecting students.

Cyber threats don’t just stop at “credible”—think in terms of relevance and depth. A government site might be factual but outdated. A personal blog might offer fresh insights but lack empirical backing. Context matters.

Cross-Reference Relentlessly

One perspective is just a snapshot. Three or more give you a panorama. Cross-referencing isn’t just about accuracy—it’s about depth. It’s the difference between knowing what happened and understanding why it matters.

Say you’re writing about AI in education. A tech blog might praise innovation. An academic article might warn about bias. A teacher’s forum might highlight classroom realities. None are wrong, but each adds a layer.

When different sources align independently, your confidence in the information should increase. When they conflict, that’s even better—it shows you where the debate is, which is exactly where you want to focus if you’re doing meaningful research. Always verify facts, especially when you’re working with recent data or controversial topics.

Don’t Just Collect—Synthesize

Research is not a scavenger hunt. Too many students treat it like a point-and-click game: grab a source, yank a quote, move on. But understanding emerges when you engage with the material.

As you go through sources, take active notes. Don’t just copy—translate arguments into your own words. Ask questions: What’s the author’s purpose? How does this compare to what you already found? Where does it fit into your larger understanding? It’s not only great for learning, but lets you avoid plagiarism checkers, no matter their stringency.

Create summaries, mind maps, or even flashcards. Highlight contradictions. Draw conclusions. Research is about forming a coherent, defensible viewpoint, not assembling a list of URLs. You can then create a mock text and then expand it into an essay to create a more coherent, more distilled version of what you need to know.

Tools can help, but thinking is the core mechanic. Apps like Notion or Obsidian let you link concepts and tag ideas for retrieval. Zotero and Mendeley manage citations. AI tools can summarize or extract key points, but your critical thinking still matters most.

Understand Digital Literacy Beyond Surface-Level

Digital literacy isn’t optional. It’s the skill set that separates a passive scroller from a strategic researcher. The internet isn’t neutral—it’s curated, filtered, monetized, and designed to keep you inside feedback loops. Recognizing this is the first step toward navigating it.

Algorithms aren’t just suggesting content; they’re shaping your worldview. If you click on one biased article, the next five may reinforce that same angle. This builds cognitive bias over time, making it harder to accept opposing information. Social media platforms like TikTok use this same principle, only in a more aggressive manner.

Train yourself to explore outside your bubble. Read different formats—reports, interviews, studies, op-eds. Compare international vs local media coverage of the same event. Follow the money—who benefits if you believe this piece?

Also, learn how content is structured to manipulate you. Misleading headlines, out-of-context quotes, emotionally charged visuals—these are designed to trigger fast, uncritical reactions. Resist that. Pause. Ask: what’s the full story?

Use Tech to Your Advantage

You’re surrounded by distractions, but you also have access to powerful tools that can make your research cleaner, faster, and deeper.

Citation managers like Zotero and EndNote help you organize sources without having to dig for links later. Notion, Obsidian, or Roam Research let you build personal knowledge bases where you can connect research like a digital second brain. Browser extensions like Mercury Reader strip articles down to the core content. Readwise can help you remember what you read.

Don’t stop at tools for organization—use tech to sharpen your thinking. Summarization tools like Scholarcy or TLDR can help with comprehension, especially when skimming dense academic texts. Just don’t rely on them blindly—always verify the interpretation. Chrome extensions like Glasp let you highlight and annotate websites like a Kindle.

Even your browser choice matters. A clean setup, with minimal tabs and strong bookmark hygiene, reduces cognitive overload. Group your research tabs. Use extensions to freeze tab sessions. Work smart, not scattered.

Conclusion

There’s no hack that replaces experience. Every hour spent deep in the trenches of research—following threads, comparing sources, restructuring your thinking—is an hour invested in your intellectual toolbox.

Over time, you’ll develop instincts. You’ll spot bias faster. You’ll know where to look for the best information. You’ll waste less time. You’ll learn how to argue better, write clearer, and solve problems faster.

Treat your research time like training. Push yourself to read harder texts, chase less obvious leads, and go one step deeper than your classmates. That’s how you stop surviving research assignments and start owning them. Because in a world drowning in information, the ability to cut through noise and get to the truth is more valuable than ever.

