Mastering emotional intelligence (EQ) opens amazing possibilities for growth. It unleashes the power of personal development, positively impacting your social, family and career lives. For those eager to embark on a journey of self-discovery and success, great books on emotional intelligence offer more than scientifically proven data on why EQ matters. They also provide transformative strategies and tools to reduce inhibitions, increase confidence and elevate your leadership abilities.
As you dive into the 14 best emotional intelligence books, consider exploring some of the top EQ tests available online. These tests will help you identify your EQ strengths and reveal areas for further personal development.
The 14 Best Emotional Intelligence Books To Read In 2024
Without further ado, here are the best books on emotional intelligence for 2024. This list includes both our personal favorites at SUCCESS and several of today’s most popular choices on sites like Amazon and Goodreads. We’ve included our own rating for each book based on factors like overall readability, total studies referenced, educational and professional background of the author, and variety of subtopics.
1. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
By Daniel Goleman, Ph.D.
Best Overall | SUCCESS Rating: 5.0
Daniel Goleman’s groundbreaking book is a cornerstone for understanding EQ, delving into how EQ can be more critical than IQ for achieving success across personal, social and professional domains. Spanning 352 pages, this book covers key components of EQ including self-awareness, self-discipline, and empathy. Goleman’s accessible yet in-depth exploration makes this book perfect for general readers who are interested in personal development and psychology.
Goleman, a renowned psychologist and science journalist, presents his findings with a blend of scientific research and practical examples, making complex concepts easy to grasp. Known for other works like Social Intelligence and Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence, Goleman contributes invaluable research to the field. This essential read is highly recommended for both beginners and seasoned readers seeking to enhance their EQ.
Find the book on Amazon.
2. Emotional Intelligence 2.0
By Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves
Best for Practical Application | SUCCESS Rating: 4.75
Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves offer a hands-on approach to building EQ in Emotional Intelligence 2.0. This 280-page guide includes a unique code for accessing an online assessment, which provides personalized strategies for enhancing EQ. The book’s step-by-step instructions make it ideal for professionals, students and anyone looking to practically improve their EQ.
Bradberry and Greaves, co-founders of TalentSmart, combine their expertise in corporate training and personal development to create an interactive and accessible read. Topics include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management strategies, making this book a valuable resource for those seeking a tailored approach to boosting their EQ.
Find the book on Amazon.
3. The EQ Edge: Emotional Intelligence and Your Success
By Steven J. Stein and Howard E. Book
Best for Personal Development | SUCCESS Rating: 4.75
Steven J. Stein and Howard E. Book explore how emotional intelligence contributes to success in The EQ Edge, a 368-page book that offers insights and practical tools based on extensive research and real-life examples. Targeted at individuals seeking personal and professional growth, the book breaks down complex concepts into digestible parts, making it an enlightening read.
Stein, a clinical psychologist as well as founder and executive chair of Multi-Health Systems, and Book, a psychoanalytic psychiatrist and organizational consultant, bring their expertise to the forefront in this book. It covers the science of EQ, practical EQ skills and real-life applications, providing a comprehensive guide for readers aiming to increase their EQ.
Find the book on Amazon.
4. Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life
By Susan David, Ph.D.
Best for Personal Growth | SUCCESS Rating: 4.5
In this book, Susan David focuses on emotional agility, a key aspect of EQ, and offers strategies for becoming more adaptable and resilient. This 288-page book is perfect for individuals who are looking to improve their personal growth and emotional well-being. David’s engaging writing style and practical advice make her concepts easy to apply to everyday life.
David, a psychologist on the faculty at Harvard Medical School, co-founded the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital. Her expertise is evident in her accessible exploration of the power of emotional agility, helping readers become unstuck and thrive in the face of change.
Find the book on Amazon.
5. Primal Leadership: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence
By Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis, Ph.D., and Annie McKee, Ph.D.
Best for Leadership Development | SUCCESS Rating: 4.5
Primal Leadership explores how leaders can use EQ to inspire and motivate their teams. This 336-page collaborative work by Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis and Annie McKee presents a compelling case for the importance of EQ in leadership, as well as real-world examples and strategies.
Geared toward current and aspiring leaders, managers and executives, the book covers the role of EQ in leadership, developing leadership styles and creating resonant leaders. Goleman, known for his work on emotional intelligence, Boyatzis, a professor of organizational behavior, and McKee, a business advisor and leadership expert, combine their knowledge to create a must-read for anyone in a leadership position.
Find the book on Amazon.
6. The EQ Difference: A Powerful Plan for Putting Emotional Intelligence to Work
By Adele Lynn
Best for Professional Relationships | SUCCESS Rating: 4.5
Adele Lynn’s The EQ Difference focuses on the application of emotional intelligence in the workplace, providing a 224-page detailed plan for developing EQ skills that lead to better teamwork, communication and leadership. This book is ideal for professionals, team leaders and HR personnel.
Lynn, a consultant and author who specializes in emotional intelligence and leadership development, includes exercises and assessments to help readers identify their EQ strengths and weaknesses. Her practical and relatable approach makes this book a useful resource for anyone looking to strengthen their professional relationships.
Find the book on Amazon.
Related Reading: How Emotional Intelligence Can Make the Workplace Better for You & Colleagues
7. The Emotionally Intelligent Manager: How to Develop and Use the Four Key Emotional Skills of Leadership
By David R. Caruso, Ph.D., and Peter Salovey, Ph.D.
