Emotional Agility

GLOSSARY

The psychological capacity to respond to emotional experiences with openness and adaptability, especially under complex and uncertain situations. Related to, but distinct from emotional intelligence, which focuses on the foundational ability to understand and manage one’s own and others’ emotions. Emotional agility relates more to flexibility and adaptability to choose optimal behaviours and actions in complex and uncertain situations. See also emotion recognition ability and mindfulness.

A blue neon-style clock icon with pink hands showing time management and scheduling concepts.
A blue neon-style clock icon with pink hands showing time management and scheduling concepts.

Reference:

David, S. (2016). Emotional agility: Get unstuck, embrace change, and thrive in work and life. Penguin.

Ozdemir, N., & Lambert, S. (2026). Leader’s emotional agility: scale validation and psychological correlates. Journal of Work-Applied Management, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1108/JWAM-10-2025-0190