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One wrong word can cost you. Here’s how to lead smarter.
- Nicole F. Smith, M.Ed. (CEO/Founder)
- Sep 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 17
A well-known figure lost their life—and in the same week, headlines are full of people being fired simply for what they said or posted.
It’s a reminder of how fast words can ripple, how quickly reactions can cost careers, and why the power of the pause is more critical than ever. This is a lesson in 20 Golden Leadership Solutions | Refined By EQ Impact®!
Let's Pause for a Minute!
This is one of my most powerful tools—and the one leaders resist the most.
Because let’s be honest:
We’re trained to respond fast. To defend To correct, To fix, or To react.
But here’s the problem: Speed without emotional clarity breeds regret.
You don’t just need time to think. You need time to feel what’s actually driving your reaction.
The Pause in Practice
Before you open your mouth, hit “send,” or walk into that meeting... ask:
“What emotion is driving this?”
“Is this about them—or about me?”
“Do I want to build trust—or just get relief?”
Because those are two different outcomes.
Relief feels good in the moment—venting, snapping, shutting down.
Trust feels better in the long run—it builds safety, stability, and respect.
This isn’t woo-woo. It’s neuroscience.
That pause interrupts your automatic nervous system.
That pause gives your thinking brain or executive function a chance to step in before your emotional brain takes over.
That pause is the difference between reacting and leading.
Call to Action for you!
Practice the pause 3 times this week:
In a meeting where someone challenges your idea – because defense mode is activated
In a conversation where someone frustrates you – but they are simply asking for clarity
In a moment where you feel the urge to withdraw – lean in to understand perspective and spark curiosity.
Then ask yourself:“Did I respond in a way that built trust—or just protected my ego?”
That’s where emotional intelligence becomes emotional impact, emotional intelligence impact, that EQ Impact®. That’s your EQ in motion.
In a workplace climate where every comment can be scrutinized, leaders don’t just need strategy, they need emotional intelligence. They need to know when to pause, how to process, and how to speak with clarity instead of chaos.
That’s exactly what 20 Golden Leadership Nuggets | Refined by EQ Impact® delivers. This isn’t another “feel-good” leadership book. It’s a real-world guide to helping you lead with courage, compassion, and control—even in tense and uncertain times.
Readers are already saying:
💬 “This book spoke directly to what I’ve been struggling with as a leader.”
💬 “Finally—a leadership book that feels real, not fluffy.”
Every page is designed to help you pause, think, and act with intention. Because when you can master that pause, you safeguard not only your career but also the trust and respect of those you lead.
👉 Don’t wait. Grab your copy today—and step into the kind of leadership this moment demands.
This is the book I wish I had when I first stepped into leadership. The one that would have saved me from sleepless nights, tough lessons, and costly mistakes. The one that goes beyond theory and gets straight to the heart of what works.
💥 This isn’t leadership as usual. It’s leadership refined by emotional intelligence. Bold. Practical. Unapologetic. 💥
If you’ve ever thought:
I know I’m meant for more.
I’m tired of surface-level leadership advice that doesn’t stick.
I want to be the kind of leader who changes lives, not just meetings.
Then this book was written for YOU...(and your peers, colleagues, and team members!)
👉 Order your autographed copy today! Get 50% off!
Oh! I will accommodate bulk orders! So get copies for your team and maybe we can gather for a quick Q&A or webinar! And, yes, I am available for book club discussions.
With emotional brilliance,
Nicole F. Smith, M.Ed.
Emotional Intelligence Expert and Strategist
Creator of the EQ Impact® Framework
Want to set up some time? Let's talk: Click here!
Leaders choose to work with me and my team because we don’t just talk strategy—we build emotionally intelligent leaders who lead with clarity, presence, and purpose.
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You booked a call, joined an event, or signed up because something in you said, it’s time to lead differently. You’re ready to create a life and business rooted in who you are—not in outdated rules or titles that never fit. And we’re here to help you do exactly that—with emotional intelligence at the center.
