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The Color of Emotional Intelligence: Elevating Our Self and Social Awareness to Address Inequities
It takes strength not to curse someone out when they’re being rude, or not to lose it when your child is being disobedient. It is also emotionally taxing to keep it all together when you are on the receiving end of a microaggression.
Each of these instances requires us to use our emotional intelligence (or EQ). And, while it is a basic skill, there are more shades to emotional intelligence than you might think. Emotional intelligence can also be used to break barriers to equity.
In The Color of Emotional Intelligence, psychotherapist and well-being expert Farah Harris uses personal stories, anecdotes, and insight to fundamentals of emotional intelligence and barriers to practicing EQ effectivelyHow emotional intelligence is used as a survival skill by marginalized peopleDifferent types of stressors, including microaggressions, and resulting unhealthy defensive tactics, such as code-switching and maskingSelf-care strategies for handling systemic stressors that affect people from marginalized groupsTools everyone can use to elevate their emotional intelligence to address inequities and become better stewards of humanity
Don’t go through life seeing things in black and white. It’s time to see the world in color.
Each of these instances requires us to use our emotional intelligence (or EQ). And, while it is a basic skill, there are more shades to emotional intelligence than you might think. Emotional intelligence can also be used to break barriers to equity.
In The Color of Emotional Intelligence, psychotherapist and well-being expert Farah Harris uses personal stories, anecdotes, and insight to fundamentals of emotional intelligence and barriers to practicing EQ effectivelyHow emotional intelligence is used as a survival skill by marginalized peopleDifferent types of stressors, including microaggressions, and resulting unhealthy defensive tactics, such as code-switching and maskingSelf-care strategies for handling systemic stressors that affect people from marginalized groupsTools everyone can use to elevate their emotional intelligence to address inequities and become better stewards of humanity
Don’t go through life seeing things in black and white. It’s time to see the world in color.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2023
64 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 3, 2025
Read this for a work book club.
It’s a great book - probably 5 stars in general. I didn’t learn a whole lot, which is why I rated it 4, but I’m sure there are plenty of people who would. I appreciated most the author’s practical tidbits that were sprinkled throughout. She keeps it fairly light reading for such a heavy topic, and there are recommendations throughout for how to practice emotional intelligence on a daily basis. I liked this, and these are things that I’m sure will stick with me.
It’s a great book - probably 5 stars in general. I didn’t learn a whole lot, which is why I rated it 4, but I’m sure there are plenty of people who would. I appreciated most the author’s practical tidbits that were sprinkled throughout. She keeps it fairly light reading for such a heavy topic, and there are recommendations throughout for how to practice emotional intelligence on a daily basis. I liked this, and these are things that I’m sure will stick with me.
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October 22, 2025harris adds important dimension to EI that helped me to get deeper and understand the challenges we all face in developing and displaying EI. there's also a great course in LinkedIn Learning that offers another entry point or helpful supplement to the book.
Read
August 1, 2024Read for work. Perhaps, I wasn't quite the right audience to find her message enlightening. I'm not naive about emotional intelligence and feel mine is in the right place. I was expecting more of a discussion about the book and its message with my work colleagues during our meeting, but that wasn't part of the program. The books by the Ruffin sisters, Amber and Lacey, have story after story of people not using their emotional intelligence, but with humor added. They even have a discussion guide at the end to facilitate conversations with colleagues that I would have liked better to have a conversation about.
June 22, 2023
I am both disappointed and frustrated by this book. I picked it up on the first day, because there is *obviously* the need for a book that addresses the cross-over between emotional intelligence (as the author puts it) and inequities, particularly one that's written for a general audience. Indeed, the first chapters held promise: easy to understand, appropriate analogies, and a friendly tone.
But then it went off the rails.
