Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Working with Emotional Intelligence

3.74 of 5 stars 3.74 · rating details · 1,079 ratings · 74 reviews

Do you have what it takes to succeed in your career?

The secret of success is not what they taught you in school. What matters most is not IQ, not a business school degree, not even technical know-how or years of expertise. The single most important factor in job performance and advancement is emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is actually a set of skills that a...more

Paperback, 400 pages

Published January 4th 2000 by Bantam (first published 1998)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

RLF 2013

16th out of 23 books — 2 voters

Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry

Developing the Leader Within You by John C. Maxwell

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

Career Success

47th out of 57 books — 67 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 2,392)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Feb 12, 2013 Ron rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: work

No real rocket science here... Getting ahead may actually count more on your emotional IQ (see items below) than it does on your intellectual IQ. I'd only suggest reading one Goleman book. I suspect they all rehash the same thoughts.

Part 2 – Personal Competence (12 specific job capabilities)

Chapter 4 – Self-awareness
• Emotional awareness
• Accurate self-assessment
• Self-confidence
Chapter 5 – Self-regulation
• Self-control
• Trustworthiness
• Conscientiousness
• Adaptability
• Innovation
Cha...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 24, 2012 Patricia rated it 5 of 5 stars

notes recently found on a book read a while back!

I have been reading non-fiction, Working with Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Coleman. It seems that everyone I mention this to says he same thing.....There is a lot of emotional in the work place, but not very much intelligence! This is not a self help book, but one that explains what emotional intelligence is and how companies are beginning to realize that their bussiness can be effected by the emotions of their workers. My favorite quote is "T...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 27, 2012 Dmitry rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: psychology

This book discusses a rather important issue, but it is really, really badly written. I was especially underimpressed by it against the backdrop of the recently read "Thinking, fast and slow" by Daniel Kahneman.

The book is EXTREMELY long-winded. Long after it made its (perfectly convincing) point, it goes on and on piling one example on top of another in the style of chain letters, for further persuasion value adding a bunch of meaningless numbers: such and such billions of dollars of financial...more This book discusses a rather important issue, but it is really, really badly written. I was especially underimpressed by it against the backdrop of the recently read "Thinking, fast and slow" by Daniel Kahneman.

The book is EXTREMELY long-winded. Long after it made its (perfectly convincing) point, it goes on and on piling one example on top of another in the style of chain letters, for further persuasion value adding a bunch of meaningless numbers: such and such billions of dollars of financial loss, so and so raise in the profits. Why would I care?

The book is simply not interesting enough, and lacks cohesion. I probably wouldn't have thought so, wouldn't it be for "Thinking: fast and slow": I probably would have attributed my inability to become engaged by the book to my own lack of focus and attention.

The book keeps quoting people from a firm called Hay/McBer where quotes are not called for - author could have stated the same obvious observation as coming from himself just as well. One wonders where that comes from - until one discovers that the author happens to work for Hay/McBer. Self-advertisement in a book pertaining to present scientific findings? Hm...

The book is at times so badly edited, as to be simply unintelligible. See, for example, the end of page 25 and the beginning of page 28. I just couldn't figure this out, and I read it a bunch of times.

And finally, the book makes some rather strong claims, that seem to be in contradiction to both the common sense and the scientific consensus. For example, it claims that intuition is all the rage, and we must all get attuned to our intuition. That in opposition to Daniel's Kahneman's book, which claims (with much more conviction) that intuition may, indeed, be useful (and correct) when it is a manifestation of a deep and prolonged experience, and can be spectacularly wrong when it is not (no forewarning is coming from Goleman). This makes the book outright dangerous for those who might take it's advice at face value (provided they make it through the whole book, which, I must admit, I didn't).(less)

like · see review

Jun 09, 2010 Chad Warner rated it 2 of 5 stars

Recommended to Chad by: Lee Eilers

Shelves: non-fiction, business, self-help, psychology

Interpersonal skills are especially important in Information Technology, because purely technical skills are easily outsourced. I've become increasingly aware of this since I launched my technology services company, OptimWise, because although many aspects of IT are based online, real business is still mostly done "IRL" (in real life); where face-to-face conversations and other social skills are much more important.

