Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and influence emotions—both our own and others’. It has become an essential skill in today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, impacting our personal lives, professional success, and overall well-being. If you’re new to the concept of emotional intelligence or looking to deepen your understanding, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced therapist, these books are invaluable resources for improving your emotional intelligence. Below is a curated list of 23 books that will elevate your EI in health, wealth, love, and fulfillment.
1. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Dr. Daniel Goleman
In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Daniel Goleman explores the concept of emotional intelligence, demonstrating its importance far beyond IQ in achieving success. He introduces the four key elements of EI: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, and Social Skills. For anyone seeking to improve their emotional intelligence, this is an essential read.
2. Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry, Jean Greaves, and Patrick M. Lencioni
This practical guide builds on Goleman’s work and introduces the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal, a tool to measure your EI. The book outlines 66 skills that can be developed over time to enhance your emotional intelligence. If you’re ready for actionable strategies to improve your EI, this book is a must-read.
3. How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Though not explicitly about EI, Carnegie’s timeless book teaches core principles that align closely with emotional intelligence. By practicing empathy, showing genuine interest in others, and handling conflicts with tact, readers can improve their social skills and relationships.
4. The Power of BELIEFS in Business by Ari Weinzweig
Our beliefs shape our emotional responses and behaviors. In this book, Weinzweig, co-founder of Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, explores how personal beliefs impact business decisions and leadership. If you’re looking to align your beliefs with your emotional intelligence in the workplace, this book offers valuable insights.
5. Emotional Development and Emotional Intelligence: Educational Implications by Peter Salovey and David Sluyter
Focused on the emotional development of children, this book outlines strategies for teaching emotional intelligence in educational settings. It’s an invaluable resource for parents and educators who want to raise emotionally intelligent children.
6. EQ Applied: The Real-World Guide to Emotional Intelligence by Justin Bariso
Bariso’s book goes beyond the theoretical and provides practical applications for emotional intelligence in everyday life. The author introduces the “12 Commandments of Emotional Intelligence,” offering straightforward advice on how to improve your EI daily.
7. Switch: How To Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip and Dan Heath
This book explores the intersection of logic and emotion when it comes to creating lasting change. By balancing rational thought and emotional drive, readers can make meaningful personal and organizational changes. If you struggle with motivation or are seeking change, this book is for you.
8. HBR Guide to Emotional Intelligence by Harvard Business Review
A collection of essays from various thought leaders, this guide offers a wealth of perspectives on improving emotional intelligence in business. With advice from experts, it’s a great resource for professionals looking to sharpen their emotional intelligence at work.
9. Handbook of Social and Emotional Learning: Research and Practice by Joseph A. Durlak, Celene E. Domitrovich, Roger P. Weissberg, and Thomas P. Gullotta
This comprehensive guide covers the research and practices behind Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). It provides insights into how SEL can be taught in schools and how it can benefit children’s development, making it an essential read for educators and parents.
10. The EQ Edge: Emotional Intelligence and Your Success by Steven J. Stein and Howard E. Book
Stein and Book’s book delves into the role of EI in professional and personal success. With a unique focus on stress management and emotional resilience, it’s a practical guide for anyone looking to improve their emotional intelligence and adaptability.
11. In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek
This simple, heartfelt children’s book is a great introduction to the world of emotional intelligence. Through colorful illustrations and storytelling, it helps children understand and express their emotions. Parents and caregivers will appreciate this gentle approach to teaching emotional intelligence.
12. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores the two systems of thinking—the fast, emotional, intuitive brain and the slow, rational, deliberate brain. Understanding how these two systems work together is crucial for mastering emotional intelligence, especially in decision-making.
13. Your Brain at Work: Strategies for Overcoming Distraction, Regaining Focus, and Working Smarter All Day Long by David Rock
David Rock’s book provides strategies for enhancing focus and managing emotions at work. He explains how the brain processes emotions and how we can optimize our emotional intelligence to improve productivity and well-being.
14. Go Suck a Lemon: Strategies for Improving Your Emotional Intelligence by Michael Cornwall
This book offers unconventional wisdom for improving your emotional intelligence. It’s filled with actionable advice on handling emotions in different situations, from work to relationships.
15. The Language of Emotional Intelligence: The Five Essential Tools for Building Powerful and Effective Relationships by Jean Segal and Jaelline Jaffey
Segal and Jaffey provide a roadmap for developing the emotional language necessary to create stronger, more effective relationships. The book offers practical tools for enhancing EI in personal and professional interactions.
16. Building Emotional Intelligence by Linda Lantieri and Dr. Daniel Goleman
In this guide, Goleman and Lantieri provide a structured approach to developing emotional intelligence in children, educators, and parents. The focus is on creating emotionally intelligent communities through education and shared practices.
17. Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child: The Heart of Parenting by Dr. John Gottman and Joan Declaire
Dr. Gottman’s book focuses on how parents can teach emotional intelligence to their children. Using techniques from his research on relationships, this book offers practical advice for parents looking to foster EI in their children.
18. At the Heart of Leadership by Joshua Freedman
Freedman’s book explores the intersection of emotional intelligence and leadership. By focusing on emotional skills that enhance leadership effectiveness, it’s an essential read for anyone in or aspiring to a leadership role.
19. The Emotionally Intelligent Manager: How to Develop and Use the Four Key Emotional Skills of Leadership by David Caruso and Peter Salovey
This book is a focused look at how emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in effective leadership. Caruso and Salovey provide insights into the four emotional skills needed to manage yourself and others effectively.
20. The EQ Interview: Finding Employees with High Emotional Intelligence by Adele Lynn
For managers and HR professionals, this book provides strategies for interviewing and selecting employees with high emotional intelligence. It’s a practical tool for anyone looking to build an emotionally intelligent team.
21. Emotional Intelligence for Project Managers: The People Skills You Need to Achieve Outstanding Results by Anthony C. Mersino
This book targets project managers and discusses how emotional intelligence can enhance their effectiveness in leading teams and managing projects. It’s a must-read for anyone in a project management role.
22. The Empathy Factor: Your Competitive Advantage for Personal, Team, and Business Success by Marie Miyashiro
Empathy is at the core of emotional intelligence. In this book, Miyashiro explains how developing empathy can improve relationships and drive success in both personal and professional contexts.
23. Wired to Care: How Companies Prosper When They Create Widespread Empathy by Dev Patnaik
Patnaik’s book focuses on the role of empathy in business success. It provides examples of companies that have thrived by creating an empathetic culture and demonstrates how empathy can be a competitive advantage.
Whether you’re new to emotional intelligence or looking to refine your skills, these 23 books will help you enhance your EI and transform your life. By understanding and developing emotional intelligence, you can improve your relationships, manage your emotions more effectively, and achieve greater success in all areas of life. Happy reading!
