The Emotional Intelligence (EI) , that is, the ability to identify, understand and regulate one’s own emotions and those of others, is a concept that is very present today. Numerous studies have demonstrated its benefits, and this has meant that in more than a couple of decades it is being applied in the work and organisational environment as well as in education, sport and the clinic.

Emotional intelligence improves our well-being, our performance at work or in sports, improves interpersonal relationships and communication, increases motivation and reduces stress and anxiety, among many other benefits. Therefore, each one of us should master the different emotional competences.

11 books on emotional intelligence that you can’t miss

So in today’s article, we give you the chance to know 11 interesting books about emotional intelligence . In this way, you will be able to go deeper into this subject and apply it in your daily life. I am sure you will notice the difference.

Below you can enjoy this excellent list of essential books on emotional intelligence.

  • By the way, you can also watch movies: “11 movies about emotional intelligence you should see”

1. Emotional Intelligence (Daniel Goleman)

This best-seller made Daniel Goleman one of the most famous psychologists of the last years. This is a must read. It questions the extent to which emotional intelligence (EI) is more important than IQ in determining success in life: whether emotional, academic or occupational. In addition, the author explains different strategies and shares ideas on how to improve emotional intelligence.

  • Want to know more about Daniel Goleman? Don’t miss his biography: “Daniel Goleman: biography of the author of Emotional Intelligence”
  • You can buy Goleman’s book here.

2. The Attentive Warrior (Van Gordon, Shonin, and GarcĂ­a Campayo)

William Van Gordon, Edo Shonin and Javier GarcĂ­a Campayo apply all their experience about meditation and mindfulness to a highly recommended title for people interested in getting started in the subject.

A book that delves into the psychology of meditation through the narrative of the “attentive warrior”, a way of expressing how the search for wisdom and transcendence beyond the impositions of the aesthetic is developed .

This is a work that talks about mindfulness (how to use it and why it is important) by portraying it beyond its instrumental value applied to concrete situations, focusing on how it can help cultivate well-being and develop another way of living life.

  • To see more information about the book or to purchase it, you can click on this link.

3. 50 Activities to Develop Emotional Intelligence (Adele B. Lynn)

It is common to find many books that offer information on emotional intelligence. However, although many of them help you to better understand this concept, they will not help you to put it into practice.

If you want to improve your well-being and benefit from those of emotional intelligence, this book provides you with 50 strategies that you can start using right away . In addition, the book is full of advice and examples that will help you understand the effect that emotions have on your values, your relationships or your work performance. This is a book that will help you grow as a person.

  • You can buy it here.

4. The Resonant Leader Creates More (Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis and Annie McKee)

I am not in favor of repeating the same author in such a short list, but few books delve into the concept of emotional intelligence applied to leadership .

The organizational environment has changed a lot in the last decades, and the great leaders are those with high levels of communication to achieve the objectives and provide a vision of change that they manage to transmit to the employees. Emotionally intelligent leaders gain the trust, respect and admiration of their own employees, who increasingly demand a greater understanding of their needs. After all, organizations are about people, not machines.

5. Psycho-Cybernetics: The Secret to Control and Transform Your Life (Maxwell Maltz)

This work is an updated version of the influential book that Maxwell Maltz published in 1960.

In fact, the concept of emotional intelligence is not new. This text reviews the process of controlling thought and emotions, and provides tools to transform them from negative to positive . A book that makes us more aware of the mistakes we often make when it comes to improving our well-being and achieving our goals.

  • Buy it here.

6. Child and Youth Emotional Intelligence: Exercises to Cultivate Inner Strength in Children and Youth (Linda Lantieri)

If you are a parent, it is important that you educate your child so that he or she can develop emotional intelligence, as this will have a positive impact on his or her future.

This work by Linda Lantieri is a practical guide that will let you know how to do it. The book comes with audio content (guided by Daniel Goleman) so that you can carry out the different exercises it presents.

  • More information here.

7. Emotional Intelligence 2.0: Strategies to Know and Increase Your IQ (Travis Bradberry, Jean Greaves, and Patrick M. Lencioni)

The authors of this text fit emotional intelligence into the stressful work environment.

They suggest different tools to help people adapt to this demanding environment and propose strategies to channel the negative emotions that may arise. As the text progresses you will find advice on increasing your emotional intelligence in the basic skills: self-knowledge, self-regulation, social awareness, management of interpersonal relationships… a perfect book to learn how to be a little happier.

  • Do you want to buy it? Here’s the link.

8. Educating with Emotional Intelligence (Maurice J. Tobias, Steven E., and Friedl Elias)

Another of those essential emotional intelligence books for parents . With a prologue by Daniel Goleman, too.

On its pages you will find suggestions, activities and practical advice, which, if you are a parent, will help you to use your emotions in the most positive way. This book will allow you to communicate with your children more efficiently and educate them so that they are more aware of their emotions.

  • Buy it here.

9. Full Emotional Intelligence (Natalia Ramos, Hector Enriquez and Olivia Recondo)

A great book that fuses emotional intelligence with the practice of mindfulness. In this text you will find the theoretical foundations of the integration of the millenary practice of Mindfulness as a tool to enhance emotional intelligence.

The aim of full attention is to attend to the present experience with acceptance and in a non-judgmental way , which facilitates the perception, understanding and regulation of our emotions.

  • You can get it here.

10. 7 habits of highly effective people (Stephen R. Covey)

This author presents a holistic approach to solving work and personal problems .

Although this text does not focus on emotional intelligence per se , it is an essential guide if someone wants to take control of their own emotions. Furthermore, many of these habits have to do with self-awareness of one’s inner state. Through various anecdotes, Covey teaches people to live with integrity, dignity and justice.

  • You can learn more about this book in our article: “The 7 habits of really effective people”
  • You can buy it at this link.

11. Feelings. Emotional intelligence applied to sales (Raquel Davó Añón and Miguel Ángel Díaz Escoto)

Many people think that we make decisions after a rational analysis of the alternatives presented to us. But, on many occasions, our most emotional side influences us to the point of practically deciding for us.

That is why big brands are looking for strategies to build customer loyalty . It is not about buying only the product, but about feeling the brand as their own and connecting with their emotions. In the world of marketing they are aware of the importance of emotions when selling. This text contains different techniques and strategies to reach the heart of the customer.

  • You may be interested in: “Emotional Marketing: reaching the heart of the customer”
  • You can buy it at this link.