Want to become a better leader? Emotional intelligence might be your secret weapon. I’ve spent years studying what makes great leaders tick, and EQ consistently tops the list. Leaders who understand emotions—both their own and others’—create stronger teams and drive better results. The books are packed on the shelves, promising to raise your emotional intelligence. Some give you helpful strategies you can implement tomorrow. Others simply paraphrase the very basics you already know. I’ve sorted through the hype to present you with the books that work.
These are not theory-burdened books on academia. Each suggestion is a practical solution you can apply to real issues in leadership. Let’s use the best books on emotional intelligence to transform your style of leadership.
The Emotionally Intelligent Manager by Peter Salovey
Ever wonder why some managers inspire loyalty while others trigger mass resignations? Peter Salovey, who actually coined the term “emotional intelligence” alongside John Mayer, answers this question in his practical guide.
The book breaks down emotional intelligence into four essential skills: identifying emotions, using emotions to facilitate thinking, understanding emotions, and managing emotions. What makes this book stand out is Salovey’s focus on applying these concepts specifically to management situations.
I find his framework particularly useful for those awkward conversations we all dread—giving critical feedback, navigating conflicts between team members, or having to announce unpopular decisions. Salovey doesn’t just explain what emotional intelligence is. He shows you exactly how to practice it when it matters most.
His research-backed strategies have helped many leaders I know transform their approach. One tech executive I mentored used Salovey’s techniques for emotion regulation during a difficult company restructuring. The result? Higher team retention than other departments going through the same changes.
Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves
Looking for something straightforward? Bradberry and Greaves provide just that in this concise, how-to book. Their approach is to measure your current EQ and provide hands-on exercises to improve it. The book features an online assessment that calculates your baseline emotional intelligence score. Your results break down into four categories: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. For each area where you score lower, you’ll find tailored strategies for improvement.
What I love about this book is how it turns abstract concepts into concrete habits. You won’t find lengthy theoretical discussions here. Instead, you get techniques you can practice during your commute, in meetings, or even while having lunch with your team.
Their strategies range from simple (like “count to ten when angry”) to more sophisticated techniques for reading social dynamics in group settings. The beauty lies in their applicability—you can implement most suggestions immediately without disrupting your busy schedule.
Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman
This is the book that brought emotional intelligence into the mainstream. Goleman’s work remains an essential reading for any leader looking to understand the foundation of EQ and its importance. Goleman makes a compelling case that your emotional skills might determine your success more than your technical abilities or IQ. Through fascinating case studies and research, he demonstrates how emotional intelligence affects decision-making, team performance, and leadership effectiveness.
The book explores five key components: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Goleman explains how these elements work together to create emotionally intelligent leadership. His insights on the biological basis of emotions help explain why we react the way we do in high-pressure situations.
I’ve recommended this book to countless executives who initially dismissed emotional intelligence as “soft skills.” Goleman’s research-based approach usually changes their mind. While not as action-oriented as some other titles on this list, it provides the crucial why behind emotional intelligence practices.
Becoming a Resonant Leader
Written by Annie McKee, Richard Boyatzis, and Frances Johnston, this book introduces the concept of resonant leadership—leadership that resonates with the emotions of your team.
Authors present a mindfulness, hope, and compassion-based model. For them, these values create resonance, which enables the leader to lead through challenge while keeping people engaged. Reflective exercises have been added that invite greater introspection into your leadership style.
What is special about this book is the focus on sustainability. The authors recognize that leadership is a marathon, not a sprint. They address the all-too-common issue of burnout in passionate leaders and offer advice on how to remain emotionally resilient in the long term.
Their concept of “renewal” has transformed the way I structure my own leadership practice. I now plan for frequent time for reflection and restoration, and this has improved my decision-making and relationships within the team.
The EQ Edge: Emotional Intelligence and Your Success by Steven J. Stein and Howard E. Book
Based on the scientifically validated EQ-i 2.0 model, Stein and Book offer a comprehensive approach to emotional intelligence assessment and development. Their work stands out for its research-backed methodology.
The book breaks down emotional intelligence into fifteen distinct factors, providing a more nuanced view than many other models. For each factor, you’ll find practical exercises designed to strengthen that specific aspect of emotional intelligence.
