PREFACE

Best-selling author Daniel Goleman first brought the concept of emotional intelligence (EI) to the forefront of business through his articles in Harvard Business Review, establishing EI as an indispensable trait for leaders. Three of his most widely read and respected articles, “What Makes a Leader?” “The Focused Leader,” and “Leadership That Gets Results,” are presented here, together for the first time.

These three classics show the direct ties between EI, focus, and measurable business results.

In “What Makes a Leader?” Goleman introduces his research that found that truly effective leaders are distinguished by a high degree of EI. The chief components of emotional intelligence—self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skill—can be strengthened through persistence, practice, and feedback from colleagues and other leaders. This article shows how to develop the self-management and relationship skills that form the basis of emotionally intelligent leadership.

Learning to focus your attention is increasingly important, as each of us is distracted by technology both at work and at home. In “The Focused Leader,” Goleman explains why focus is crucial to great leadership. Every leader needs to cultivate a triad of awareness—an inward focus, a focus on others, and an outward focus. Focusing inward and focusing on others helps leaders cultivate emotional intelligence. Focusing outward can improve their ability to devise strategy, innovate, and manage organizations.

In “Leadership That Gets Results,” Goleman explains that many managers mistakenly assume that leadership style is a function of personality rather than strategic choice. Instead of choosing the one style that suits their temperament, leaders should ask which style best addresses the demands of a particular situation. Goleman describes six leadership styles derived from different emotional intelligence competencies—coercive, authoritative, affiliative, democratic, pacesetting, and coaching—and shows how each works best in particular situations and affects the organizational climate in a different way.

Whether you’re concerned with developing your own emotional intelligence or recognizing and strengthening EI in others, Goleman’s timeless research will prove practical and useful as you become the most effective leader you can be.