About the Author:
Ryan Harris is a copywriter focused on eLearning and the digital transitions going on in the education realm. Before turning to writing full time, Ryan worked for five years as a teacher in Tulsa and then spent six years overseeing product development at many successful Edtech companies, including 2U, EPAM, and NovoEd.

Digital platforms give intellectually curious youth unprecedented access to knowledge. But without ethical guardrails, this freedom risks privacy breaches or harmful behavior. Teaching cybersecurity and online ethics early ensures their independence doesn’t become a vulnerability. Their curiosity deserves protection.

Adults can shape how young learners think about online choices, digital respect, and personal data. Clear conversations and consistent modeling set lasting standards. When young users understand the impact of their actions, they make smarter, safer decisions.

The Nature of Digital Curiosity in Independent Young Thinkers

Intellectually curious individuals often become confident online explorers. They seek out answers, challenge ideas, and dive into content that stretches beyond their age group. This independent behavior is a strength, but it also brings unique digital risks—such as exposure to unfiltered information or unsafe platforms.

Why Independent Exploration Needs Digital Ground Rules

When learners explore online without guidance, they often encounter more than they’re ready to interpret. From persuasive misinformation to websites collecting data without consent, the internet presents complex challenges. Clear rules don’t limit curiosity—they enhance it. It encourages youth to question sources, recognize bias, and make informed decisions instead of accepting everything they read or watch.

Encouraging Autonomy While Setting Ethical Boundaries

Curiosity thrives when paired with responsibility. Instead of restricting access entirely, adults can create structure through tools like supervised browsing, open dialogue, and age-appropriate digital literacy resources. That’s why some families choose a school for gifted children that integrates digital citizenship into its everyday learning, not as an add-on, but as a core skill for academic and personal growth. These environments teach young thinkers how to balance independence with accountability.

Pillars of Digital Ethics for Intellectually Curious Youth

Digital ethics form the critical foundation for young, inquisitive minds operating in today’s complex online world. For intellectually gifted students whose natural curiosity drives them to explore beyond conventional boundaries, understanding these ethical principles becomes even more vital. Their quick grasp of ideas often propels them into advanced digital spaces—places where ethical missteps can have serious consequences.

Respect for Intellectual Property

Gifted learners frequently engage with advanced content, making proper attribution essential. Understanding and respecting intellectual property ensures students value originality and avoid unintentional plagiarism. It also builds appreciation for the effort behind the resources they admire.

• Proper Attribution Standards: Teaching formal citation methods for academic and creative work
• Legal Use Guidelines: Explaining copyright laws, fair use exceptions, and open-source protocols
• Original Work Protection: Encouraging pride in their creations while respecting others’ rights

Critical Evaluation of Information

These students need tools to navigate today’s information landscape. Critical evaluation encourages discernment. It helps students question surface-level narratives and fosters an evidence-based mindset.

• Manipulation Detection: Recognizing deepfakes, logical fallacies, and emotional manipulation
• Source Verification: Developing habits to cross-check facts with authoritative references
• Algorithm Awareness: Understanding how platforms curate and limit information exposure

Privacy Fundamentals

Advanced learners must understand the permanent nature of digital data and how easily it can be accessed, shared, or misused. Respecting privacy—both personal and others’—builds responsibility and lowers risks. It also helps them make thoughtful decisions about what to share, when to share it, and with whom.

• Minimal Disclosure Practice: Why less personal information means greater safety
• Security Tool Skills: Using encryption, VPNs, and privacy settings correctly.
• Ethical Data Handling: Responsible approaches to collecting or analyzing others’ information

Constructive Digital Leadership

These students often become community leaders. With guidance, their influence can elevate digital spaces rather than contribute to noise or conflict. When they model respectful behavior, challenge misinformation constructively, and promote inclusive dialogue, they set a standard that others follow.

• Empathetic Engagement: Balancing passionate debate with respectful dialogue
• Toxicity Response: Effective strategies for handling online hostility
• Truth Advocacy: Using their skills to promote factual information online

Teaching Security Awareness

Photo by Julia Cameron from Pexels

Digital curiosity can lead young learners into environments where their data and identity are at risk. While they often feel confident using technology, many overlook how vulnerable they are to subtle threats. Teaching digital safety equips them with the skills to think critically, act cautiously, and protect themselves as they explore deeper online spaces.

