Ever been hit with a last-minute change from your boss at 6 PM on a Friday?
Or maybe you’ve faced a tough conversation with a demanding client just before clocking out?
These are the moments that test true leadership, not by what happens, but by how you respond. That’s where the 90/10 Principle comes in.
The 90/10 Principle: A Game-Changer for Leadership
The 90/10 Principle, made famous by author Stephen R. Covey, is simple but powerful:
Only 10% of life is what happens to us. The other 90% is how we choose to react.
Think about it: you can’t always control traffic jams, bad weather, sudden client demands, or technical glitches (yes, even when the LRT/MRT or Zoom crashes). But you can absolutely control how you respond.
Now, in leadership, this principle is tied very closely to Emotional Intelligence (EQ); your ability to understand and manage your own emotions, and recognize the emotions of others
And guess what? Leaders with high EQ don’t just react. They respond with intention, calm, and clarity. That’s exactly what separates great leaders from good managers in high-pressure corporate leadership situations.
What the Research Says (And Why It Matters in Leadership)
Still wondering if EQ really makes a difference?
- According to TalentSmart, 90% of top performers have high emotional intelligence.
- Meanwhile, a Harvard Business Review article found that EQ accounts for up to 90% of what moves people up the leadership ladder, especially when everyone else already has the same IQ and technical skills.
- Daniel Goleman, the father of EQ theory, links emotional intelligence to better decision-making, stronger workplace relationships, and fewer conflicts.
If you’re serious about growing as an impactful and smart leader, then EQ isn’t optional. It’s essential.
A Malaysian Leadership Example: Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah
The Situation (10%):
The widespread of COVID-19 pandemic. Unprecedented public pressure. Scrutiny from parliament. Misinformation online. Fatigue across the healthcare system
The Response (90%):
- Transparent & Composed Communication: Delivered daily, calm, data-driven updates to the nation.
- Solution-Focused Messaging: Reinforced the science behind SOPs instead of engaging in blame.
- Empathetic Leadership: Recognized the emotional toll on healthcare workers, while keeping public morale steady.
- Avoided Personal Attacks: Maintained integrity despite criticism, focusing on the bigger picture.
The Result:
Widespread respect from Malaysians across sectors. Dr. Noor Hisham didn’t just manage a crisis. He led through it with 90/10 leadership.
Remaining calm, focused, and composed especially when the pressure is intense.
What This Means for You as a Corporate Leader
In today’s fast-paced, high-stakes corporate world, leadership is no longer just about technical skills or smart decisions. It’s about emotional mastery.
Crisis, pressure, and chaos are part of the game when you’re in leadership. But the question is:
How do YOU show up in those moments?
- If you want to lead like Dr. Noor Hisham, here’s what to start doing now:
Stay calm even when deadlines tighten or plans fall apart (e.g. market crash or pressure from clients). - Communicate with empathy, even when delivering tough news.
- Focus on solutions, not blame, when facing challenges.
Remember: You might not be able to control what’s happening around the world, but you can absolutely control how you lead from within.
And that’s what makes great leadership for impactful solutions to corporate issues.
How EliteSkill Training Supports Corporate Leaders Like You
At EliteSkill Training, we’ve supported over 50 organizations, ranging from government, GLC, educational clients and NGOs with high-impact leadership development.
Our programs go beyond theory. Through critical thinking simulations, interactive team-based challenges, and self-awareness communication workshops, we train leaders to internalize the 90/10 mindset.
Our focus is clear:
To shape leaders who stay composed under pressure, communicate with intention, and make emotionally intelligent decisions that inspire trust
Ready to Lead With Emotional Intelligence?
Then it’s time to develop the emotional intelligence that fuels real leadership.
Get in touch with EliteSkill Training to discover how our high-impact leadership programs can empower your team with the 90/10 mindset.
📞 WhatsApp us today at 014-591 7867
📧 Or drop us an email at aidamohd@eliteskilltraining.com
🌐 Explore our leadership programs at www.eliteskilltraining.com
Let’s build stronger, smarter, emotionally intelligent leaders,. Starting with you!
