Emotional Intelligence

The insights in this groundbreaking book apply across the board, from social and family life to interacting and managing others in organizational life.

What factors are at play when people of high IQ flounder while those who are more modestly endowed succeed? Goleman argues that the difference is Emotional Intelligence, which, as he explains, comprises empathy, effective social skills/communication, self-awareness, self-regulation, and motivation.

I’ve watched too many of the allegedly best and brightest, tough-minded executives flame out because they failed to rein in emotional impulse, read others’ feelings, or handle interpersonal relationships. The skills are learnable, and in today’s asymmetric,… show more.

My fascination: head versus heart, thoughts versus feelings.

It is all here in this remarkable, and enlightening book that draws from studies on the physiological, and psychological aspects of our brains, our psyches, bringing these together in an intelligible way. In doing so it enhances our understanding of people’s ‘lived experience.’

The really interesting Appendices aid the knowledge base. Some readers will find it a very grounding, self-help book. It has no superficial frills, gimmicks, or pseudo-psychological theories.

It is one of many books that has helped me to have empathy for my fellow human beings. The book also offers… show more.

While you might wonder why I chose a book on emotional intelligence (EI) as recommended for developing curiosity, Daniel Goleman’s work in EI is critical to understanding that we must go beyond thinking that IQ is everything.

I loved Goleman’s work because he explained why intelligent people with high IQs could fail more than people with lower IQ scores. This understanding was critical to my choosing to research curiosity because it helped me consider the factors that lead to success.

Part of having a solid level of emotional intelligence means asking questions to develop self-awareness and empathy.

A necessary corrective to Machiavelli is Goleman’s classic on Emotional Intelligence. Leadership is always a balance between being right and being liked, but you can be both if you have excellent EQ. Goleman sets out the theory, before introducing a practical approach to increasing your emotional competence. The model he developed, which is at the heart of the EQ psychometrics he inspired, starts with self-awareness and your ability to read others, then considers your ability to manage yourself, and your ability to manage others in relationship. It is this last set of competencies that is so vital for delivering through… show more.

Goleman's book added a new dimension to this by bringing in brain anatomy, especially the function of the amygdala. This is the most primitive part of this organ and it is often referred to as the reptilian brain. Once again it made me aware of the turbulent, reactive part of our emotional setup, acting impulsively and shattering my stability at every turn, in the form of male/female relationships. Like Dabrowski's theory of positive disintegration, it made me look at the world anew.

People frequently make decisions emotionally and then justify those decisions with logic. That’s why emotional intelligence is so important in understanding how to influence others. Goleman’s book popularized the concept of emotional intelligence and made it more accessible. In it, he discusses the importance of knowing yourself and your feelings and being able to regulate your emotions productively. The core of the book addresses social skills, empathy, and understanding what motivates others when they make decisions—and these are crucial skills in influencing others. While Goleman’s book does not directly address influencing skills, he lays the foundations for the social and… show more.