Why EQ Is the Skill AI Can’t Replace

By Judy Porter, Director at Shiift

Everywhere we look, Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how we work. From automating reports to streamlining admin, AI is becoming the super smart team-member we never had. But there’s one thing it cannot do - understand people.

That’s where emotional intelligence (EQ) comes in. EQ is our ability to read the room, manage emotions—ours and others’—and build strong connections.

Research shows EQ predicts more than 75% of job success. Yet, while 95% of people believe they’re self-aware, the reality is only 15% actually are.

Why does this matter? Because the workplaces thriving in 2025 aren’t just the ones with the best tech. They’re the ones where people feel understood, respected, (both team members and customers), and able to bring their best selves to work. High-EQ leaders reduce conflict, boost engagement, build stronger customer relationships and create stronger, more resilient teams.

Think about it: Have you ever worked for someone who couldn’t control their temper? Or a manager who avoided tough conversations? The impact on morale and productivity is enormous. Compare this to a leader who listens, gives feedback respectfully, and builds trust—very different outcomes.

EQ isn’t soft; it’s strategic. It shapes decisions, drives collaboration, and builds great environments where teams and customers thrive. And while AI might help us crunch the numbers, it can’t teach us how to lead people. That’s our job.

This November, Shiift is running a full-day Building Emotional Intelligence Essentials program in Mackay to give leaders practical, real-world tools to sharpen their

EQ. It’s about more than learning—you’ll walk away with strategies you can apply immediately.

Because at the end of the day, technology may power our workplaces, but people skills power our success.