Working with Emotional Intelligence

The book is praised for effectively highlighting the crucial role of emotional intelligence (EI) in professional success, especially in an increasingly digital and technical world where "soft" skills are becoming rarer and more valuable. Many reviewers found it makes a powerful and convincing case for why EI, encompassing self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills, often outweighs academic intelligence (IQ) in career advancement, particularly in leadership roles. Readers appreciated the extensive use of statistical data, real-life examples, and firsthand reports that illustrate these points, along with insights into how organizations can cultivate collective emotional intelligence. It is seen as a valuable guide for improving interpersonal skills, understanding others' motivations, and navigating complex professional relationships, making it particularly useful for negotiators, managers, and those aspiring to leadership positions.

Despite its important subject matter, a significant number of reviewers found the book to be excessively long-winded, repetitive, and often boring. Critics frequently noted that the core message could be condensed into a much shorter text, with the author "bashing readers over the head" with endless, similar anecdotes and statistics that add little new insight after the initial points are made. Some felt it lacked concrete, actionable strategies or "to-do lists" for developing emotional intelligence, instead mostly confirming existing knowledge or simply advising greater awareness. Concerns were also raised regarding the objectivity of the research, with accusations of "professional nepotism" due to the frequent citation of the author's friends and colleagues from an affiliated consulting firm, and some found parts of the text poorly edited or outdated given its original publication date.

Overall, the book is recognized for its foundational contribution to understanding the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace, successfully illustrating its impact on individual performance and organizational dynamics. While its pioneering ideas were groundbreaking at the time of publication, some modern readers find it can feel dated and verbose. It is best suited for individuals who are new to the concept of emotional intelligence and its application in professional settings, particularly those seeking to understand the "what" and "why" of these competencies rather than a detailed "how-to" guide. Readers looking to move up the corporate ladder, improve team collaboration, or enhance their negotiation skills will find value in its overarching message, provided they are prepared for a comprehensive, example-heavy exposition.