Emotional intelligence can help a leader understand feelings and relationships. It does not by itself determine which ends the leader should pursue. Someone can read a room accurately and use that knowledge in ways colleagues regard as unfair.
Questions about purpose, responsibility and meaning therefore deserve attention alongside interpersonal skill.
Use the concept without overstating it
Spiritual intelligence is used in different ways by different writers. It should not be presented as a universally agreed measure that ranks leaders above emotional intelligence.
For a corporate discussion, define the question you want the concept to help examine. What obligation does the leader recognize beyond the immediate incentive? How do they respond when a profitable action conflicts with a stated commitment?
Look at an actual choice
Ask the executive to explain a recent tradeoff and the reasoning behind it. Invite a challenge from someone who may carry a different cost.
Religious or personal beliefs can inform the answer. The decision also needs an explanation that colleagues with different beliefs can understand and assess.
Evaluate consistency through behavior and follow-through. A thoughtful account of meaning is useful when it helps the leader make a responsible choice, rather than supplying a favorable label that excuses the choice from scrutiny.
