Top 15 Emotional Intelligence Books to Manage Emotions

Are you taking your first steps toward learning about Emotional Intelligence (EI)? Are you looking to refine your existing EI skills? If yes, then Emotional Intelligence Books can become your pathway to unlocking a world of improved relationships, effective communication, and heightened self-awareness. 

By expanding your knowledge of EI, you can impress employers, improve personal connections, and enhance decision-making. This blog features a carefully selected list of must-read famous Emotional Intelligence Books, offering valuable insights and practical techniques to help you grow. Start your journey to mastering EI today!

Table of Contents 

1) Top Emotional Intelligence Books

   a) Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ

   b) Primal Leadership: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence

   c) Emotional Intelligence 2.0

   d) Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success

   e) Leadership: The Power of Emotional Intelligence

   f) Becoming a Resonant Leader: Develop Your Emotional Intelligence, Renew Your Relationships, Sustain Your Effectiveness

   g) The Emotionally Intelligent Manager: How to Develop and Use the Four Key Emotional Skills of Leadership

   h) Thinking, Fast and Slow

   i) A Practical Guide to Emotional Intelligence: Get Smart about Emotion

   j) The EQ Edge: Emotional Intelligence and Your Success

2) Conclusion

Top Emotional Intelligence Books 

This collection features the most insightful and influential books on Emotional Intelligence (EI) and its impact on personal and professional life. Explore wisdom, practical tips, and strategies to enhance your EI and enrich your relationships, decision-making, and communication. So, let’s have a detailed look at some of the famous Emotional Intelligence Books: 

1) Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ

Often referred to by the title, “Emotional Intelligence”, this seminal Emotional Intelligence Book by Daniel Goleman introduced and mainstreamed the concept of EI amongst the public. In the book, Goleman argues that EI, or Emotional Quotient (EQ), can be more critical to success in life than traditional intelligence, better known as Intelligence Quotient or IQ. He presents extensive research from various fields, including psychology, neuroscience, and education, to support his claims. 

The central thesis of the book is that EI, which includes self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills, plays a crucial role in shaping human behaviour and relationships. Moreover, Goleman explains how it influences various aspects of life, including personal relationships, work performance, leadership, and overall well-being. 
 

2) Primal Leadership: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence

"Primal Leadership: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence," by Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis, and Annie McKee, highlights the importance of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in leadership. It explores six leadership styles—visionary, coaching, affiliative, democratic, pacesetting, and commanding—emphasising adaptability.

The book focuses on four EI domains: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management, essential for creating a positive workplace. By developing these skills, leaders foster engagement, drive performance, and inspire innovation. The authors also advocate for self-directed learning and continuous personal growth to achieve long-term leadership success.

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3) Emotional Intelligence 2.0
 

"Emotional Intelligence 2.0," authored by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves, serves as a practical guide to enhancing one's Emotional Intelligence (EQ). The book delineates four core EQ skills: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Each skill is accompanied by specific strategies aimed at fostering personal and professional growth.

By mastering these competencies, individuals can improve their ability to navigate social complexities, manage personal emotions, and make informed decisions. The authors emphasise that, unlike IQ, EQ is a flexible set of skills that can be acquired and honed through deliberate practice, leading to improved relationships and career success.

4) Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success

"Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success" by Colleen Stanley explores how Emotional Intelligence (EI) enhances sales performance by fostering self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills. The book provides insights into building stronger customer relationships and handling challenges with confidence, helping sales professionals navigate objections and difficult conversations effectively. 

Designed for sales representatives, managers, and industry professionals, the book offers practical strategies to leverage EI for better sales outcomes. By mastering these skills, readers can improve communication, build trust with clients, and drive long-term sales success.

5) Leadership: The Power of Emotional Intelligence

"Leadership: The Power of Emotional Intelligence" by Daniel Goleman explores how Emotional Intelligence (EI) shapes effective leadership. This book compiles Goleman’s most influential work on EI, leadership, and performance, including key insights from his research on self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. It highlights how EI competencies drive workplace success, enhance decision-making, and foster innovation. 

Best suited for leaders, managers, executives, and professionals, the book also benefits HR professionals, team leaders, and aspiring leaders. By developing EI, readers can strengthen leadership skills, build better relationships, and create a positive workplace culture that inspires high performance and long-term success.

6) Becoming a Resonant Leader: Develop Your Emotional Intelligence, Renew Your Relationships, Sustain Your Effectiveness
 

"Becoming a Resonant Leader" by Annie McKee, Richard Boyatzis, and Frances Johnston-Marshall explores the concept of resonant leadership and the critical role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in effective leadership. It highlights how resonant leaders foster trust, engagement, and motivation by creating positive emotional connections within their teams. 

Designed for leaders at all levels, the book provides insights and tools to help leaders connect with their emotions and inspire their teams. It serves as a valuable resource for those looking to develop Emotional Intelligence and become impactful, resonant leaders in their workplaces.

7) The Emotionally Intelligent Manager: How to Develop and Use the Four Key Emotional Skills of Leadership

Authors David Caruso and Peter Salovey try to focus on practical applications of Emotional Intelligence with their book, “The Emotionally Intelligent Manager”. It provides practical guidance for managers on ways to enhance their Emotional Intelligence by focusing on four key emotional skills. Those skills are as follows: 

a) Perceiving emotions 

b) Using emotions 

c) Understanding emotions 

d) Managing emotions 

The book provides numerous real-world examples and case studies to emphasise the applications of Emotional Intelligence in various leadership conundrums. The authors preach and emphasise the need for continuous development for managers to improve their EI and leadership qualities.  

