🤔 Dear Lewis, what did 377 leaders reveal about executive EQ?

After analyzing 377 responses, the biggest emotional intelligence surprises came from one group: VPs. Their leadership style is distinct—and the data shows exactly how.

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The Leadership Assessment Results Are In

Here we are again, my friends, back for another installment of Dear Lewis.

About a year ago, I launched a leadership assessment. You might remember it – the "Discover the Leader Within" survey that promised to reveal your emotional intelligence patterns. Well, the results are in, and they're fascinating.

377 leaders took the assessment. I've crunched the numbers, analyzed the patterns, and I'm ready to share what I found. After looking over all the data, the most interesting insights came from comparing VP responses to non-VP responses (managers and directors).

Speaking of assessments – I'm already planning the next one. If you want to participate when it's ready:

Today's story isn't about a single coaching client. It's about understanding the leadership operating system that emerges at the VP level – and what that means for everyone else trying to work with, understand, or become one of them.

The VP Paradox

Here's what jumped out when I compared the VP respondents to the non-VP respondents (managers and directors):

Decision-Making Patterns:

• None of the VP respondents reported delaying decisions or relying purely on intuition

• They're 16% more likely to consider multiple perspectives

• But 15% less likely to seek input from others

Under Pressure:

• VP respondents are 50% less likely to push aggressively when stressed

• Nearly twice as likely to distribute tasks to optimize workload

• But 80% more likely to struggle with managing their own stress levels

Managing Struggling Team Members:

• None of the VP respondents reported taking direct ownership of tasks (while a significant number of non-VPs do)

• They're 5X more likely to avoid direct involvement

• Yet 43% more likely to provide specific feedback on performance issues

Handling Disagreement:

• VP respondents are 15% less likely to listen actively to understand viewpoints

• 2X more likely to engage in persuasive conversation

• 50% more likely to emphasize the need for alignment

Reading People:

• VP respondents are 3X more likely to consider situational context

• But 66% less likely to pay attention to nonverbal cues

• 75% less likely to share personal experiences

You can dive into the raw data here if you want to see the full breakdown.

What This Really Means

Looking at these numbers, I keep coming back to one question: Do we become different people when we reach VP level, or do different people become VPs?

The answer is probably both. But here's what surprises me most – and what it means for understanding the VP mindset.

For Non-VPs: Understanding Your VP's Operating System