Strengthen Password Habits Early

Teaching strong password practices is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access. Encourage students to use long, unpredictable combinations with a mix of characters. Explain the importance of using unique passwords for different accounts and introduce them to password managers, which help store credentials securely without relying on memory or risky habits like writing them down.

Limit Personal Information Sharing

Students may not realize how easily personal information can be collected, stored, and misused. Teach them to avoid sharing full names, addresses, school names, or birthdays on public platforms or unfamiliar websites. Stress the importance of privacy settings and how even a seemingly innocent post or comment can reveal more than intended when combined with other data.

Recognize Unsafe Links and Downloads

Many cybersecurity threats begin with a single careless click. Train learners to hover over links before clicking, check email sender addresses carefully, and never download attachments from unknown sources. Help them spot red flags like generic greetings, spelling errors, or messages that urge immediate action—common tactics in phishing attempts.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds a layer of security that many young users overlook. Walk them through how it works—requiring both a password and a secondary confirmation, like a text code or authentication app. Emphasize that even if a password is stolen, MFA often blocks unauthorized entry, giving users time to respond.

Log Out and Secure Shared Devices

Many students access accounts on computers shared at home or school. Remind them to always log out when finished, especially from email, cloud storage, and social media platforms. Explain that browser sessions can be exploited and that locking screens when stepping away—even briefly—protects their data from unintended access.

Wrapping Up

The internet needs intellectually curious minds now more than ever—but their potential can only flourish within frameworks that value both exploration and responsibility. By equipping gifted youth with robust digital ethics and security awareness, we’re not just protecting them; we’re cultivating future innovators who can navigate complexity with integrity.

Their curiosity will shape tomorrow’s digital landscape. Let’s ensure they do it wisely.

Feature Image by freepik

In the complex world of modern healthcare, few roles balance technical expertise with emotional intelligence as gracefully as that of the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP). Often at the frontline of pediatric care, these advanced practice nurses dedicate their careers to fostering the health and well-being of children from infancy through adolescence.

Their work requires a unique blend of clinical skill, patience, empathy, and resilience. Unlike many other healthcare professionals, PNPs must navigate the medical needs of the child while also managing the concerns and emotions of parents or guardians. This dual focus places them in a pivotal role in the lives of families.

First Steps to The Rewarding Life of a PNP

The decision to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is rarely accidental. Many in this profession describe a deep-rooted sense of purpose that drives them to pursue this career path. Whether inspired by early caregiving experiences or drawn to the intersection of medicine and child development, PNPs often cite a calling rather than a choice. The path to becoming a PNP is rigorous, requiring years of academic study, clinical training, and professional dedication. Still, for those who follow it, the rewards are deeply personal and professional. They build long-lasting relationships with families, often becoming trusted partners in a child’s growth and development. For more on the role, certification, and educational requirements, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) provides a comprehensive overview.

Those considering a role in pediatric nursing can gain a deeper understanding of the profession by exploring the full scope of what it entails. From the educational journey and clinical training to certification requirements and advanced practice responsibilities, the path to becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is both demanding and fulfilling. A closer look at the day-to-day realities of the role reveals a blend of technical skill, patient care, and long-term commitment to children’s health. This approach also brings into focus the personal and professional challenges PNPs face, along with the many rewarding moments that make the work so meaningful.

A Day in the Life: Clinical Responsibilities and Beyond

The daily routine of a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is dynamic and varied, reflecting the complexity of the pediatric population they serve. Clinical responsibilities can include conducting physical exams, diagnosing illnesses, developing treatment plans, and prescribing medications. PNPs often manage both acute and chronic conditions, from seasonal infections to long-term illnesses like asthma or diabetes. They work independently or alongside physicians in settings that range from hospitals and specialty clinics to community health centers. Their scope of practice varies by state, but in many regions, they serve as primary care providers. Additional details about scope of practice by region can be found through the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP).

