Unlocking Emotional Intelligence: How the S2i Builds the Inner Foundation Leaders Need

We’ve all been there.

That moment in a meeting when tension spikes—you feel your heart race, your jaw tighten, and before you know it, you’ve said something you regret. Or maybe you’ve experienced the opposite: a team member needed empathy, but you were too drained, distracted, or unsure of how to respond.

These are emotional intelligence moments—the everyday tests of leadership. And while most leaders know EI is critical for success, fewer know how to actually develop it in a meaningful, lasting way.

This is where the Stability of Self Inventory (S2i) comes in. More than a personality snapshot, the S2i measures the inner stability of identity—the foundation that makes emotional intelligence possible.

Why Emotional Intelligence Starts with Identity

Emotional intelligence isn’t just about managing emotions—it’s about understanding who you are and showing up with clarity, consistency, and empathy. Research shows that leaders with a stable sense of self are better at:

·         Recognizing and regulating their emotions under stress.

·         Reading and responding effectively to others.

·         Building trust and influencing teams authentically.

The S2i measures seven dimensions—Core Values, Meaning & Purpose, Awareness, Connection, Openness to Learn, Agency, and Grit—that collectively strengthen this foundation. When those dimensions are strong, emotional intelligence doesn’t feel forced—it becomes natural.

The Research: S2i’s Proven Link to Emotional Intelligence

Here’s where it gets exciting: S2i scores don’t just theoretically connect to emotional intelligence—they statistically predict it. In a recent study with supervisors, higher S2i scores showed significant positive regression relationships with all five core areas of emotional intelligence:

1.      Self-Awareness – Leaders with high S2i scores are more attuned to their emotions, thanks to dimensions like Awareness and Core Values. They recognize what triggers them—and why—which allows for intentional responses instead of knee-jerk reactions.

2.      Self-Regulation – Strong S2i scores in Grit and Agency correlate with greater emotional control. Leaders can stay composed under pressure, adapt to change, and recover quickly from setbacks.

3.      Motivation – The Meaning & Purpose dimension of the S2i links directly to intrinsic drive. Leaders anchored in purpose are more resilient, persistent, and inspiring to those around them.

4.      Empathy – S2i dimensions like Connection and Openness to Learn predict higher empathy scores. These leaders listen actively, value diverse perspectives, and create psychologically safe environments.

5.      Social Skills – Finally, the S2i’s combination of stable identity and emotional grounding translates to stronger relationship management. Leaders with high S2i scores tend to build trust faster, handle conflict constructively, and positively influence their teams.

This isn’t just theory—it’s data-driven proof that strengthening identity stability directly enhances a leader’s ability to connect, communicate, and lead effectively.

From Insight to Impact: Using the S2i in Coaching & Leadership Development

For executive coaches and leadership trainers, the S2i is more than an assessment—it’s a development tool. Its coaching moments feature provides actionable prompts to strengthen each EI area. For example:

·         Self-Awareness: “When you feel triggered, pause and ask: What value of mine feels threatened right now?”

·         Self-Regulation: “List three practices you can use to reset under stress. Which one will you commit to daily?”

·         Empathy: “This week, seek feedback from someone whose perspective differs from yours. What surprised you?”

These reflective exercises turn abstract concepts into practical habits, helping clients make measurable progress over time. Because the S2i can be re-administered, coaches can also track improvements in EI quantitatively, reinforcing motivation and validating the coaching process.

For organizations, integrating the S2i into leadership training programs ensures that emotional intelligence development isn’t superficial. Instead of teaching communication tactics in isolation, you’re cultivating the identity-based stability that makes those skills stick.

Why It Matters Now

In today’s volatile business landscape, emotional intelligence isn’t optional—it’s a competitive advantage. Teams led by emotionally intelligent leaders are more engaged, innovative, and resilient. But developing EI requires more than good intentions—it requires a strong, stable self as the foundation.

The S2i provides that foundation. It gives leaders a clear picture of where they stand, where they need to grow, and how to get there—backed by research and tailored to their unique profile.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to strengthen your emotional intelligence—or help the leaders you coach do the same—the S2i is the place to start.

Visit www.lacunaleadership.com to learn more about the Stability of Self Inventory, explore coaching applications, and discover how identity-driven development can elevate leadership performance.

Because emotional intelligence isn’t just about knowing what to do—it’s about having the inner stability to do it when it counts.