My first little red flag was the use of 'EQ'. You've probably come across it, but if not, it's 'emotional quotient', as IQ is 'intelligence quotient'. Both are terms I avoid using, because 'IQ' has racist and racialised origins, and I don't want to feed into discourses of 'scientific racism'. Use of this language would just be an annoyance for me if the author wasn't specifically aiming to address issues such as racism in the book, and its use made me wonder as to the author's academic background, if this really low-ball problematic could have been missed.
Then I hit the neuroscience chapter, and wow, it is just so wrong. It includes out-dated science (tripartite brain, basic emotions). In chapter 7 the author refers to the amygdala as the 'feeling brain', which it is categorically not. Did she mean the limbic system? The amygdala is the part of our brain that goes 'oooh, new information, let's figure it out', which is activated by all kinds of things including threat--it sends up the smoke--but it is itself not the fire. In the same chapter, the author suggests emotional exposure therapy--basically, retraumatise yourself with the feelings that freak you out until you learn how to cope with them better--which seems like nothing so much as dangerous to me. That is because we *construct* our emotions, and as they say, "neurons that fire together, wire together". When we consistently experience the same emotions, when we re-tread those same pathways, we are able to create/experience them more effectively. Imagine telling a depressed person to watch depressing movies, to get over it! Outrageous.
I was also irritated later on to see basic trauma responses missed--sure, the author goes beyond fight and flight, but the full four (five?) are fight, flight, freeze (+flop), fawn. This would be less frustrating if the book didn't then go on to specifically talk about trauma--where is the expertise? Where are the references to actual science/research? The science in this book may have been current 30 years ago, but it's just not where we are at now. (On the note of trauma, I was befuddled by the author's definition of complex trauma as only taking place in childhood, and then referring to the trauma of ongoing racist abuse--per Kendi, though a.k.a. 'microaggressions'--as PTSD because it is 'past, present, and persistent'. The 'p' in 'PTSD' stands for POST, as in you are AFTER the trauma. Why not instead refer to a complex traumatic stress disorder or some such, to recognise that there is no 'post' for people experiencing ongoing racialised abuse, while also having some kind of connection to research?)
I had to stop reading this book, because I was getting too overwhelmingly frustrated at the lack of connection to reality. (Even the description of racism is all over the shop! Systemic racism is what circumscribes interpersonal and internalised racism, it's not a separate type of racism!) It reminds me of a tweet I saw a few weeks ago:
It's true that a lot of literature about the intersection between race/inequity and emotional intelligence is not written in a way that is user-friendly. But this book, while clearly well-meaning in intention, does not deliver what I was hoping for.
Here are some user-friendly books:
Reading on emotions: How Emotions Are Made, Lisa Feldman Barrett
Myths about the brain: Seven and a Half Myths About the Brain, Lisa Feldman Barrett
Complex trauma: Complex PTSD, Pete Walker
Trauma and the body: Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers/Stress and the Body, Robert Sapolsky; The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kolk.
But then it went off the rails.
My first little red flag was the use of 'EQ'. You've probably come across it, but if not, it's 'emotional quotient', as IQ is 'intelligence quotient'. Both are terms I avoid using, because 'IQ' has racist and racialised origins, and I don't want to feed into discourses of 'scientific racism'. Use of this language would just be an annoyance for me if the author wasn't specifically aiming to address issues such as racism in the book, and its use made me wonder as to the author's academic background, if this really low-ball problematic could have been missed.
Then I hit the neuroscience chapter, and wow, it is just so wrong. It includes out-dated science (tripartite brain, basic emotions). In chapter 7 the author refers to the amygdala as the 'feeling brain', which it is categorically not. Did she mean the limbic system? The amygdala is the part of our brain that goes 'oooh, new information, let's figure it out', which is activated by all kinds of things including threat--it sends up the smoke--but it is itself not the fire. In the same chapter, the author suggests emotional exposure therapy--basically, retraumatise yourself with the feelings that freak you out until you learn how to cope with them better--which seems like nothing so much as dangerous to me. That is because we *construct* our emotions, and as they say, "neurons that fire together, wire together". When we consistently experience the same emotions, when we re-tread those same pathways, we are able to create/experience them more effectively. Imagine telling a depressed person to watch depressing movies, to get over it! Outrageous.
