In a recent LinkedIn post, Daniel Goleman discusses the growing reliance on Artificial Intelligence in navigating complex human interactions and raises a critical question about its potential impact on our emotional intelligence (EI). Goleman, a renowned expert in the field, co-authored a new column with Elizabeth Solomon for Korn Ferry, titled “Is AI Eroding Your Emotional Intelligence?” The post highlights how individuals are increasingly turning to AI for assistance in crucial areas like preparing for difficult conversations, interpreting others’ actions, making decisions, and even understanding their own emotional responses.
The Double-Edged Sword of AI in Relational Dynamics
Goleman points out that while AI can offer valuable support, its increasing presence in the relational aspects of our professional and personal lives warrants careful consideration. The core of his inquiry revolves around whether we are leveraging AI as a tool to enhance our emotional intelligence or, conversely, as a means to bypass the effort required to develop and exercise it.
“More and more, we are turning to AI to help us prepare for difficult conversations, interpret other people’s behavior, work through decisions, and even understand our own emotional reactions.”
This reliance, as Goleman suggests, creates a potential paradox. While AI can provide data-driven insights and suggested responses, it may inadvertently diminish opportunities for individuals to practice and hone their own empathetic understanding, self-awareness, and social skills – the cornerstones of emotional intelligence.
Exercising EI vs. Outsourcing It
According to Daniel Goleman, the fundamental question is about agency and development. Are we using AI as a supplement to build our EI muscles, or as a crutch that prevents them from being strengthened?
“But there is a question worth asking as AI becomes more present in the relational parts of our lives and work: Are we using AI to exercise our emotional intelligence, or to avoid exercising it?”
Goleman elaborates that the process of developing emotional intelligence often involves grappling with ambiguity, understanding nuanced social cues, and managing one’s own reactions in real-time. These are skills that require practice and active engagement. If AI consistently provides pre-digested interpretations or suggested actions, individuals may miss out on the crucial learning experiences that foster genuine EI growth.
The Risk of Stunted EI Development
In Daniel Goleman’s view, the danger lies in a potential atrophy of these vital human skills. As AI becomes more sophisticated in mimicking empathetic responses or offering conflict resolution strategies, there’s a risk that users might become passive recipients rather than active participants in their own emotional and social development. This could lead to a workforce and society that is less adept at handling the inherent complexities of human relationships, even as technology advances.
“That support can be useful. But there is a question worth asking…”
Goleman’s analysis, shared via his LinkedIn post, serves as a timely call to action for leaders and professionals. It encourages a mindful approach to integrating AI into workplace dynamics, urging a focus on how these tools can genuinely augment human capabilities rather than replace the essential human elements of emotional intelligence.
The implications of this discussion extend to leadership development, team dynamics, and overall organizational health. As Goleman and Solomon’s column suggests, a conscious effort is needed to ensure that technological advancements serve to enhance, not erode, the crucial human capacities that underpin effective collaboration and leadership.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Daniel Goleman on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on September 2, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →