On 28th July 2026, the ASLEAD Institute hosted a vibrant and impactful Youth Open Day on Emotional Intelligence (EI). Facilitated by Serah Maina, the session brought together young people eager to understand themselves better, navigate relationships wisely, and grow into effective servant leaders.
The session began with a warm and reflective welcome, inviting participants to pause and ask themselves a simple yet powerful question: “How are you feeling right now?” This set the tone for understanding emotions, managing pressure, and strengthening relationships.
At the core of the session was the definition of Emotional Intelligence, described as the ability to understand and wisely manage one’s own emotions while also recognizing and responding effectively to the emotions of others. Participants learned that EI is not a fixed trait but a skill that can be developed over time, making it a valuable tool for personal and leadership growth.
Starting With Self-Awareness
A key focus was on self-awareness, one of the five essential components of Emotional Intelligence. Participants were guided to reflect on their emotions by asking critical questions such as “What am I feeling?” and “Why do I feel this way?” This exercise emphasized that emotions are a natural part of being human and, when understood, can serve as a powerful resource for decision-making and personal development.
The session also explored the other components of EI, including self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. These elements collectively equip individuals to handle life’s challenges with wisdom and composure. Participants were encouraged to shift from reacting impulsively to responding thoughtfully, especially under pressure.
Practical Tools: Pause–Breathe–Think–Choose and CALM
A practical part of the training was the introduction of simple yet effective techniques for managing emotions. These provided participants with actionable tools they can apply in real-life situations to maintain control and clarity:
Two Techniques Taught in the Session
- Pause – Breathe – Think – Choose — a four-step model to interrupt reaction and choose a thoughtful response.
- CALM — Catch your emotions, Air in, Look at the facts, Make a wise choice.
Emotional Intelligence and Leadership
Importantly, the Open Day connected Emotional Intelligence to leadership. Participants learned that effective leadership begins with self-leadership — one must first learn to lead their own emotions before leading others. This principle was reinforced with a powerful biblical reference:
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
— Proverbs 16:32
The session concluded with a reflective challenge, urging participants to commit to change by identifying one habit they could improve in the coming week. This call to action ensured that the lessons learned would extend beyond the session and translate into daily practice.
