The purpose of this paper is to supplement the lack of information about how project managers recognize and understand their own emotions during project management, how they set realistic goals for themselves, how they maintain their own mood, how they maintain their own motivation, self-control and optimism, how they regulate their emotions, how they show empathy, recognize emotions in others and know when to use and discuss emotions, how to manage conflicts, maintain leadership and communication, how to use emotions in relationships and whether managers are aware of the use of emotional intelligence. A qualitative approach was used in this research, an in-depth structured interview was conducted on a sample of 16 respondents. The respondents were selected with the condition that the respondents must have a minimum of 5 years of work experience as a project manager in the IT sector and that no more than one respondent per company may participate. The interview contained 15 questions that were developed before the start of the empirical research by the emotional intelligence framework. The results show how project managers recognize and manage their emotions through meditation and emotion analysis, set realistic goals through assessment and collaboration, and maintain their own mood by balancing work and private life. Project managers maintain motivation and optimize goal setting that is aligned with their interests, learning, reflection, positive work environment, quality communication, active listening, meditation, and recognition of contributions, while regulating emotions through objectivity, understanding perspective, reasoned conversations, classical music, mental and spiritual exercises. Project managers show empathy through active listening, 1-on-1 conversations, and transparent communication, recognize emotions through verbal and non-verbal expressions, and discuss emotions through open communication, individual conversations, and timely reactions to conflicts. Project managers manage conflicts through active listening, open communication, and compromise, maintain leadership by promoting trust, cooperation, and a servant leadership approach, and ensure effective communication through regular meetings and transparent information exchange. Most project managers are aware of the use of emotional intelligence and its impact on project success, as well as its importance for their own well-being, the well-being of the team, and the well-being of the project. It is necessary to raise awareness and education about emotional intelligence within project management and in organizations in general.