The Best Books on Emotional Intelligence

“Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman is widely regarded as the most influential book on the topic of emotional intelligence. In it, Goleman explores the ways in which our rational and emotional minds intersect and influence our success and well-being. Drawing on research in psychology and neuroscience, he argues that qualities such as self-awareness, self-discipline, and empathy, known collectively as emotional intelligence, can be just as important as traditional measures of intelligence in determining success.

This updated 25th anniversary edition includes a new introduction from Goleman, addressing the challenges and opportunities of our increasingly digital world. “Emotional Intelligence” suggests that emotional intelligence can be developed and improved upon throughout one’s lifetime, leading to improved health, relationships, and work performance. It is an essential read for anyone seeking to better understand and enhance their emotional intelligence.

“Permission to Feel” is written by Marc Brackett, a professor at Yale University’s Child Study Center and the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. In this book, Brackett shares the results of his decades of research on emotional well-being and presents his system for understanding and managing emotions called RULER. RULER has been implemented in thousands of schools and has been shown to reduce stress, improve school climate, and enhance academic achievement.

Brackett’s approach to emotions is influenced by his own childhood experiences and the support he received from an uncle who recognized and validated his feelings. He argues that by giving ourselves and others permission to feel and by learning to understand and use our emotions wisely, we can improve our success and well-being. “Permission to Feel” combines science, personal anecdotes, and practical strategies to help readers develop their emotional intelligence and reduce suffering. It is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their emotional well-being and the well-being of those around them.

“Emotional Intelligence for the Modern Leader” by Christopher D. Connors is a guidebook designed to help business professionals develop their emotional intelligence (EQ) and enhance their ability to lead. The book discusses the importance of EQ in business success and provides practical exercises and self-assessment tools to help readers improve their self-awareness, empathy, and other key components of emotional intelligence.

The book explores the concept of emotionally intelligent leadership and how it can be incorporated into an organization’s culture. It also includes a discussion of different leadership styles and their impact on others. Whether you are a seasoned leader or just starting out in your career, this book can help you develop your EQ and become a more effective and inspiring leader.

In “Go Suck A Lemon,” Michael Cornwall explores the concept of emotional intelligence (EI) and how it can be improved upon. EI is the ability to perceive, control, and evaluate emotions, and it is often considered a crucial aspect of social intelligence. Some researchers believe that EI can be learned and strengthened, while others argue that it is an inherent trait.

Cornwall offers cognitive skill-building techniques to help readers improve their EI and create a more enriching experience when dealing with emotions. The book aims to provide readers with strategies for better understanding and managing their own emotions and the emotions of others.

“EQ Applied” by Justin Bariso is a book that examines the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in today’s world. Bariso combines scientific research with personal stories and high-profile examples to illustrate the practical application of EQ in various situations. In the book, readers can learn how to control their emotional reactions, break bad habits, and use emotional intelligence to influence others.

The book also explores the potential dark side of EQ and offers strategies for protecting oneself from manipulation. By learning to make emotions work for them, rather than against them, readers can improve their EQ and navigate the challenges of modern life with greater success.

In “The EQ Interview,” Adele Lynn provides business leaders with the tools they need to assess candidates’ emotional intelligence (EQ) and determine whether they are the right fit for the job. The book explains the five key areas of EQ and how these competencies can enhance job performance. It also includes more than 250 behavior-based questions specifically designed to help hiring managers evaluate applicants’ past use of EQ skills.

This guidebook helps hiring managers and business professionals spot the right candidates for the job, analyze and interpret answers to predict future success, and avoid costly hiring mistakes by identifying “EQ frauds.” With insightful examples and bonus resources, “The EQ Interview” shows how to go beyond evaluating job qualifications and consider the fundamental value of emotional intelligence in the hiring process.

“Primal Leadership” is a book that introduced the concept of emotional intelligence to the business world and established it as a crucial skill for leaders. The book has been widely adopted by managers and professionals around the globe, and its ideas are now used in universities, business schools, medical schools, and professional training programs, as well as by professional coaches.