Best for Managers | SUCCESS Rating: 4.5
David R. Caruso and Peter Salovey’s The Emotionally Intelligent Manager is a comprehensive 320-page guide to developing emotional intelligence in managerial roles. It outlines four key emotional skills and provides practical strategies for applying them, making it a must-read for managers, supervisors and team leaders.
Caruso, a psychologist, and Salovey, a psychology professor and former president of Yale University, offer research-based insights and real-world examples. Topics include identifying emotional skills, applying EQ in management and enhancing leadership abilities—all of which provide valuable tools for improving managerial effectiveness.
Find the book on Amazon.
8. Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success: Connect with Customers and Get Results
By Colleen Stanley
Best for Sales Professionals | SUCCESS Rating: 4.5
In Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success, Colleen Stanley provides practical tips for leveraging emotional intelligence to improve sales performance. This 224-page book is essential for sales professionals of all levels and business developers seeking to build better relationships with customers and close deals more effectively.
Stanley, president and founder of SalesLeadership, Inc., presents straightforward and actionable advice. Topics include building customer relationships, emotional triggers in sales and closing deals with EQ, resulting in a book that’s an insightful read for upgrading sales skills.
Find the book on Amazon.
9. The Language of Emotional Intelligence: The Five Essential Tools for Building Powerful and Effective Relationships
By Jeanne Segal, Ph.D.
Best for Communication Skills | SUCCESS Rating: 4.25
Jeanne Segal’s The Language of Emotional Intelligence is an in-depth 240-page guide to using EQ for better communication. She outlines five essential tools for developing strong relationships and provides practical tips for applying them, which makes this book perfect for individuals looking to enhance their communication skills.
Segal, a renowned expert in emotional intelligence, shares an accessible and relatable approach to understanding emotional signals, building trust and implementing effective communication strategies. Her insights make this book a helpful resource for improving interactions with others.
Find the book on Amazon.
10. Emotional Intelligence at Work: The Untapped Edge for Success
By Hendrie Weisinger, Ph.D.
Best for Career Advancement | SUCCESS Rating: 4.25
Hendrie Weisinger’s Emotional Intelligence at Work focuses on how EQ can be a critical factor for career success. This 219-page book provides practical advice for cultivating the EQ skills that lead to professional growth. As a result, this is an ideal read for anyone looking to advance their career.
Weisinger, a psychologist and expert in EQ, offers engaging writing filled with actionable tips. Topics include building workplace EQ, enhancing team dynamics and leading with EQ, which provides readers with the tools they need to excel in their professional lives.
Find the book on Amazon.
11. Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships
By Daniel Goleman
Best for Understanding Social Dynamics | SUCCESS Rating: 4.25
In this book, Daniel Goleman covers the concept of social intelligence and its impact on our relationships. This 416-page guide delves into the science behind social interactions and provides strategies for improving social skills, making it perfect for those who are looking to deepen their understanding of social dynamics.
Goleman backs his insights with extensive research. His accessible writing makes complex ideas easy to understand, resulting in a fascinating read for anyone interested in the science of human relationships.
Find the book on Amazon.
12. The EQ Leader: Instilling Passion, Creating Shared Goals, and Building Meaningful Organizations through Emotional Intelligence
By Steven J. Stein
Best for Organizational Development | SUCCESS Rating: 4.0
Steven J. Stein’s The EQ Leader is a 368-page book exploring how leaders can use EQ to build meaningful organizations. It provides strategies for creating shared goals and instilling passion in teams—which makes it an essential resource for organizational leaders.
Stein draws on research and real-world examples. His insights as a clinical psychologist provide valuable tools for readers to enhance their leadership abilities and drive organizational success with EQ.
Find the book on Amazon.
Related Reading: Emotional Intelligence Is Crucial to Good Leadership—Here’s Why
13. The Emotional Intelligence Quick Book: Everything You Need to Know to Put Your EQ to Work
By Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves
Best for Quick Reference | SUCCESS Rating: 4.0
The Emotional Intelligence Quick Book by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves is a 188-page guide for those who want a quick yet thorough understanding of EQ. It includes tools and strategies that readers can immediately apply, making it perfect for busy professionals.
Bradberry and Greaves, co-founders of TalentSmart, present EQ in a straightforward manner and offer both self-assessment tools and actionable advice. This practical read is ideal for readers who are seeking an efficient and effective way to boost their EQ.
Find the book on Amazon.
14. The Emotional Intelligence Workbook (Teach Yourself)
By Jill Dann and Derek Dann
Best for Self-Study | SUCCESS Rating: 4.0
The Emotional Intelligence Workbook by Jill Dann and Derek Dann is designed to help individuals develop their EQ at their own pace. This 288-page self-study guide uses a workbook format that includes exercises and activities for interactive and engaging learning.
Jill Dann and Derek Dann, coaches who specialize in personal development and emotional intelligence, provide a structured approach to improving EQ. Their practical exercises and clear explanations are perfect for self-directed learners.
Find the book on Amazon.
Transform Your Life With Top Emotional Intelligence Books
Exploring the world of EQ books opens doors to profound personal growth and self-awareness. Each book—from foundational works by Daniel Goleman to practical guides by Susan David—reveals actionable insights to enhance your EQ in diverse life domains. Whether you seek to strengthen your leadership skills, improve your relationships or navigate your personal challenges with greater resilience, these resources will provide you with useful tools.
Integrating strategies from these books empowers individuals to cultivate empathy, manage their emotions effectively and foster meaningful connections. Whether you’re a professional aiming for career advancement or are on a journey of self-discovery, these EQ books will serve as indispensable guides to navigating life’s complexities.
This article was updated August 2024. Photo by afotostock/Shutterstock.com
