Best Books to Understand and Improve Your Emotional Intelligence Skills

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

This international bestseller by psychologist Daniel Goleman introduced many people to the concept of EQ for the first time. Goleman explains the five core components of EQ - self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. He makes a compelling case for why EQ may be more important to life success than IQ. The book is filled with insights into our emotions and how to strengthen EQ.

Key Takeaways

• EQ is essential for things like relationships, job performance, and mental health.
• EQ involves self-awareness, managing emotions, inner motivation, empathy, and social skills.
• EQ starts developing in childhood and can continue improving throughout life.
• High EQ is linked to better relationships, academic and career success, leadership, and more.

EQ Applied: The Real-World Guide to Emotional Intelligence by Justin Bariso

EQ Applied by Justin Bariso provides practical tips and strategies for improving emotional intelligence that you can put into action in your daily life. Bariso focuses on EQ in real world situations - like the workplace, relationships, and social media. He combines scientific research with engaging stories and examples to teach EQ principles anyone can apply.

Key Takeaways

• Strategies to improve self-awareness, manage emotions, and develop empathy
• How to deal with toxic people and handle conflict with emotional intelligence
• Tips for leadership, collaboration, and influencing others with EQ
• Using EQ skills on social media and online interactions

Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry

Co-written by emotional intelligence expert Travis Bradberry, this book builds off the concepts from Golemans book. It introduces the concept of EQ 2.0 - which is approaching EQ as a skill to be improved, rather than a fixed trait. Filled with quizzes, exercises, and step-by-step strategies, the book allows you to assess your current EQ and get tailored guidance to develop your emotional intelligence.

Key Takeaways

• Assess your current EQ strengths and weaknesses.
• Learn techniques to improve self-awareness, self-management, and relationship skills.
• Discover your EQ blind spots and how to overcome them.
• Practical tips and exercises you can apply in all areas of life.

Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett

Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, takes a research-based approach to EQ. He highlights why emotions matter, how they influence our lives, and their benefits. The book focuses on "emotion science," providing data on the impact of emotions on learning, relationships, creativity, performance, health, and more. Brackett offers science-backed strategies to become more emotionally intelligent.

Key Takeaways

• The importance of emotions to everyday life.
• How to improve emotion regulation, understanding, and utilization skills.
• Tips for identifying, accepting, and learning from your emotions.
• Exercises and practices grounded in psychology research.

Resilience by Eric Greitens

This book by Navy SEAL and bestselling author Eric Greitens examines the characteristic of resilience and how to build it. Resilience - the ability to face and handle adversity - is a key part of emotional intelligence. The book shares lessons on resilience that Greitens learned from his SEAL training and work helping veterans and children. He provides inspiring stories and practical exercises on how to develop resilience in all areas of your life.

Key Takeaways

• How to cultivate strength, courage, and grit in the face of challenges.
• Ways to overcome pain, setbacks, and self-doubt.
• Advice for facing struggles while maintaining inner hope and wisdom.
• Exercises for building mental toughness and resilience.

Emotional Agility by Susan David

Psychologist Susan David explains the concept of emotional agility - being flexible with your emotions and able to adapt them to situations and needs. The book teaches how to develop this agility to move through difficult emotions effectively and harness them for growth and success. She shares scientifically-tested techniques for improving self-awareness, managing stress, navigating change, and more.

Key Takeaways

• What emotional agility is and why it matters.
• How to read your inner emotions and outer context.
• Exercises to build self-awareness and "walk toward" emotions.
• Tips to avoid getting "hooked" by and swept away in emotions.

The Emotional Intelligence Activity Kit by Adele B. Lynn

This hands-on guide by EQ expert Adele Lynn is packed with activities, exercises, quizzes, and practices designed to help improve emotional intelligence. It covers topics like identifying feelings, managing anger, understanding body language, resolving conflict, showing compassion, boosting optimism, and more. The book provides tools to develop key EQ skills in a practical, interactive format.

Key Takeaways

• Reflective journal prompts, self-assessments, and EQ boosting exercises.
• Activities utilizing methods from art therapy, meditation, and mindfulness.
• Games and practices to do alone or with family, friends, classmates, or co-workers.
• A hands-on companion to EQ learning suitable for all ages.

Developing emotional intelligence takes commitment and practice, but these top-rated books provide knowledge, insights, and advice to help you on your journey. Pick the EQ boosting book that resonates most with your needs and start building your skills today.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.