Essential Competencies and Emotional Intelligence
November 13, 2025 – The fourth day of the Erasmus+ mobility „From Training to Leadership” marked a return to intensive training sessions, with a focus on developing essential leadership competencies and the role of emotional intelligence in leading youth groups.
The morning session was dedicated to building fundamental leadership abilities and communication as a leader. The trainers guided participants through exploring how a leader communicates effectively – from active listening and constructive feedback to adapting communication style according to context and group needs. Participants analyzed the different levels of communication in leadership and its impact on team dynamics.
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
After the break, the session addressed one of the most important aspects of contemporary leadership: emotional intelligence. This competency – the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions, as well as to perceive and influence the emotions of others – is considered essential in youth work.
Participants explored the five components of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, internal motivation, empathy, and social skills. The trainers facilitated discussions about how these dimensions manifest in the daily practice of a youth worker and how they can be consciously developed.
Practical Exercises
The afternoon session offered participants the opportunity to put into practice the concepts addressed in the first half of the day. Through simulations, role-play exercises, and concrete scenarios from youth work, the 26 youth workers from Romania, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Turkey, and Spain experienced different situations that require advanced communication and emotional intelligence competencies.
These practical exercises allowed participants to test their abilities in a safe environment, receive feedback from colleagues and trainers, and identify areas where they can continue to develop.
Reflection and Consolidation
The last working session of the day was dedicated to the harvesting and reflection process. Participants had the opportunity to process the day’s intensive experiences, identify key learnings, and make connections between emotional intelligence, effective communication, and their professional practice in youth work.
Felix, the project coordinator, remarked that day 4 represented a crucial moment in the training program, bringing to the forefront the „soft” competencies that make the difference between an activities coordinator and an authentic leader who inspires and facilitates youth growth.
The fourth day of the „From Training to Leadership” mobility consolidated participants’ understanding of the complexity of leadership competencies, demonstrating that technical ability must be complemented by emotional intelligence and authentic communication. The program continues tomorrow with an open public session at the National Youth Foundation, where participants will facilitate activities alongside volunteers from the local community.
The „From Training to Leadership” project is funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ program and takes place between November 10-16, 2025, in Bucharest.