I was also irritated later on to see basic trauma responses missed--sure, the author goes beyond fight and flight, but the full four (five?) are fight, flight, freeze (+flop), fawn. This would be less frustrating if the book didn't then go on to specifically talk about trauma--where is the expertise? Where are the references to actual science/research? The science in this book may have been current 30 years ago, but it's just not where we are at now. (On the note of trauma, I was befuddled by the author's definition of complex trauma as only taking place in childhood, and then referring to the trauma of ongoing racist abuse--per Kendi, though a.k.a. 'microaggressions'--as PTSD because it is 'past, present, and persistent'. The 'p' in 'PTSD' stands for POST, as in you are AFTER the trauma. Why not instead refer to a complex traumatic stress disorder or some such, to recognise that there is no 'post' for people experiencing ongoing racialised abuse, while also having some kind of connection to research?)
I had to stop reading this book, because I was getting too overwhelmingly frustrated at the lack of connection to reality. (Even the description of racism is all over the shop! Systemic racism is what circumscribes interpersonal and internalised racism, it's not a separate type of racism!) It reminds me of a tweet I saw a few weeks ago:
"Neil Renic @NC_Renic Jun 7
Academics: “The best selling book on my topic is written by a non-expert and barely does the subject justice.”
Also academics:
Chapter 1: “Research Puzzle”
Chapter 2: “Ontological Assumptions”
Chapter 3 : “The critical turn and counter-turn: a critical response to my critics”"
It's true that a lot of literature about the intersection between race/inequity and emotional intelligence is not written in a way that is user-friendly. But this book, while clearly well-meaning in intention, does not deliver what I was hoping for.
Here are some user-friendly books:
Reading on emotions: How Emotions Are Made, Lisa Feldman Barrett
Myths about the brain: Seven and a Half Myths About the Brain, Lisa Feldman Barrett
Complex trauma: Complex PTSD, Pete Walker
Trauma and the body: Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers/Stress and the Body, Robert Sapolsky; The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kolk.
August 10, 2023
Every human adult needs to read this book, and put into practice the wisdom within.
With an obvious commitment to practicing (not just preaching) a mature, emotionally intelligent approach in communicating these concepts, Harris breaks down complex physiological and psychological dynamics into plain language convincingly and relatably.
The first part of the book walks the reader through a baseline lesson on emotional intelligence, using concrete examples of the ways in which emotional intelligence can be deployed to foster healthy and productive relationships, or ignored to the detriment of all involved.
Parts 2 & 3 dig into the heightened level of emotional intelligence required when navigating work related to DEI and/or antiracism. Providing both insight and tools for racialized (and "otherized") readers and those who aspire to support antiracism and inclusion, the book itself fosters a level of empathy across these group boundaries.
Leveraging evident clinical experience, Harris gives us permission–instruction, even–to take the essential "pause" that those of us striving for emotional intelligence and effectiveness have learned is an absolute requirement.
In a sociopolitical context where conflict for its own sake is modeled by "leaders" and emotional reactivity is rewarded with popularity, Harris's mindful attention to this fraught subject matter is a breath of fresh air. When I put this book down, I thought to myself, "this person wants to–and is equipped to–make a positive impact on our collective society," rather than capitalize on a moment in time for her own gain from it. This, by itself, makes the book stand out.
Perhaps the most unique part of "The Color of Emotional Intelligence" is the section for self-assessment at the end. Prompting real introspection that requires us to put down our ego in service to our growth, the reader is presented with an opportunity to truly "do the work" of cultivating emotional intelligence,
I encourage anyone struggling with *any* sort of interpersonal challenges to start with this book, and for those working in DEI it is a must. Even for those who have ample education and training in this area, there is value to be found in this read. Highly recommend!