A local entrepreneur recommended this book for its insights into the "soft" perso...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 26, 2008 Justin rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone on a rung of he "corporate Ladder"

Recommended to Justin by: My good eye

Working with Emotional Intelligence is a must read for anyone who wants to move up the corporate ladder. Today's business atmosphere is changing rapidly, and anyone without emotional intelligence will likely find moving upward in their company very difficult.

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 10, 2013 Sara rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book totally justifies why I didn't put too much effort into studying in high school and college. LOVED IT.

1 like · like · see review

May 03, 2008 Brian Rast rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The author, Goleman, explains how competencies of emotional intelligence (EI) can be applied to work life. Referred to as “the capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and in our relationships,” EI can be traced to 1983 when Howard Gardner proposed a model for “multiple intelligence.” Of Gardners seven, he included verbal and math, but he also had two that characterize and are consistent with Goleman’s bo...more The author, Goleman, explains how competencies of emotional intelligence (EI) can be applied to work life. Referred to as “the capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and in our relationships,” EI can be traced to 1983 when Howard Gardner proposed a model for “multiple intelligence.” Of Gardners seven, he included verbal and math, but he also had two that characterize and are consistent with Goleman’s book: 1) knowing one’s inner world and 2) social adeptness. Two other psychologists strengthened a comprehensive theory on EI in 1990 by defining it in terms of being able to monitor and regulate feelings, both one’s own and others’, to guide thought and action. The two main categories have five basic emotional and social competencies between them:
I. Personal Competencies that determine how we manage ourselves
a. Self-Awareness- knowing one’s internal state, preference, resources, and intuitions (including emotional awareness, accurate self-assessment, and self-confidence)
b. Self-Regulation- managing one’s internal states, impulses, and resources (including self-control, trustworthiness, conscientiousness, adaptability, innovation)
c. Motivation- emotional tendencies that guide or facilitate reaching goals (including achievement drive, commitment, initiative, optimism)
II. Social Competencies that determine how we handle relationships
a. Empathy- awareness of others’ feelings, needs, and concerns (including understanding others, developing others, service orientation, leveraging diversity, political awareness)
b. Social Skills- adeptness at inducing desirable responses in others (including influence, communication, conflict management, leadership, change catalyst, building bonds, collaboration & cooperation, team capabilities)
The book does a good job of emphasizing that at work, emotional incompetence can reduce everyone’s performance. Our work, and our careers, are only half dependent on technical skills. IQ may be as small as a third of what is really necessary: softer skills of EI. The electronic age with email and mobile connections, does not give people in work environments what they really need; they are desperate for a connection, for empathy, and for open communication. As an engineer/planner, EI competencies can help me interact with those outside my discipline and get things done more efficiently, because of the higher level of understanding that comes with the relationships. As a project manager, this is extremely important, especially when motivating a team is important. Developing competencies in each of the five areas, or being able to tap the full-spectrum of EI, allows project managers to perform in the top third of performance. Organizations, like the Corps, that are going through significant change, are those who need EI.
(I have cut out much of my review because this website limits us to 10000 characters, and I had 12000...oh well)

In summary, this is a book I hold up and believe is very good, on par with another good one by Covey, Seven Habits. The EI competencies shed light on some of the weaknesses I identified in taking the LLQ assessment during the PA program. I like how Goleman points out that these new understandings of the brain’s workings are important and need to be part of training. Although I hoped the book would have more information on techniques to implement or make these changes in myself. At least the book helps us understand what training is a waste- one being that people will change when they’re ready. The book helped me see where improvements at the Corps are needed. I liked when Goleman said, “Systems theory tells us that in an environment of turbulent change and competition, the entity that can take in information most widely, learn from It most thoroughly, and respond most nimbly, creatively, and flexibly will be the most adaptive.” This book fits well with the current events of the Corps and our Nation. I agree with him that having these competencies as skills will help each of us at the Corps survive with our humanity and sanity intact. As work changes, these human skills can help us improve ourselves and the capacity for pleasure, even joy, in the work we are doing in the Planning Branch and the rest of the district, even Corps-wide.

