Best Emotional Intelligence Books To Read

In recent years, Emotional Intelligence (EI) has become an increasingly important topic in the workplace. EI refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our emotions, as well as the emotions of others.

Developing emotional intelligence can lead to greater success in both personal and professional relationships, making it a highly sought-after skill in today's world. If you're in HR and recruitment, it can be a valuable trait to identify amongst candidates.

Here are some of the best emotional intelligence books to read in 2023:

#1 Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves

Emotional Intelligence 2.0 is a bestselling book that provides readers with a step-by-step guide to improving their emotional intelligence skills.

The book includes an online assessment test that measures the reader's emotional intelligence, providing them with personalized feedback and recommendations for improvement. It covers topics such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.

This book is excellent for anyone looking to improve their emotional intelligence skills, whether it's in the workplace or in their personal life. It's highly recommended because it provides practical strategies that can be easily applied to everyday situations. The book emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and development, encouraging readers to view emotional intelligence as a skill that can be improved over time.

#2 Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman

Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ is a classic book by renowned psychologist Daniel Goleman. The book explores the idea that emotional intelligence is a better predictor of success than traditional intelligence (IQ). It covers topics such as self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management, and includes case studies that illustrate how emotional intelligence can be applied in different contexts.

This book is highly recommended because it provides a comprehensive overview of emotional intelligence and its importance in personal and professional success. It's written in a clear and engaging style, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. The key takeaway from this book is that emotional intelligence is a skill that can be developed and improved, and that it's an essential ingredient for success in today's world.

#3 The EQ Edge by Steven J. Stein and Howard E. Book

The EQ Edge is a practical guide to developing emotional intelligence skills. The book includes a self-assessment test that measures the reader's emotional intelligence, as well as practical strategies for improving in areas such as self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. It also includes case studies and real-world examples that illustrate the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace.

The authors emphasize the importance of self-awareness and self-reflection, encouraging readers to take a proactive approach to their own development.

#4 Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

Dare to Lead explores the relationship between vulnerability, courage, and leadership. It emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, arguing that leaders who are able to connect with their emotions and the emotions of others are more effective. It covers topics such as empathy, shame, and vulnerability, and provides practical strategies for developing emotional intelligence skills.

Brené Brown challenges traditional notions of leadership and emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in modern leadership.

#5 The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown

The Power of Vulnerability is a collection of live lectures by Brené Brown.

The lectures explore the idea that vulnerability is not weakness, but rather a source of strength and connection. The lectures are engaging and inspiring, and they challenge traditional notions of vulnerability and courage.

#6 The Language of Emotions by Karla McLaren

The Language of Emotions is a book that explores the idea that emotions are not random or irrational, but rather a source of information and guidance. The book provides practical strategies for developing emotional awareness and understanding. It also includes exercises and activities to help readers practice emotional regulation and improve their emotional intelligence skills.

The author's approach is practical and down-to-earth, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

#7 Working with Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman

Working with Emotional Intelligence is a book written by Daniel Goleman, the author of Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ.

Goleman explores the idea that emotional intelligence is a critical factor in workplace success and includes case studies and real-world examples that illustrate the importance of EI in the workplace, as well as practical strategies for developing emotional intelligence skills.

The key takeaway is that emotional intelligence is not just a"soft" skill, but rather a critical factor in workplace success.

#8 The Emotional Life of Your Brain by Richard J. Davidson and Sharon Begley

The Emotional Life of Your Brain is a book that explores the relationship between emotions and the brain. The book provides readers with a deeper understanding of how emotions are processed in the brain, and how our unique emotional patterns can influence our thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It includes practical strategies for changing emotional patterns and developing emotional intelligence skills.

This book is highly recommended because it provides readers with a deeper understanding of the science behind emotions and the brain. The authors present complex ideas in a clear and accessible way, making it easy for readers to understand and apply the concepts.

#9 The Art of Empathy by Karla McLaren

The Art of Empathy explores the concept of empathy and its role in developing emotional intelligence skills. The book includes exercises and activities to help readers practice empathy, as well as practical strategies for developing empathy skills in a variety of contexts. It covers topics such as emotional regulation, empathy in relationships, and empathy in the workplace.

#10 The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

The Gifts of Imperfection is a book that explores the concept of self-acceptance and its role in developing emotional intelligence skills. The book encourages readers to let go of their perfectionistic tendencies and embrace their authentic selves, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and self-compassion.

The key takeaway from Brown is that emotional intelligence starts with self-awareness and self-acceptance, and that embracing our imperfections is an essential part of that process.