It is one of the well-regarded Emotional Intelligence Books for its practical approach. It has also has become a valuable resource for individuals seeking to understand and develop Emotional Intelligence skills for managerial success. 

8) Thinking, Fast and Slow  

"Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel laureate in Economics, examines the two systems of human thinking: System 1 (fast, intuitive thinking) and System 2 (slow, analytical thinking). The book explores cognitive biases and their impact on decision-making in areas like economics, business, and daily life.

Kahneman uses real-world examples and research to illustrate how these biases shape our choices. With its engaging writing style, the book makes complex psychological concepts accessible, offering valuable insights into how we think and make decisions.

9) A Practical Guide to Emotional Intelligence: Get Smart about Emotion

“A Practical Guide to Emotional Intelligence” is written for team and floor managers looking to improve their interpersonal skills in a professional setting. Authored by David Walton, a behavioural change specialist, the book provides a fresh perspective and overview of Emotional Intelligence. 

It contains exercises and daily activities aimed towards self-control, empathy and influencing others. Though a relatively short read, the book places heavy emphasis on personal development. It also focuses on effective communication, decision-making and building healthy relationships. 

10)  The EQ Edge: Emotional Intelligence and Your Success
 

"The EQ Edge: Emotional Intelligence and Your Success" by Steven J. Stein and Howard E. Book explores the impact of Emotional Intelligence on career success, leadership, relationships, and well-being. It provides a comprehensive understanding of EI along with practical strategies to develop and apply it in real-life situations. 

The book, which is written in an approachable manner, provides guidance for individuals looking to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, and improve emotional well-being. It is an important resource for anyone seeking to leverage EI for personal and professional growth.

11) The Language of Emotions: What Your Feelings are Trying to Tell You

"The Language of Emotions" by Karla McLaren, a writer, researcher, and empath, explores the deeper meaning behind emotions and their role as messengers in our lives. The book emphasises emotional awareness and encourages readers to become more attuned to their feelings and bodily sensations. 

Praised for its insightful and compassionate approach, it offers tools to foster Emotional Intelligence and support personal growth. Whether readers seek to understand their emotions or enhance relationships through empathy, this book provides valuable guidance for navigating the complexities of emotions.

12) The Emotional Life of Your Brain
 

"The Emotional Life of Your Brain" by Richard J. Davidson and Sharon Begley delves into how our brains shape our emotions and how we can reshape our emotional patterns. Davidson introduces six dimensions of emotional style: resilience, outlook, social intuition, self-awareness, sensitivity to context, and attention. Each dimension corresponds to specific brain circuits, influencing how we respond to life's challenges and experiences.

The authors emphasise brain plasticity, showing how mindfulness and cognitive exercises can reshape emotional patterns, improving well-being and mental health. This blend of neuroscience and practical advice offers readers insights into understanding and transforming their emotional lives.

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13) Dare to Lead



 

"Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts." by Brené Brown delves into the essence of courageous leadership, emphasising the importance of vulnerability, trust, and empathy in fostering effective leadership. Brown challenges traditional leadership paradigms by advocating for openness and emotional honesty as strengths rather than weaknesses.

She introduces actionable strategies for leaders to cultivate trust, engage in difficult conversations, and align actions with core values. Through a blend of research and personal anecdotes, the book serves as a transformative guide for leaders aiming to create inclusive and resilient work environments.

14) Go Suck a Lemon: Strategies for Improving Your Emotional Intelligence

"Go Suck a Lemon: Strategies for Improving Your Emotional Intelligence" by Michael Cornwall offers practical techniques to enhance Emotional Intelligence (EI). The book provides cognitive skill-building methods designed to help readers manage their emotions effectively, transforming potentially self-defeating reactions into opportunities for personal growth.

By adopting a straightforward approach to emotional problem-solving, Cornwall encourages individuals to become more self-aware, flexible, and resilient in their emotional responses. This resource is particularly beneficial for those looking to improve their emotional well-being and interpersonal relationships.

15) Wired to Care: How Companies Prosper When They Create Widespread Empathy
 

"Wired to Care: How Companies Prosper When They Create Widespread Empathy" by Dev Patnaik explores how fostering empathy within organisations can drive business success. Patnaik argues that when companies deeply understand and share their customers' experiences, they can create products and services that resonate more profoundly with their audience.

The book presents numerous case studies, including examples from Nike and Harley-Davidson, demonstrating how empathetic practices lead to innovation and a competitive edge. By cultivating a culture of empathy, businesses can enhance employee engagement, customer loyalty, and overall performance.

What is the Best Book About Emotional Intelligence?

Among the top books on Emotional Intelligence is "Emotional Intelligence 2.0" by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves. It provides practical strategies to improve self-awareness, self-regulation, social skills, and empathy, helping readers enhance their personal and professional success.

What are the Four Key Components of Emotional Intelligence?

The four key components of Emotional Intelligence:

a) Self-awareness: Recognising and understanding your emotions

b) Self-management: Controlling emotions and adapting to situations

c) Social Awareness: Understanding and empathissing with others

d) Relationship Management: Building relationships and resolving conflicts

Conclusion 

Emotional Intelligence has become a vital aspect of personal and professional development. Reading good Emotional Intelligence Books can provide valuable insights and tools to enhance EI and mental well-being. These books cater to a wide variety of audiences ranging from leaders and parents to individuals seeking personal growth. So, embrace the importance of EI and achieve success. 

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