(less)

1 like · like · see review

Aug 14, 2012 John rated it 5 of 5 stars

Because I was working in a testosterone filled hierarchy at the time I read this, it was like being handed a big, secret, club.

My coworkers generally didn't know what hit them - using Goleman's analytic framework allowed me to maneuver project teams into win-win outcomes.

Teaches you how to recognize impediments, how to understand what drives the other party's position (or at least how to figure out what that is), and best of all, how to use that knowledge.

GREAT read for anyone who regularly ne...more

like · see review

Mar 21, 2010 Diane rated it 3 of 5 stars

Very interesting, and it does make a person become more self-aware. However, I had hoped for a little more information about ways in developing some of the competencies discussed, but this book didn't focus on that (the author did explain in the beginning of the book that he wouldn't be covering that type of info, which I appreciate). The book also didn't always keep my attention, but it definitely wasn't a waste of my time to read this one. In a department of 60 or so women, I think emotional i...more

like · see review

May 21, 2011 Joseph rated it 3 of 5 stars

this was a great book that helped me understand symptoms and manifestations of officepolitik.

not only that but i appreciate the insight that goleman gives re: office bullies. it provides a model for which one can understand one's motivation and actions. the book provides a great framework that shows tried and true methods that help improve one's social intelligence.

1 like · like · see review

Nov 17, 2011 Sylvia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: popular-psychology

What is EQ ? How is it different from IQ? Is it more important than IQ? I would recommend this book to anyone looking to understand this topic - also educators, physicians, and corporate leaders. It gives insights into what Emotional Intelligence is, into how and why EQ can matter more than IQ … to understand what it means and how to bring intelligence to emotion.

like · see review

Aug 30, 2010 Kirei rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: teens-and-adults

I read the original book "Emotional Intelligence" way back a million years ago when it first came out. I barely remember it, but I think it was pretty good.

This book, however, feels like Goleman put a book together to make more money on Emotional Intelligence. It is business oriented and most of it was either not very interesting or it was common sense.

1 like · like · see review

Jul 25, 2011 Yasser Hassan added it

A review of the audio book edition: In this book, Daniel Goleman takes the theoretical foundation and concepts laid in the previous book "Emotional Intelligence" and puts them into application. While "Emotional Intelligence" is about how to understand emotional intelligence, this book is about how to practice it. Although Daniel Goleman mainly addresses the workplace and professional life in this book, still the knowledge provided can be effectively applied on the personal level and in dealing w...more

like · see review

Jun 01, 2009 Alexander rated it 3 of 5 stars

Not as good as the first (so far). The organization of the book is a bit frustrating, with no clear direction of where Goleman is headed.

The first book definitely had a greater impact on me. The last 75 pages or so seemed to drone on about the same topics, with little new insights.

I think the typical reader could do without reading this book if they've already read the first.

1 like · like · see review

Mar 15, 2013 Waseem rated it 3 of 5 stars

I liked his original work Emotional Intelligence better, maybe I could not relate and be excited about this book much as it refers to career and excelling in a job.. But nevertheless it applies to self employed entrepreneurs I guess. Worth a read but not mind blowing

Waseem
http://www.InternetRichesMentor.com

like · see review

Mar 26, 2012 Dev Thomas rated it 4 of 5 stars

Nowadays, this is being spoken off as an essential ingredient of successfully managing relationships and results. In my opinion, an essential read as this something that is not always clearly understood. A clear understanding and application is so critical to be successful in today's environment

like · see review

Jul 09, 2009 Kc rated it 3 of 5 stars

Learnings:

Emotional competence involves two things (1) empathy in reading the feelings of others, (2) social skills to handle those feeling artfully

Integrity - acting openly, honestly and consistently - sets outstanding performers apart

The first step in influence is building rapport

like · see review

Feb 25, 2013 Dayla rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: leadership, self-help

Great suggestions. If you are on the spectrum, ADHD, or OCD, this book should be your Bible, especially if you have ever been uncomfortable at work and you really didn't know why. This book has great insight.

