The idea of "emotional intelligence" is something that has intrigued me for a while. Some people clearly seem to have it. They can tell when something is slightly wrong with someone and can always ask the right question. The importance of emotional intelligence could be far greater than that of IQ because of its ability to be fostered. At least in theory one could learn how to be aware of emotions, and practice what to do when you see them. So i looked online and found the highest rated book on the subject to read. I wasn't impressed. After an introduction about the topic, the book breaks down EQ into four parts (self awareness, self management, social awareness and relationship management) and then gives strategies for each of the parts. Also at the end of the book you get access to the supposed best EQ test, the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal. A lot of the strategies that are given are definitely good ideas, but seem either obvious or can be put into other rules. Basically, most of the entire idea can be boiled down to paying attention and thinking about how you and others are feeling. The test questions seemed vague and weren't entirely clear. At the same time, by reading this book it has gotten me thinking about its basic concepts of actively thinking about my own and others feelings. I hope that the field will soon come out with real quantifiable ways determining EQ so that we can all become more thoughtful people
52 weeks, 52 books, and counting...
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Emotional Intellegence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves
The idea of "emotional intelligence" is something that has intrigued me for a while. Some people clearly seem to have it. They can tell when something is slightly wrong with someone and can always ask the right question. The importance of emotional intelligence could be far greater than that of IQ because of its ability to be fostered. At least in theory one could learn how to be aware of emotions, and practice what to do when you see them. So i looked online and found the highest rated book on the subject to read. I wasn't impressed. After an introduction about the topic, the book breaks down EQ into four parts (self awareness, self management, social awareness and relationship management) and then gives strategies for each of the parts. Also at the end of the book you get access to the supposed best EQ test, the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal. A lot of the strategies that are given are definitely good ideas, but seem either obvious or can be put into other rules. Basically, most of the entire idea can be boiled down to paying attention and thinking about how you and others are feeling. The test questions seemed vague and weren't entirely clear. At the same time, by reading this book it has gotten me thinking about its basic concepts of actively thinking about my own and others feelings. I hope that the field will soon come out with real quantifiable ways determining EQ so that we can all become more thoughtful people
