How to Develop Emotional Intelligence as a Tax Professional

Building Emotional intelligence isn't about an overnight transformation, it’s about consistent reflection, awareness, and practice. Unlike technical skills, which you can master through study, emotional intelligence grows through real-world experience and self-awareness. 

Here’s how you can actively develop it in your day-to-day work: 

1. Ask for Feedback – Awareness Is the Foundation of Growth  

Emotional intelligence starts with understanding how others perceive you. Ask for honest feedback from your manager, colleagues, or even clients about how you communicate, manage pressure, and handle collaboration. 

For example, after a busy compliance season or a high-stakes client call, you might ask: 

“Was there anything I could have done differently in how I communicated or handled that situation?” 

Being open to constructive feedback helps you see blind spots and recognise patterns. Maybe you rush into conversations when stressed, or perhaps you could involve your team more. Self-awareness is the first step to improving. 

2. Observe Emotional Triggers – Notice Stress Before It Escalates  

Tax can be a demanding profession. Tight deadlines, last-minute changes, and complex legislation can easily trigger frustration. Start noticing what situations cause you stress, is it a difficult client, a heavy workload, or unexpected technical questions? 

When you identify your triggers, you can manage them rather than react impulsively. For instance, if client emails late in the day tend to spike your stress, build a short reflection period into your routine before responding. That small pause improves emotional regulation, a core EQ skill. 

3. Practice Active Listening – Understand Before You Respond  

Active listening is one of the most powerful ways to build connections and trust. 

In client meetings or internal discussions, focus on listening to understand, and not reply. That means maintaining eye contact, paraphrasing what you’ve heard, and asking clarifying questions. 

For example, instead of immediately offering a solution when a client raises a concern, try: 

“It sounds like you’re worried about the impact this change might have on your reporting

deadlines, is that right?” 

This simple approach shows empathy, ensures accuracy, and builds stronger professional relationships. 

4. Work on Empathy – See Situations from Multiple Perspectives  

Empathy isn’t just about being kind; it’s about seeing things through others’ eyes. In tax, this could mean understanding why a finance manager is anxious about year-end deadlines, or why a junior team member feels overwhelmed with new responsibilities. 

Empathetic professionals make better advisors because they tailor their communication to the audience. Instead of overwhelming a non-technical client with jargon, you might reframe a complex tax concept in business language that resonates with their priorities. 

That emotional attunement builds influence and trust, key ingredients for career progression. 

5. Invest in Coaching or Mentoring – Learn from Experience  

Mentorship and coaching are invaluable for developing EQ. Working with a mentor gives your perspective on how others handle stress, communication, and leadership challenges. Likewise, mentoring someone more junior helps you develop empathy, patience, and self-reflection. 

Many successful Heads of Tax and Partners credit their mentors for helping them see the “people side” of leadership. If your organisation offers coaching or peer mentoring, get involved, and if not, seek informal guidance from someone you admire. 

6. Reflect Regularly – Turn Experience into Insight  

Finally, set aside time each week to reflect on your interactions. Ask yourself: 

• Did I handle that client discussion with empathy? 

• Was I clear and calm when giving feedback to my team? 

• Did I react emotionally or thoughtfully to a challenge? 

Journaling or even short voice notes can help you track progress over time.  The goal isn’t perfection, it’s awareness and growth. 

By focusing on these small, consistent habits, you’ll naturally develop stronger emotional intelligence. Over time, you’ll find yourself communicating more effectively, managing pressure with confidence, and building more meaningful professional relationships, all of which directly contribute to long-term success in your tax career. 

Looking to take the next step in your tax career? At Kingpin International, we connect emotionally intelligent tax professionals with leading employers across the UK. Get in touch today to explore new opportunities or career advice tailored to your goals.