Emotional intelligence (E.I.) is the pursuit and expression of personal excellence, an excellence that, according to the author, all educators encounter at some time in their lives although they use rarely, as though fearful that they might wear it out. By developing their emotional intelligence, stumbling blocks that inhibit learning can be transformed into stepping stones. Personal excellence is characterized by high levels of energy, high degree of focus and an openness to learn. In this article, the author advocates that the emotionally intelligent school is both practical and essential, and shares some of his workshops that have changed the way people lead others and in so doing change the way they see and lead themselves.