Daniel Goleman Books

Daniel Goleman is a psychologist and writer. During his long career, he has received numerous awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Psychological Association. He has twice been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

His numerous publications cover a vast array of subjects, ranging from meditation to ecology. The main focus of his writing is the intertwinings and interrelations of emotion, performance, and leadership.

  1. 1Emotional Intelligence

    Emotional Intelligence

    Daniel Goleman

    Redefining "smart"

    4.3 (3,726 ratings)

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    What's Emotional Intelligence about?

    Emotional Intelligence (1995) outlines the nature of emotional intelligence and reveals its vast impact on many aspects of life. By presenting the ways emotional intelligence evolves and explaining how it can be improved, it offers an alternative to the overly cognition-centered approaches to the human mind that formerly prevailed in the psychological establishment.

    Who should read Emotional Intelligence?

    • Anyone who is unsatisfied by more traditional measurements of intelligence
    • Anyone who wonders if IQ determines success
    • Anyone who is striving to live up to their own abilities
  2. 2Focus

    Focus

    Daniel Goleman

    The Hidden Driver of Excellence

    4.3 (787 ratings)

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    What's Focus about?

    Focus (2013) is a guidebook for nurturing today’s scarcest resource: attention. Using cutting-edge research, the book reveals that sharpening our focus in a world of endless distractions is the key to professional success and personal fulfillment. What makes Goleman’s contribution special is that the book expands the definition of “focus” beyond mere concentration and calls for a mindful life in which attention is paid to the self, to others and to the planet.

    Who should read Focus?

    • Workers and students who wish to improve their focus and productivity
    • Anyone who wants to learn the secret of living a focused, mindful life
    • Leaders who want to channel their vision effectively and improve their relationships with employees
  3. 3A Force for Good

    A Force for Good

    Daniel Goleman

    The Dalai Lama’s Vision for Humanity

    4.4 (71 ratings)

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    What's A Force for Good about?

    A Force For Good (2015) reveals how you can swap your negative thoughts for positive actions. By taking a closer look at the Dalai Lama’s wisdom and vision, these blinks explain how individuals acting positively can together form a global force of good, driving change in our world through mutual compassion.

    Who should read A Force for Good?

    • People feeling hopeless about the state of the world today
    • Fans of the Dalai Lama
    • Anyone interested in the benefits of mindfulness practices
  4. 4Altered Traits

    Altered Traits

    Daniel Goleman and Richard J. Davidson

    Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body

    4.7 (266 ratings)

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    What's Altered Traits about?

    Altered Traits (2017) takes an empirical look at the art of meditation and details the benefits it has on our mental well-being. It also looks at different types of meditation, as well as the effects of meditative practices on different groups, including experienced meditators, students and even a yogi.

    Who should read Altered Traits?

    • People who need a reason to start meditating
    • Meditation skeptics
    • Those who value self-improvement and self-care
  5. 5Social Intelligence

    Social Intelligence

    Daniel Goleman

    The New Science of Human Relationships

    4.3 (377 ratings)

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    What's Social Intelligence about?

    Social Intelligence (2006) takes a look at a form of intelligence which makes the world go round but can’t be measured by IQ tests: our cognitive ability to relate to others and accurately assess social situations. Understanding how social intelligence works isn’t just fascinating in its own right, as psychologists and neuroscientists are now realizing, it can also help us create happier and less stressful societies founded on stronger social bonds.

    Who should read Social Intelligence?

    • Students of social sciences
    • Psychologists
    • Anyone who wants to improve their social skills
  6. 6Primal Leadership

    Primal Leadership

    Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis, Annie McKee

    Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence

    4.1 (342 ratings)

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    What's Primal Leadership about?

    Primal Leadership (2013) argues that the fundamental task of any great leader is to engage the emotions of their followers and guide them in a positive direction. Offering up an emotionally intelligent, resonant style of leadership, it delves into the skills and qualities needed to become a better leader and bring out the best in your team.

    Who should read Primal Leadership?

    • Managers looking to improve their skills
    • Workers seeking ways to convince their peers
    • Anyone who wants to become a better leader
  7. 7Optimal

    Optimal

    Daniel Goleman & Cary Cherniss

    How to Sustain Personal and Organizational Excellence Every Day

    3.6 (119 ratings)

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    What's Optimal about?

    Optimal (2024) looks at how enhanced emotional intelligence can significantly boost engagement, productivity, and satisfaction in both personal and organizational contexts. It outlines practical strategies for leaders and individuals wishing to apply emotional intelligence effectively, aiming to sustain high performance and create a supportive work environment. Through stories and scientific research, it illustrates the profound impact emotional intelligence has on managing stress and improving team dynamics.

    Who should read Optimal?

    • HR professionals and organizational development specialists
    • Leaders and managers at all levels
    • Entrepreneurs and start-up team members
  8. What's A Practical Guide to Risk Management about?

    A Practical Guide to Risk Management by Daniel Goleman provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of risk management. Drawing on real-life examples and case studies, Goleman offers practical strategies for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in various business and organizational contexts. This book is essential reading for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of risk management and its importance in today's complex and uncertain world.

    Who should read A Practical Guide to Risk Management?

    • Individuals seeking to understand and manage risks in their personal or professional lives

    • Business professionals looking to improve decision-making and strategic planning

    • Risk managers and analysts wanting to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field

  9. 9Destructive Emotions

    Destructive Emotions

    Daniel Goleman

    What's Destructive Emotions about?

    Destructive Emotions delves into the science behind our most powerful and destructive feelings, such as anger, hatred, and fear. Drawing on the latest research in psychology and neuroscience, Daniel Goleman explores how these emotions arise, how they affect our behavior, and what we can do to manage them. This thought-provoking book offers valuable insights into the human mind and the potential for emotional transformation.

    Who should read Destructive Emotions?

    • Individuals seeking to understand and manage their emotions

    • Psychology enthusiasts interested in the science of emotions

    • People looking to improve their relationships and communication skills