However, between this book and John Gray's "men are from mars....at work" I would prefer Gray's book for more gender-tailored advice.

like · see review

Apr 01, 2013 Shravani Ganti rated it 3 of 5 stars

Great detail on how mind actually deals with emotions. I found the science part of the book amazing.
Rest will be good if you are into reading philosophy. Not something am fond of.

like · see review

Mar 05, 2013 Matthew Brookes rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I am sure there is some good stuff in this book, and it is based on the author's highly influential 'Emotional Intelligence', but it was difficult to draw out the learnings given the volume of self justifying anecdotes and 'real world' examples. The original book is probably all your need for your work challenges.

like · see review

Jul 27, 2011 Jenny rated it 2 of 5 stars

It was a quite boring book, actually. I had a hard time finishing it. But I did it. I didn't learn anything new. There are better books out there on EQ, Emotional Intelligence.

like · see review

Jul 19, 2012 David rated it 1 of 5 stars

This book was disappointing. The book started off strong by defining emotional intelligence, explaining its importance and giving examples of how the US marketplace / education system still focuses too highly on IQ instead of EQ.

There were also some helpful case studies at the end; however, only 25% of the material was helpful and much of that had to be taken with a grain of salt.

like · see review

Mar 18, 2012 Deepak Chaudhary rated it 4 of 5 stars

Pretty awesome book especially if you are a manager or own a business. Its about having the best emotions for yourself and the other people in the work environment.

like · see review

May 23, 2013 Nicole rated it 1 of 5 stars

too much repetition
the same idea is repeated over 100 times, its a bit boring although the subject can be written in a more interesting way

like · see review

Sep 15, 2010 Virginia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Employers and employees would do well to read/listen to this book. Would be great if all workplaces could be so emotionally intelligent!

like · see review

Feb 06, 2013 JJ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Started out slow -- tons of emphasis on why EI is important -- but towards the middle and end there was more focus on the various aspects of EI and how they are developed. The case studies, especially the final one, are really compelling and interesting to read.

like · see review

Dec 27, 2011 J rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: education, human-nature, psychology

This book is jam-packed with information from start to finish - and the information is engaging all the way through. There is so much in the way of relevant information that can be beneficial for people from all walks of life. Goleman rightly points out that while cognitive ability and IQ do carry their own importance, such competencies are eclipsed by emotional competency. he makes some cogent arguments and supports them with reliable data. This book is highly recommended for anyone who has an...more

like · see review

Oct 14, 2010 Rebekah marked it as to-read

Oy, I definitely need to read this book in order to find more ammunition to counter the Vulcans I encounter in the world today.

like · see review

Dec 03, 2012 Angham rated it 3 of 5 stars

Was supposed to provide more insights into the How questions.. Unfortunately i found it not much helpful...

like · see review

Sep 16, 2010 Frode Storesund rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: leadership

Another book by Goleman on EI. It is a good read, but no real breakthrough if you have read his other books

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 79 80 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (27)

More editions...

Genres

Psychology

54 users

Business

36 users

Non Fiction

31 users

Self Help

13 users

Leadership

13 users

Science

5 users

Self Help > Personal Development

4 users

Reference

3 users

Education

3 users

Language > Communication

3 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Daniel Goleman

Daniel Goleman (born March 7, 1946) is an author, psychologist, and science journalist. For twelve years, he wrote for the New York Times, specializing in psychology and brain sciences.

Goleman authored the internationally best-selling book, Emotional Intelligence (1995, Bantam Books), that spent more than one-and-a-half years on the New York Times Best Seller list. Goleman developed the argument t...more

More about Daniel Goleman...

Books by Daniel Goleman

Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ

Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships

Primal Leadership: Realizing the Power of Emotional Intelligence

Destructive Emotions: A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama

Ecological Intelligence: How Knowing the Hidden Impacts of What We Buy Can Change Everything

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Working with Emot...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Working with Emotional Intelligence
avg rating	preview: Working with Emotional Intelligence Goodreads rating: 3.74 (1079 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27537.Working_with_Emotional_Intelligence?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320465854l/27537.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27537.Working_with_Emotional_Intelligence?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Working with Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman[/url]

Working with Emotional Intelligence

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website