Emotional Intelligence – 5 Must-Read Books On Emotional Intelligence In 2025
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Most times, finding oneself can be difficult, especially for those who are not emotionally intelligent. We have to go through each day, and it usually takes a miracle to pass by. And each passing day comes with emotions we are expected to know how to handle.
Emotional intelligence is very sensitive for Gen Z and Gen Alpha younger generations. Being emotionally intelligent helps us know how to handle various situations and effectively manage our relationships.
For this to be possible, you need the right guidance, so we will look into some of the best books to read that can help you become emotionally intelligent. If you’re interested in this, read on.
What Is Emotional Intelligence?
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand how people feel and react and to use this skill to make good judgments and avoid or solve problems. This shows that emotional intelligence goes beyond self-emotional management and also extends to others.
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to manage your emotions and understand the emotions of people around you. EI has five key elements: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.
These key elements can help you master the art of managing your emotions and those of others. People with high EI can identify how they are feeling, what those feelings mean, and how those emotions impact their behavior and other people.
Emotional intelligence gives you a clearer understanding of why people react and act in certain ways.
Must-Read Books On Emotional Intelligence
Knowing the importance of this topic, we have picked the top 5 must-read books that can help you. The Must-Read Books On Emotional Intelligence includes the following:
- Emotional Agility by Susan David
- Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves
- HBR’S 10 Must Read On Emotional Intelligence By Harvard Business Review
- Emotional Intelligence – Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman
- How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Let’s get started.
1. Emotional Agility by Susan David
This captivating book by Susan David was published in 2016. It addresses the fears of many who do not know how to handle change and the complications that come with life. It sets its foundation on navigating emotions and embracing change constantly in all spheres of life.
2. Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves
Emotional Intelligence 2.0 is another excellent choice published by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves in the early 2000s. The essence of emotional intelligence is simplified in this book. Explaining how relevant this is in any cooperate organization. Allowing you to explore your emotions and build stronger connections with others.
3. HBR’S 10 Must Read On Emotional Intelligence By Harvard Business Review
HBR’S 10 Must Read On Emotional Intelligence was published in 2010 by the renowned Harvard Business Review. This book explains the valuable insights of emotional intelligence and self-management in leadership. It’s perfect for professionals looking to enhance their leadership skills.
4. Emotional Intelligence – Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman
First printed in 1995, “Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More than IQ” is one of The New York Times bestselling books that’s transformed lives because of it’s outlook on emotional intelligence.
The book posits that hard skills and intelligence aren’t the sole aspects of workplace success. Emotional Intelligence is as important as a hard skill set, allowing organizations to overcome the difficulties, impulses, and emotions workers face.
5. How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie
As relevant today as it was when it was first published in 1937, Dale Carnegie’s principles are designed to help readers reach their maximum potential in the complex and complicated contemporary world.
How to Win Friends and Influence People teaches readers the six ways to make people like you, the twelve ways to win people over to your way of thinking and the nine ways to change without rousing resentment.
Conclusion
People go through various things without knowing how to handle them or their emotions. As much as emotions can be overwhelming, sometimes understanding your emotions and your sensitive spots as a person can help you heal and be better emotionally.
This is a very important aspect of human life. This is why we have reviewed here some of the best books on emotional intelligence that can help you as an individual.
Pick a book that appeals to you and read.