Elizabeth Silleck La Rue, Writer & Policy Advocate
With an obvious commitment to practicing (not just preaching) a mature, emotionally intelligent approach in communicating these concepts, Harris breaks down complex physiological and psychological dynamics into plain language convincingly and relatably.
The first part of the book walks the reader through a baseline lesson on emotional intelligence, using concrete examples of the ways in which emotional intelligence can be deployed to foster healthy and productive relationships, or ignored to the detriment of all involved.
Parts 2 & 3 dig into the heightened level of emotional intelligence required when navigating work related to DEI and/or antiracism. Providing both insight and tools for racialized (and "otherized") readers and those who aspire to support antiracism and inclusion, the book itself fosters a level of empathy across these group boundaries.
Leveraging evident clinical experience, Harris gives us permission–instruction, even–to take the essential "pause" that those of us striving for emotional intelligence and effectiveness have learned is an absolute requirement.
In a sociopolitical context where conflict for its own sake is modeled by "leaders" and emotional reactivity is rewarded with popularity, Harris's mindful attention to this fraught subject matter is a breath of fresh air. When I put this book down, I thought to myself, "this person wants to–and is equipped to–make a positive impact on our collective society," rather than capitalize on a moment in time for her own gain from it. This, by itself, makes the book stand out.
Perhaps the most unique part of "The Color of Emotional Intelligence" is the section for self-assessment at the end. Prompting real introspection that requires us to put down our ego in service to our growth, the reader is presented with an opportunity to truly "do the work" of cultivating emotional intelligence,
I encourage anyone struggling with *any* sort of interpersonal challenges to start with this book, and for those working in DEI it is a must. Even for those who have ample education and training in this area, there is value to be found in this read. Highly recommend!
Elizabeth Silleck La Rue, Writer & Policy Advocate
February 21, 2024
"The Color of Emotional Intelligence" by Farah Harris delves into the essential subject of emotional intelligence, offering practical exercises to enhance this vital skill. The first exercise advocates documenting experiences and taking mental health days to process injustices. The second encourages self-awareness, assessment, and action for strengthening strengths and addressing weaknesses. Emphasizing emotions as valuable data, the book guides readers to respond effectively and learn from experiences.
Addressing the impact of vicarious trauma on mental health, particularly among Black individuals, the book unveils the complex connection between emotions and well-being. Clear communication and understanding emotions, showcased through examples, take center stage. Techniques like journaling and reframing experiences are championed for heightened emotional awareness. Implicit bias is scrutinized, and the significance of empathy and clear expectations is underscored. The book invites readers to practice emotional intelligence in real-time, fostering a journey towards heightened self-awareness and interpersonal understanding.
In my opinion, the book highlights the significance of emotional intelligence in tackling implicit bias and systemic oppression. The author stresses the importance of regulating emotions, effective communication, and challenging biases for fostering healthy interactions. A strength lies in addressing the universality of cognitive biases and offering practical examples of allyship, like using inclusive language and mentoring marginalized colleagues.
However, a weakness is the lack of specificity in tackling the root causes of systemic oppression and implicit bias. While emotional intelligence is crucial, it doesn't provide a comprehensive solution. The book could benefit from a deeper analysis of societal and structural factors contributing to these issues. Overall, the book serves as a valuable introduction to emotional intelligence in addressing these challenges but would benefit from a more nuanced exploration of the issues at hand.
Addressing the impact of vicarious trauma on mental health, particularly among Black individuals, the book unveils the complex connection between emotions and well-being. Clear communication and understanding emotions, showcased through examples, take center stage. Techniques like journaling and reframing experiences are championed for heightened emotional awareness. Implicit bias is scrutinized, and the significance of empathy and clear expectations is underscored. The book invites readers to practice emotional intelligence in real-time, fostering a journey towards heightened self-awareness and interpersonal understanding.