This updated edition, with a new preface by the authors, highlights the importance of self-aware, empathic, motivating, and collaborative leadership in a rapidly changing and complex world. “Primal Leadership” is a must-read for anyone in a leadership role or aspiring to lead, written by bestselling authors Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis, and Annie McKee.

“Emotional Intelligence For Dummies” by Steven J. Stein is a straightforward guide to developing emotional intelligence and using it to achieve success in both professional and personal endeavors. The book covers how to identify and manage emotions, read and understand the emotions of others through facial cues and body language, find a job that’s right for you, develop leadership skills, and build and maintain meaningful relationships.

It also includes advice on how to use emotional intelligence to raise emotionally intelligent children and achieve personal happiness. Full of practical exercises and anecdotes, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their emotional intelligence and achieve their goals.

“Emotional Intelligence 2.0” by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves is a practical guide to developing and improving emotional intelligence (EQ). In today’s fast-paced, competitive world, EQ is a critical skill that can help us manage, adapt, and succeed. The book offers a step-by-step program for increasing EQ through four core skills: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.

These skills can help individuals achieve their full potential and improve their personal and professional lives. “Emotional Intelligence 2.0” has received praise for its clear and concise explanation of how to effectively use emotions and intelligence to benefit ourselves and others.

“Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child” by John Gottman and Joan Declaire is a guidebook for parents on teaching children to understand and regulate their emotions. The book argues that emotional intelligence is just as important as intellectual intelligence and can lead to increased self-confidence, better physical health, improved school performance, and healthier social relationships.

It provides a five-step “emotion coaching” process that teaches parents how to be aware of their child’s emotions, listen empathetically, validate feelings, label emotions in terms the child can understand, and help the child find appropriate ways to deal with problems or upsetting situations. Written for parents of children of all ages, “Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child” aims to strengthen the bond between parent and child and help children grow into emotionally healthy adults.

“Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success” by Colleen Stanley is a guidebook for salespeople on how to use emotional intelligence to improve their performance and achieve success. The book cites studies showing that emotional intelligence is a strong predictor of sales success and offers tips on how to increase emotional intelligence skills such as impulse control, empathy, and the ability to build relationships and solve problems.

Stanley argues that emotional intelligence is a key differentiator in the sales process, from business development to closing deals, and can help salespeople overcome tough selling situations and stand out in a world where customers can easily find product information and price comparisons online.

“The Language of Emotional Intelligence” by Jeanne Segal is a practical guidebook for learning and applying the skills of emotional intelligence in everyday life. Written by a renowned expert in the field, the book offers a step-by-step program for incorporating the five basic tools of emotional intelligence to enhance relationships in the workplace, at home, and in all areas of life.

These tools include the ability to “read” other people, make powerful connections, defuse conflicts, repair wounded feelings, and understand nonverbal cues. The book includes simple exercises, self-quizzes, and calming techniques, as well as real-life examples to help readers master the language of emotional intelligence and build stronger, more satisfying relationships.

The Emotionally Intelligent Manager by David R. Caruso and Peter Salovey challenges the notion that emotions should be suppressed in the workplace, and instead asserts that they are an integral part of effective decision-making and problem-solving. This book presents a practical framework of four emotional skills: identifying emotions, using emotions to facilitate thinking, understanding emotions, and managing emotions.

Through this framework, the authors demonstrate how to measure, learn, and develop these skills to improve problem-solving abilities and succeed in the workplace. The Emotionally Intelligent Manager argues that emotion is not a hindrance to intelligence, but rather an essential component of it.

Emotional intelligence is a critical factor in success in the workplace, and in Working with Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman explores the skills that make up emotional intelligence and how they can be developed. He argues that emotional intelligence is even more important than IQ or technical expertise in determining star performance, and demonstrates how it is a key factor in hiring and firing decisions at top corporations.

Goleman also provides guidelines for creating emotionally intelligent organizations, showing how emotional intelligence can be learned and how it can drive success in the competitive business world. With research from over 500 organizations and access to business leaders around the globe, Working with Emotional Intelligence is a comprehensive and essential guide for anyone looking to improve their performance and advance their career.