Read the book by Daniel Goleman and this has turned out to be one of the most insightful readings for two distinct reasons:
- Firstly, the very beginning of the book addresses a perennial question I had been mulling over for long.
Philosophical theories have for ages praised self-control; not letting emotions take over, yet I always thought that without passion and emotional attachment to a goal, it makes it hard for one to work toward achieving something in life.
This book, however, describes emotional intelligence as the ability to identify one's feelings and also to control them and create a positive emotion that helps drive constructive action. It's interpretation of self control is not suppressing emotions, but managing emotions to make them productive.
- Secondly, this book identifies the same managing emotions to create positivity as the key to success: A positive attitude, with minimal emotional impact on productivity is critical. Further perceiving people and their emotions positively, managing both verbal and non-verbal communications and using effective negotiations go a long way.
Apart from the above, the book also talks a lot about the importance of emotional intelligence in children's education, which in itself is an entire pool of thoughts about the impact emotional learning can have on the character and developments of nations.