Beyond clinical duties, PNPs take on a wide range of supportive roles that reflect their holistic approach to care. They counsel families on issues such as nutrition, sleep hygiene, and developmental milestones. Education plays a significant part in their practice, as they guide parents through medical decisions and offer clarity on treatment options. In cases of behavioral or developmental concerns, PNPs may coordinate with psychologists, occupational therapists, and school systems to ensure children receive comprehensive care. They serve as advocates, not only for their young patients but for family units navigating the complexities of healthcare systems.

Administrative and leadership roles also feature prominently in the lives of experienced PNPs. Many contribute to clinical protocols, engage in quality improvement projects, or serve on interdisciplinary care teams. Others participate in mentoring nursing students or leading research initiatives aimed at improving pediatric outcomes. Their insight is often sought in policy development, particularly in areas affecting child welfare and public health. In each of these roles, PNPs demonstrate that their expertise extends well beyond the exam room. They influence how pediatric care is delivered at both the micro and macro levels.

Emotional Intelligence and the Art of Communication

Working with children requires more than medical knowledge. It demands a refined sense of emotional intelligence and the ability to communicate effectively with patients who may not yet have the language to describe their symptoms or fears. PNPs are trained to observe subtle behavioral cues, read body language, and use age-appropriate communication techniques. Whether calming a toddler during a vaccination or explaining a diagnosis to a teenager, their ability to connect on an emotional level is central to building trust and reducing anxiety. This level of interpersonal engagement sets PNPs apart in the healthcare field.

Family communication is another cornerstone of the PNP role. In many situations, PNPs become the bridge between the medical system and families, helping parents understand diagnoses, treatment plans, and follow-up care. They must navigate delicate conversations around serious illnesses, developmental delays, or mental health concerns with sensitivity and clarity. When families are frightened or overwhelmed, PNPs provide reassurance while delivering realistic expectations. Their tone, choice of words, and body language all contribute to the therapeutic relationship they cultivate with parents and guardians.

In cases of chronic illness or complex care needs, communication becomes even more crucial. PNPs often coordinate multidisciplinary care plans, acting as the central communicator among specialists, educators, and caregivers. They must ensure that all parties are aligned in their understanding of the child’s needs and treatment goals. This requires not only medical acumen but also negotiation skills, cultural competence, and a deep commitment to advocacy. The PNP’s ability to manage these human elements with professionalism and compassion enhances outcomes and strengthens the fabric of pediatric care.

The Emotional Landscape: Challenges and Resilience

Despite the many rewards of the profession, Pediatric Nurse Practitioners face significant emotional challenges. Caring for ill or injured children, especially in high-stakes or life-threatening situations, can be emotionally taxing. Witnessing a child’s suffering or delivering difficult news to families requires an extraordinary level of emotional fortitude. These moments test a provider’s resilience and remind them of the fragile nature of health. Burnout is a real concern in this field, particularly for those who lack institutional support or opportunities for emotional debriefing.

Support systems within the healthcare environment play a vital role in mitigating these stresses. Many PNPs turn to peer support groups, reflective practice, or mental health counseling to process their experiences. Institutions that foster a culture of empathy, open dialogue, and mutual respect often see higher retention and morale among their pediatric staff. Resilience training, mindfulness practices, and leadership mentorship are also increasingly being recognized as essential tools for sustaining emotional health in demanding clinical roles. These supports are not luxuries but necessities in a field so deeply rooted in human emotion.

Yet it is precisely the emotional nature of their work that gives it depth and meaning. Many PNPs describe moments of profound connection with families as the most memorable and fulfilling aspects of their health careers. Helping a child recover, witnessing developmental breakthroughs, or simply being a reassuring presence during a family’s time of need makes the emotional labor worthwhile. These experiences create a sense of purpose that sustains professionals through the more difficult moments. In this way, the challenges and rewards of pediatric nursing are inseparably linked.