In my opinion, the book highlights the significance of emotional intelligence in tackling implicit bias and systemic oppression. The author stresses the importance of regulating emotions, effective communication, and challenging biases for fostering healthy interactions. A strength lies in addressing the universality of cognitive biases and offering practical examples of allyship, like using inclusive language and mentoring marginalized colleagues.
However, a weakness is the lack of specificity in tackling the root causes of systemic oppression and implicit bias. While emotional intelligence is crucial, it doesn't provide a comprehensive solution. The book could benefit from a deeper analysis of societal and structural factors contributing to these issues. Overall, the book serves as a valuable introduction to emotional intelligence in addressing these challenges but would benefit from a more nuanced exploration of the issues at hand.
July 17, 2023
BOOK:-THE COLOR OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE -ELEVATING OUR SELF AND SOCIAL AWARENESS TO ADDRESS INEQUITIES BY FARAH HARRIS.
This book takes a poetic approach on the role of emotional intelligence in relationship management looking at the skill of emotional intelligence beyond therapy couch and corporate boardrooms even though I'm sceptical when someone tells me his emotional intelligence is beyond therapy.The book looks at the four somains of the skill set of emotional intelligence from self awareness to self management to social awareness to relationship management which are therapeutic.The writer advocates a use of electronic media watching which some animals in human form and insecure have turned to monitoring people's privacy unauthorized.The right reference missed by the author should be good and healthy watching without breach of privacy as one can not as an employer place camera in female bathrooms to video person's in the guise of understanding emotions to control them.Most of these IDIOTS who monitor people are full of complex and can't monitor the right person to be monitored but torment the weak and vulnerable.The writer in the book rightly condemns manipulative,biased emotional intelligence.I do not however buy into the author's idea of change of environment as that could be detrimental if it makes you loose touch with core law;is air motional;is electronic motion;emotional intelligence in promiscuous pride;keeps you away from social contact that benefit your career or intellect growth networking;e.t.c
The writer just tries to dodge issues without addressing them for me ,preaching self care which is a rarity except for the strong willed in real cases of tourture from emotional intelligence; electronic motion Intel that breaches privacy and degrades a person worth and value.
This book takes a poetic approach on the role of emotional intelligence in relationship management looking at the skill of emotional intelligence beyond therapy couch and corporate boardrooms even though I'm sceptical when someone tells me his emotional intelligence is beyond therapy.The book looks at the four somains of the skill set of emotional intelligence from self awareness to self management to social awareness to relationship management which are therapeutic.The writer advocates a use of electronic media watching which some animals in human form and insecure have turned to monitoring people's privacy unauthorized.The right reference missed by the author should be good and healthy watching without breach of privacy as one can not as an employer place camera in female bathrooms to video person's in the guise of understanding emotions to control them.Most of these IDIOTS who monitor people are full of complex and can't monitor the right person to be monitored but torment the weak and vulnerable.The writer in the book rightly condemns manipulative,biased emotional intelligence.I do not however buy into the author's idea of change of environment as that could be detrimental if it makes you loose touch with core law;is air motional;is electronic motion;emotional intelligence in promiscuous pride;keeps you away from social contact that benefit your career or intellect growth networking;e.t.c
The writer just tries to dodge issues without addressing them for me ,preaching self care which is a rarity except for the strong willed in real cases of tourture from emotional intelligence; electronic motion Intel that breaches privacy and degrades a person worth and value.
September 29, 2023
#HealthyHeart is the one which is #EmotionallyHappy
On this #WorldHeartDay we are sharing #BookReview of #TheColorOfEmotionalIntelligence by Farah Harris.
📚Book is simple in narrative style that makes the book quick read and keeps the interest alive.
💓While author takes you through personal experiences in storytelling manner the chapters are covered with right approach.
📚Book is divided into three parts further into 17 chapters with topics like Walk the dog, Papercuts striked a chord with me.