I particularly value their take on stress tolerance and impulse control—two areas where many leaders struggle. Their techniques for maintaining composure under pressure have proven invaluable during high-stakes negotiations and crisis management situations.
The authors include numerous case studies showing how these EQ factors play out in real-world leadership scenarios. These stories make the concepts tangible and provide inspiration for your own leadership journey.
The Art of Empathy by Karla McLaren
While many emotional intelligence books touch on empathy, McLaren’s work dives deep into this critical leadership skill. She approaches empathy as a learnable ability rather than an innate trait.
The book distinguishes between different types of empathy and explains how each function in various contexts. McLaren’s “Six Essential Aspects of Empathy” framework provides a structured approach to developing this complex skill set.
Her work is particularly valuable for leaders working with diverse teams. The techniques for recognizing and honoring different emotional expressions across cultures have helped many global leaders avoid misunderstandings and build stronger cross-cultural relationships.
What surprised me most about McLaren’s approach is how she addresses “empathic burnout”—a common issue for naturally empathetic leaders. Her strategies for maintaining boundaries while remaining connected have been game-changers for several compassionate executives I’ve coached.
How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Though published in 1936, Carnegie’s classic remains astonishingly relevant for modern leadership. At its core, this book is about emotional intelligence in action—understanding what motivates people and connecting with them authentically.
Carnegie’s principles focus on appreciating others’ perspectives, genuinely caring about their interests, and making them feel valued. These fundamentals of human connection haven’t changed despite our rapidly evolving workplace technologies.
What makes this book particularly valuable for leaders is its practicality. Each chapter presents clear principles followed by concrete examples and actionable steps. The straightforward writing style makes the concepts immediately applicable.
I still use Carnegie’s approach for difficult conversations. His technique of beginning with appreciation before moving to critique has defused countless tense situations in my leadership experience.
Social Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
In this follow-up to his groundbreaking work on emotional intelligence, Goleman explores how our relationships shape both our brains and our leadership effectiveness. He introduces the concept of social intelligence as being distinct from but complementary to emotional intelligence.
The book explains the neuroscience behind social connections and demonstrates how positive relationships trigger biochemical reactions that benefit both our well-being and our performance as leaders. Goleman breaks down social intelligence into social awareness and social facility, offering strategies to improve both.
His insights on “low-road” versus “high-road” processing have transformed how I approach team conflicts. Understanding the biological basis for reactive behaviors helps create more constructive responses to challenging situations.
The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown
Brown’s work challenges traditional views of leadership strength by advocating for vulnerability as a key component of effective leadership. Her research demonstrates that leaders who show appropriate vulnerability create stronger connections and foster greater innovation within their teams.
Through engaging stories and research findings, Brown illustrates how courage, compassion, and connection—all rooted in vulnerability—contribute to wholehearted leadership. Her work offers a refreshing counterpoint to command-and-control leadership models.
The concept of “rumbling with vulnerability” has transformed difficult conversations for many leaders I know. By acknowledging uncertainty and being willing to have uncomfortable discussions, these leaders have built cultures of trust and psychological safety.
Conclusion
Emotional intelligence isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential for leadership success in today’s complex workplace. The books I’ve highlighted offer various perspectives and tools to develop this critical skill set. From Salovey’s management-focused approach to Brown’s insights on vulnerability, each resource provides unique value.
Start with the book that addresses your most pressing leadership challenge. Then, gradually explore others to build a comprehensive emotional intelligence toolkit. Remember that developing EQ is an ongoing journey rather than a destination. These books will serve as trusted guides along the way.
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FAQs
Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions in yourself and others. It’s crucial for leadership because it helps you connect with team members, navigate conflicts, and make balanced decisions.
Beginners can start with “Emotional Intelligence 2.0” by Bradberry and Greaves for practical tools. For a deeper understanding, choose Goleman’s “Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ.”
Developing emotional intelligence is an ongoing process. With consistent practice of techniques from these books, you’ll likely notice improvements within 3-6 months.
Research shows emotional intelligence can definitely be learned and improved through practice, regardless of your starting point.
Several books, including Emotional Intelligence 2.0,” offer assessments to measure your EQ. Regular feedback from trusted colleagues also provides valuable insights on your progress.
