Let’s just call it what it is: Some bosses have the emotional intelligence of a soggy sandwich. Or worse — a pea brain rattling around in a giant, clueless head.

If you know, you know. You ask a simple question and get a condescending grunt. You bring a brilliant idea to the table and they treat it like you just suggested the office wear clown shoes. You show up human — with feelings, needs, ambition — and they respond with the emotional range of a wet mop.

Welcome to the world of low EQ leadership, my friends. It’s about as inspiring as a three-day-old salad.

First, Let’s Get One Thing Straight:

It’s not you. It’s them. (Write that down. Tattoo it on your heart. Frame it above your desk.)

Bosses with low EQ struggle to:

• Recognise emotions in themselves or others
• Show basic empathy
• Handle stress without acting like a toddler on a sugar crash
• Give feedback that doesn’t feel like a slap wrapped in a Post-it note
• Inspire, motivate, or — heaven forbid — connect with their teams

In short, they lead with fear, ego, and outdated management manuals that should’ve been thrown out with the fax machine.

So What Do You Do When You’re Led By a Pea Brain?

Because let’s be honest: You can’t always quit today (tempting, though).

Here’s my real, battle-tested, sassy advice:

1. Protect Your Energy Like It’s Gucci

Your emotional well-being is luxury real estate. Don’t let some emotionally stunted leader squat there rent-free. Set boundaries. Create mental distance. Not every rolled eye or snarky comment deserves your soul.

2. Lead Yourself First

If your boss isn’t modelling great leadership, you do it anyway. Show empathy. Communicate clearly. Stay emotionally agile. Be the leader they clearly can’t be. (And yes, people will notice.)

3. Master the Art of “Smile and Strategise”

Sometimes the best move is the poker face paired with a strategic brain. Smile. Nod. Plot your next big move behind the scenes. (Not in a revenge way. In a “I’m building my empire while you’re still learning what empathy is” kind of way.)

4. Document Everything. (Like, Everything.)

If your boss’s low EQ veers into inappropriate or toxic behavior, document. Receipts are your best friend. Protect yourself now, thank yourself later.

5. Remember: You’re Outgrowing Them

You’re not stuck. You’re gathering material for your “I survived terrible leadership and became amazing” story. Every bad boss is a stepping stone if you let it be.

The Silver Lining?

A boss with the EQ of a pea brain is a brilliant teacher — in the most backhanded, universe-has-a-sick-sense-of-humour kind of way. They teach you what not to do. They show you what real leadership should never look like. They sharpen your emotional intelligence because you have to be twice as aware, twice as resilient, and twice as strategic to thrive.

In a weird, twisted way, they’re prepping you for greatness.

So cheers to you, Pea Brain Boss — You’re the reason I’m going to soar.

(And when I do, don’t worry — I’ll send you a fruit basket. Peas included.)

🚨 PSA: If your boss has the EQ of a pea brain, you’re not alone.

But let me be clear: Just because they don’t know how to lead with empathy, courage, or a functioning emotional radar — doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck.

At LeadershipHQ, we don’t coach leaders to blend in. We coach them to boldly stand the hell out. 💥

We build emotionally intelligent, self-aware, human-first leaders who actually get it. (No more soggy-sandwich leadership, thanks.)

So if you’re tired of ego-driven leadership and ready to rise with authenticity, impact, and kindness?

🔥 We’re your people.

Because the future of leadership? It’s bold. It’s kind. And it’s absolutely not pea-brained.