💯With equal division of chapters and each topic explained in detailed manner, author compels us to ponder upon aspects which go unnoticed and upon the topics that we do not consider under good mental health.
👉EQ Tip in between the chapters help us understand about emotions in depth.
👉EQ Review at the end of each chapter is a quick notes that one thinks to make after reading each chapter.
🎯Final Thoughts
Want to know how you are emotionally right now? Then, get to know about your Colour of Emotional Intelligence. This book is for you if you have ever zeroed in on why and how our behavior patterns work.
This quote "Learning of self requires you to take inventory of everything that shapes you." - Farah Harris will stay with me for longer time.
Share which book you read recently that has created a positive impact on your mind & #heart ?
#BookReview #BookBloggers #BloggerDuo #auraofthoughts #auraBookReviews
On this #WorldHeartDay we are sharing #BookReview of #TheColorOfEmotionalIntelligence by Farah Harris.
📚Book is simple in narrative style that makes the book quick read and keeps the interest alive.
💓While author takes you through personal experiences in storytelling manner the chapters are covered with right approach.
📚Book is divided into three parts further into 17 chapters with topics like Walk the dog, Papercuts striked a chord with me.
💯With equal division of chapters and each topic explained in detailed manner, author compels us to ponder upon aspects which go unnoticed and upon the topics that we do not consider under good mental health.
👉EQ Tip in between the chapters help us understand about emotions in depth.
👉EQ Review at the end of each chapter is a quick notes that one thinks to make after reading each chapter.
🎯Final Thoughts
Want to know how you are emotionally right now? Then, get to know about your Colour of Emotional Intelligence. This book is for you if you have ever zeroed in on why and how our behavior patterns work.
This quote "Learning of self requires you to take inventory of everything that shapes you." - Farah Harris will stay with me for longer time.
Share which book you read recently that has created a positive impact on your mind & #heart ?
#BookReview #BookBloggers #BloggerDuo #auraofthoughts #auraBookReviews
August 11, 2023
I knew emotions were important to address in DEI work
I'm a black deaf queer person and I'm aware of racial, disability, sex, and gender inequalities and inequities but I got into DEI work about 10 years ago. I thought I knew enough to present and write about it, but it turned out I had a lot of learning to do. I though that if people simply took the time to think about it, they would be more aware and they would change their behaviors. It didn't turn out that way. They learned it but they just sat on it and it was very frustrating for me. I did more reading about the systems of oppression and our roles and I shared that with them as well. It helped somewhat but they were not as moved. "Moved" is the key word for me; I have to do something to touch their emotions. This book really clear things up for me. What I have been doing is basically making them aware of injustice but I have done enough to help them assess their emotions and situations and plan their actions. "Awareness, assessment, and actions" are the steps Farah emphasizes in her book and that Is something I need to incorporate in my DEI work. Based on my experience, emotion intelligence is critical in making the world fair, equitable and accessible, but people allow their egos and emotions get in the way. So that is something that needs to be addressed and this book is the answer.
I'm a black deaf queer person and I'm aware of racial, disability, sex, and gender inequalities and inequities but I got into DEI work about 10 years ago. I thought I knew enough to present and write about it, but it turned out I had a lot of learning to do. I though that if people simply took the time to think about it, they would be more aware and they would change their behaviors. It didn't turn out that way. They learned it but they just sat on it and it was very frustrating for me. I did more reading about the systems of oppression and our roles and I shared that with them as well. It helped somewhat but they were not as moved. "Moved" is the key word for me; I have to do something to touch their emotions. This book really clear things up for me. What I have been doing is basically making them aware of injustice but I have done enough to help them assess their emotions and situations and plan their actions. "Awareness, assessment, and actions" are the steps Farah emphasizes in her book and that Is something I need to incorporate in my DEI work. Based on my experience, emotion intelligence is critical in making the world fair, equitable and accessible, but people allow their egos and emotions get in the way. So that is something that needs to be addressed and this book is the answer.
