A new approach from Modern Leadership Center shows how developing soft skills can unlock emotional intelligence and elevate leadership at work and beyond.

Harbeson, DE, August 7, 2025 — What if becoming a better leader had less to do with authority and more to do with empathy? According to the Modern Leadership Center, that’s exactly where the shift begins. Their message is clear: great leadership starts with emotional intelligence, and the best way to build it is by developing soft skills.

These aren’t skills you need a psychology degree to understand. They’re everyday behaviors that can be developed like any other emotional intelligence habits. Think active listening. Patience. Empathy. Respect. When practiced consistently, these soft skills shape the kind of emotional intelligence that changes how leaders think, communicate, and manage relationships.

“We see a lot of smart, driven people who keep hitting the same walls,” said Larry LaFata, founder of the Modern Leadership Center. “They’re not failing because of technical gaps. It’s usually emotional intelligence that’s missing, and soft skills are the easiest way to build it.”

LaFata’s method is based on a simple system. Instead of lengthy theories or confusing tests, he encourages leaders to choose just a few leadership soft skills at a time, turn them into affirmations, and repeat them daily until they become second nature. It’s a back-to-basics approach designed for busy professionals who want real results but don’t have hours to dig through paperwork or sit through drawn-out training sessions.

The process works because it doesn’t just stay in the mind. It changes behavior. Leaders start to notice their tone in meetings. They pause before reacting. They listen more and interrupt less. Slowly but surely, emotional intelligence becomes a built-in part of how they show up every day.

“We’re teaching people how to shift their inner dialogue first,” LaFata explained. “Once that changes, their leadership style naturally follows.”

At the center of this soft skills training is the Leadership Development Program, a self-guided course designed to take just a few minutes a day. It includes step-by-step templates in Excel and covers everything from communication and team motivation to goal setting and self-awareness. The course is currently available at a limited special discount of $197.

Alongside the main course, the Modern Leadership Center also offers downloadable guides and affordable employee development materials that are ideal for organizations looking to train teams without bloated budgets or off-the-shelf solutions.

Anyone looking to level up their leadership without adding more stress is encouraged to visit workermotivation.com to explore available programs and start building emotional intelligence through hands-on soft skills development.

With each new leader they train, the Center continues its mission of making leadership more human, more grounded, and more effective.

About Modern Leadership Center:

Modern Leadership Center is an employee and leadership development provider based in Harbeson, Delaware. Founded by talent strategist Larry LaFata, the Center specializes in soft skills-based emotional intelligence training through simple, habit-building frameworks. The Center’s programs are trusted by professionals, business owners, and organizations seeking practical and lasting change.

Media Contact:

Organization: Modern Leadership Center

Contact Person: Larry LaFata

Phone Number: (845) 589-0600

Email: [email protected]

Address: Harbeson, DE 19951

Website: http://www.workermotivation.com/