15 Resources That Will Boost Your Emotional Intelligence Today

When emotional intelligence (EQ) research arrived on the scene in the 90s, it proved that people of average-intelligence could outperform those with high intelligence. The stark reality? EQ trumped IQ as the key to success.

Nearly three decades later, EQ is what sets high performers apart, not to mention what keeps employees from writing open letters to their CEOs and getting fired a few hours later.

So, where can a busy professional get some good resources to raise their EQ? While a Google search will land you over 61 million results, I'll simplify things with my own list of recommended resources, broken down into five categories. You're welcome.

Articles

1. "Why Compassion Is a Better Managerial Tactic Than Toughness"

In this Harvard Business Review article, Emma Seppala, Science Director of Stanford University's Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, tells you how to respond with more compassion the next time an employee blows it badly. 

2. "Why Attitude Is More Important Than IQ"

Travis Bradberry of TalentSmart documents new research by Stanford Professor Carol Dweck that shows a winning attitude -- what she calls a growth mindset -- is a better predictor of success than IQ, especially during setbacks and challenges.

3.  "7 Interview Questions That Determine Emotional Intelligence"

Still asking questions that will get you scripted answers? Try assessing EQ in job candidates with these behavioral-interview questions.

Books

1. E.Q. Librium Unleash the Power of Your Emotional Intelligence: A Proven Path to Career Success

This book helps you to develop EQ to achieve self-regulation in emotionally charged situations, and teach you to be effective at managing yourself, particularly when there are diverse personalities at play.

2. HBR's 10 Must Reads on Emotional Intelligence

This gem comes from the Harvard Business Review archive -- a collection of the most important articles on emotional intelligence that includes best-selling author Daniel Goleman and a host of other experts in the field.

3. A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future

In this best-selling classic, Dan Pink outlines the six fundamentally human abilities that are absolute essentials for professional success and personal fulfillment -- and reveals how to master them.

Videos

1. How to Give Feedback

EQ heavyweights Daniel Goleman and Bill George discuss how to give honest feedback in a constructive way that opens doors to learning and growing. Watch here.

2. Find Your Blind Spots

Too good to pass up, I've chosen Goleman and George again to discuss how blind spots impact our ability to interact with others, or think clearly. Watch here.

3. How to Manage Emotions in Negotiation

Negotiation often involves disagreement, which can unleash unwanted emotions. Harvard Law School's Dr. Daniel Shapiro says "don't disregard emotions, but use them to help you understand what's really happening." Watch here.

Tools

1. Infographic: How Does Emotional Intelligence Impact Your Career?

This infographic from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland answers many questions about EQ and job performance, bottom-line impact, and even how it affects your image.

2. Test Your Emotional Intelligence

Take this short quiz provided by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center to measure your emotional intelligence. Try to identify the emotion conveyed in each of the 20 photos.

3. White Paper: Why Managing Pressure is the New Competitive Advantage at Work

In this practical white paper, the Institute for Health and Human Potential gives you useful strategies to navigate pressure more effectively.

Entrepreneurs Talking About EQ

1. Justin Bariso, founder of Insight, writes regularly on EQ. His latest highlights Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr showing a different side of EQ.

2. Paul Grossinger, founder of Gaingels, recently gave us the 10 Characteristics of People With High EQ.

3. Dr. Travis Bradberry makes a living out of this topic. He is the co-author of the No. 1 best-selling book Emotional Intelligence 2.0. His latest is 7 Mistakes Leaders Make That Make Everyone Miserable.

What would you like to add to the list?. Reply in the comments.

(A version of this article originally appeared on Inc.com)

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About Me: I'm a busy columnist writing on servant leadership, work culture, productivity, entrepreneurship, and employee engagement. I also founded this company, which helps organizations globally develop successful and inspiring servant leaders.

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