Optimal

November 20, 2023
Science journalist Goleman (Altered Traits) teams up with Cherniss (Beyond Burnout), a psychology professor emeritus at Rutgers University, to deliver a mostly successful treatise on the benefits of emotional intelligence (EI) in the workplace. They suggest EI is characterized by self-understanding, the ability to “keep disturbing emotions from disrupting” one’s activity, and empathy, which helps individuals support coworkers and be good team players. Research illustrates the advantages of EI, as when the authors describe a study that found the most productive teams at an unnamed “large manufacturing plant” were distinguished by the “sense of psychological safety” members established through regular check-ins about each other’s needs. Such studies make a persuasive case for EI’s importance in the office, but, as Goleman and Cherniss concede, there are “far too few actual experiments on how to design” EI training. The EI programs that do exist, they note, explain the tenets of EI and offer such exercises as asking participants to “track moments you become emotionally hijacked,” reflect on what caused the reaction, and think about “what would be a more effective response.” Though the advice isn't always actionable, this is a thought-provoking take on what it takes to succeed in business. Agent: Max Brockman, Brockman, Inc.

November 15, 2023
A guide for developing emotional competencies. In his fifth book on the topic of emotional intelligence, Goleman teams up with psychologist Cherniss, co-founder, with Goleman, of the Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations. This time, the authors draw on a "rich research bounty" to present their understanding "of the competencies that translate emotional intelligence into effective action," within families, communities, and organizations. The authors distinguish between "flow," which they characterize as a heightened state of full absorption, and an optimal state, which they describe as an experience of "feeling good, agility in solving dilemmas as they present themselves, and full attention on what we're doing." In an optimal state, an individual draws on the competencies of EI: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and social interaction. Emphasizing the value of EI in the workplace, the authors have found that it serves individuals in many occupations, including selling, conducting research as part of a team, coaching and mentoring, teaching, working in health care, and providing technical support. "Every company (and every family, for that matter) represents a unique culture, which includes its particular ways of referring to the EI skill set," they write. "But there's surprisingly wide agreement that everyone needs emotional intelligence." Business leaders have revealed that they prize EI as much as cognitive ability, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose. Drawing on scientific studies and anecdotal evidence, the authors offer guidance for developing EI, such as managing stress, developing resilience, and, especially, boosting one's capacity for empathy. Emotional empathy, they assert, is at the heart of EI. The authors recognize that EI has become integrated in much literature focused on effectiveness, engagement, and thriving at work. Readers already familiar with the authors' previous works, or similar self-help books, will find no surprises in this latest reminder. A cogent defense of the benefits of emotional intelligence.

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