Exploring the Lived Experiences of Nurse Managers in Using Emotional Intelligence in Conflict Management and Teamwork Development in Diverse Nursing Units

This qualitative descriptive phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of nurse managers who utilized emotional intelligence (EI) for conflict management and team development across diverse nursing units in Aklan, Philippines. Through in-depth interviews with eleven nurse managers and the application of Colaizzi’s seven-step method, the study uncovered four major themes: the leader as an emotional ground wire, dismantling silos through institutionalized psychological safety, acute trauma buffering, and identity validation as the core of conflict resolution. The findings establish that EI is a foundational clinical competency essential for stabilizing unit ecosystems. The study concludes that emotionally intelligent leaders transform conflict by functioning as trauma buffers and mediators of professional identity, thereby mitigating burnout and enhancing psychological safety.