This book presents a very interesting concept, that many of our relationship problems are problems of our own creation. In simple terms, there is a trap that we can get in where we are setting up others to fail. Then we watch them fail and blame them for it!
Category Archives: Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence / Working with Emotional Intelligence / Primal Leadership
I have been reading the books backwards (newest to oldest). Each holds some gems inside lots of fluff. Goleman’s premise is emotional competencies (listening, empathy, etc.) form a separate category of intelligence. I can agree with that. Unfortunately, this has become a business franchise for him, so I think he takes it too far. He asserts it is THE defining intelligence of star performers. I can agree they are neglected, and are of prime importance to leaders. However, in light of Marcus Buckingham’s books, I think that Goleman is trying to fit all the characteristics of star performers into an emotional intelligence frame work. To a significant degree that is putting square pegs into a round hole. The thesis is easy to swallow at first, as the book is written in the standard business best-seller sensational journalist format. This contrasts with Buckingham; he writes in a pragmatic, self-help format. That said, we have a lot of work to do on our emotional intelligence. I would recommend reading Primal Leadership of the three as it discusses the types of leadership problems I have seen at work over, and over again.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
I didn’t like the Audio CD presentation of this book. It is a recording of a live presentation by Covey. Covey’s presentation style is something of a broken record which detracts from the message. Largely the messages I got were how to effectively deal with people (including yourself first and foremost) to create success. The practical tools are EQ competencies which is why I put the review there. Understanding / mastering yourself first is the objective of habits 1-3. The theme that self confidence is a requisite for good leadership isn’t new, of course. Covey’s contribution here is the seven habits and related practical advice to put them to use. I can’t list them off a couple months after listening to the CD. I was already doing the first 3 (self directed), but needed to work on the next 3 (group directed).