The Long-Term Impact on Children and Communities

The work of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners often extends well beyond the clinical setting, touching the broader social determinants of health that shape a child’s future. By offering preventive care, early intervention, and health education, PNPs help lay the foundation for lifelong well-being. Immunizations, screenings, and routine wellness checks are more than administrative tasks; they are proactive measures that detect problems before they escalate. In underserved communities, this role becomes even more critical, as PNPs often serve as the primary or only point of care. Labor statistics and projected demand trends for PNPs in these areas are available through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Community outreach is another dimension of their work that has long-term implications. Many PNPs partner with schools, local health departments, and non-profit organizations to provide health education and services outside traditional clinical environments. These initiatives might include vision and hearing screenings, sexual health education, or nutritional programs aimed at combating childhood obesity. By addressing public health issues at the community level, PNPs contribute to improved population health outcomes and reduced disparities in care.

Their influence also reaches into policy advocacy and public health strategy. As front-line witnesses to the effects of socioeconomic status, food insecurity, and access to education, PNPs are uniquely positioned to inform policies that affect children’s health. Some go on to pursue doctoral education or policy fellowships, translating their clinical experiences into systemic change. Their credibility as both clinicians and child advocates makes their voices especially powerful in shaping a more equitable healthcare system. In this broader sense, their work creates a ripple effect that benefits not just individual patients, but entire communities.

The Future of Pediatric Nurse Practice

As healthcare evolves, the role of the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner continues to expand in scope and influence. With increasing recognition of their clinical capabilities, PNPs are being integrated into more leadership and decision-making positions. States that grant full practice authority to nurse practitioners allow them to serve as autonomous providers, a trend that continues to grow nationwide. Telehealth and digital tools are also reshaping how PNPs deliver care, offering opportunities to reach patients in remote or underserved areas with greater efficiency.

Education and training programs are adapting accordingly. Curriculums are being updated to include modules on health informatics, behavioral health, and cultural competency, reflecting the multifaceted nature of modern pediatric care. Many institutions are encouraging interprofessional education, allowing PNPs to train alongside future physicians, pharmacists, and social workers. This collaboration enhances teamwork and prepares them for the integrated care models that are becoming the norm. The push toward value-based care further highlights the importance of preventive, patient-centered approaches, an area where PNPs excel.

Still, challenges remain, particularly around reimbursement, scope-of-practice laws, and workforce shortages. Advocates within the profession continue to push for legislative changes that would allow PNPs to practice to the full extent of their training. As the demand for pediatric services rises and the physician shortage deepens, the role of PNPs will only become more vital. Their holistic, patient-centered approach offers a blueprint for the future of healthcare, one that values not just treatment, but healing, connection, and community.

What if we tell you that you can increase your organization’s productivity and exceed your revenue targets by approximately 20%? It turns out, these aims are achievable through emotional intelligence (EI). Actually, emotionally intelligent leadership can make all the difference as it has a direct impact on team performance.

And it starts early, building emotional intelligence in kids lays the foundation for the kind of leaders who thrive under pressure and connect with others.  For young leaders, developing EI is not just beneficial, it can account for up to 70% of a person’s overall success in life.

Moreover, according to statistics 71% of employers value EI more than technical skills when evaluating candidates. How is that?

The Five Pillars of Emotional Intelligence for Young Leaders

EI is the quality that enables us to confront with patience and insight according to psychologist Daniel Goleman. Goleman’s bestselling book challenged the traditional idea that being smart is not just about academic ability, there is a whole other set of skills like understanding emotions. He outlines 5 key components, let’s describe them shorty below:​

1. Self-Awareness: you need to recognize and understand your own emotions and how they affect your interactions

2. Self-Regulation: you need to learn how to manage and express your emotions

3. Motivation: so it is about being motivated by internal goals, rather than external recognition

4. Empathy: by relating to the emotions of others, you acquire social power

5. Social Skills: if you interact effectively with others, it should include active listening, verbal and non-verbal communication

How Emotional Intelligence Drives Leadership Success

For effective leadership, especially when we talk about young leaders, you need more than just navigating a complex world. For example, you can see your personal journey as from earlier career setbacks to becoming a successful business owner. You may think that you would need traditional traits like ambition and technical skills, but this is not enough.

What truly sets strong leaders apart is their ability to understand and connect with others emotionally. Honestly, young leaders with high EI can cope with various tasks, for example:​

• Team Management: if you recognize your team members’ emotions, you can build a collaborative and productive environment

• Conflict Resolution: EI enables you to navigate disputes effectively, promoting harmony within the team

• Public Speaking & Persuasion: if you recognize the audience’s emotional responses, you can provide more impactful communication

• Handling Criticism: Yes, self-regulation helps leaders remain receptive to feedback, turning criticism into growth and self-improvement​

Practical Steps to Build EI for Leadership Growth

As you know, proper content and books can be powerful tools for building self-awareness and emotional insight. For example, Books on Emotional Intelligence like “Beyond Order” or ”The Whole-Brain Child” by Daniel J.Siegel offer practical guidance for developing EI in both personal growth and leadership. Additionally, for enhancing your emotional intelligence, you can start:

• Journaling for Self-Reflection: first of all, you need to document your thoughts, idealism basically everything about your feelings to identify emotional triggers and see the pattern

• Active Listening & Empathy Exercises: by engaging in activities that require you to listen attentively, you can understand others’ perspectives and see another side of arguments

• Daily Mindfulness Practices: you can incorporate mindfulness techniques to stay present while managing stress effectively.

• Seeking Feedback & Mentorship: this is about getting feedback and guidance from mentors or coaches on the regular basis so you can get insights into your emotional strengths as well as areas for improvement​

• Handling Digital Communication: by being mindful with your tone and clarity in emails and daily communication at your virtual meetings, you can prevent misunderstandings

Case Studies: Young Leaders Who Succeeded with EQ

Emotions are a critical part of how we relate to the world around us. For example, Satya Nadella has achieved remarkable success as the CEO of Microsoft. Let’s describe how she did it:

Nadella’s (EQ) Strategy

He has transformed the company and its culture since his appointment in 2014. Under his leadership, Microsoft has seen significant growth and innovation thanks to Nadella’s emotional intelligence (EQ) strategy.

When he stepped into the role, he knew that success was not about relying solely on intellectual or technical skills. Instead, it was about something far more essential. Emotional intelligence in the IT niche, where technology often takes the spotlight, he emphasized that it is a cornerstone of success. It was his core leadership approach, helping to create an environment where people feel heard, valued and understood.

Silbermann: Value of Emotions

You know how challenging it can be to take an idea and turn it into something that stands out in a crowded space, especially when you’re up against the big players like Facebook. That’s exactly what Ben Silbermann, co-founder of Pinterest, did back in 2010. As a young CEO, he knew that success wasn’t just about having the right tech.

It was about connecting with people generally with his team and users alike. He used Emotional Intelligence (EQ). He made sure that everyone at Pinterest felt valued and motivated, building an authentic company culture rooted in listening and emotional awareness.

By staying in tune with both feedback and emotions, Pinterest grew from a niche platform to a global powerhouse. Under his leadership, Pinterest became a safe and inspiring space. But if you google, you will quickly find out that he did not stop there. Silbermann also led the creation of The How We Feel journal. This tool helps people understand and manage their emotions better.

Why EI Is a Career Game-Changer

As you can see, leaders and employers recognize the value of emotional intelligence, with a high percentage of people prioritizing it over technical skills during hiring. People evaluate soft skills in job interviews, and it is the basis. As professionals, soft skills like EI are becoming increasingly critical for all members, especially for project managers and team leaders. Soft skills like empathy and adaptability are becoming essential. By 2025, EI is a top skill needed in the workforce according to the World Economic Forum.

However, emotional intelligence is not just something that can be learned overnight, it is a life skill that must be developed from a young age. For example, when we want to Raise an Emotionally Intelligent Child, we give them all the tools they need to thrive, not just academically, but emotionally and socially as well. So high EI and proper educational sources with tools also enhance networking and mentorship opportunities. Now you just need to match with the team.

Final Thoughts

You can start your EI journey now by practicing mindfulness, welcoming honest feedback and immersing yourself in transformative literature and books on emotional intelligence. It’s not enough to simply improve your technical skills. Our society depends on how we master our emotional understanding.

By actively developing an understanding of your emotions, you will see the complexities of human interaction, building stronger leadership. It’s time to prioritize emotional intelligence, not as a brief lesson but as a lifelong cultural process!