July 14, 2023
Empowering!
This book sounds very personal, sincere, derived from practical experience.
The term emotional intelligence has become quite 'famous' nowadays. However, there is still a lot of misunderstanding about it.
People need to be human, no matter the context or their profession.
The good thing is that the read is really accessible, but at the same time it features depth and enlightenment/insights.
Understanding our strong AND weak points, as well as acknowledging them properly, is a key to self-development and motivation.
The notion of social awareness is presented realistically, but the author encourages us to overcome such inequities and contribute to our society, without any discrimination.
In a way, her book could also be regarded as motivational/inspirational.
Recommended to socially active people who want to develop and improve themselves!
This book sounds very personal, sincere, derived from practical experience.
The term emotional intelligence has become quite 'famous' nowadays. However, there is still a lot of misunderstanding about it.
People need to be human, no matter the context or their profession.
The good thing is that the read is really accessible, but at the same time it features depth and enlightenment/insights.
Understanding our strong AND weak points, as well as acknowledging them properly, is a key to self-development and motivation.
The notion of social awareness is presented realistically, but the author encourages us to overcome such inequities and contribute to our society, without any discrimination.
In a way, her book could also be regarded as motivational/inspirational.
Recommended to socially active people who want to develop and improve themselves!
February 25, 2024
What’s interesting about this book, for me, was seeing how over the years I’ve adopted, and adapted to, the “professional” understanding of humanity from a corporate structure. Albeit, corporations, for the most part, are regulated by laws that provide governance for business practices as well as adequate oversight, as prompted, employees, through company sponsored trainings, learn to co-habit space in a manner that reduces the walls between us. These “barriers” we identify as -isms, primarily, shape how we work, how we engage, and who we liken our progress to, or even share our progress with. An excellent read that will aid in you developing a richer EQ.
August 16, 2023
As a Youth Life Skills coordinator and employability lead, this book is truly thought-provoking in terms of emotional intelligence and its profound impact on addressing societal inequities. We have serious mental breakdowns, abuse and drug abuse, and this book provides a greater and intricate connection between emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and social consciousness.
With practical examples, this author demonstrates how cultivating emotional intelligence can empower individuals to recognize, confront, and ultimately challenge systemic injustices.
"The Color of Emotional Intelligence" is a timely and impactful read that underscores the pivotal role of emotions in shaping our interactions with the world around us. I highly recommend this book especially for readers working on social services and working with youths. This will be a transformative journey of self-discovery and social responsibility, offering valuable insights into how emotional intelligence can be harnessed to create a more equitable and compassionate society. With its engaging narrative and thought-provoking analysis, this book serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to better understand the vital link between emotional intelligence and social change.
With practical examples, this author demonstrates how cultivating emotional intelligence can empower individuals to recognize, confront, and ultimately challenge systemic injustices.
"The Color of Emotional Intelligence" is a timely and impactful read that underscores the pivotal role of emotions in shaping our interactions with the world around us. I highly recommend this book especially for readers working on social services and working with youths. This will be a transformative journey of self-discovery and social responsibility, offering valuable insights into how emotional intelligence can be harnessed to create a more equitable and compassionate society. With its engaging narrative and thought-provoking analysis, this book serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to better understand the vital link between emotional intelligence and social change.
December 27, 2024
An important read!
As a fellow mental health professional, Part One was fairly familiar to me. However, the pieces about the intersection of race, privilege, allyship, and emotional intelligence were profound. I appreciated the end of chapter summaries and the activities at the end of the book. This is an essential read for pretty much everyone. I will definitely be recommending it to my colleagues and the families I work with. I would love to have Farah come speak to our organization about her important work!
As a fellow mental health professional, Part One was fairly familiar to me. However, the pieces about the intersection of race, privilege, allyship, and emotional intelligence were profound. I appreciated the end of chapter summaries and the activities at the end of the book. This is an essential read for pretty much everyone. I will definitely be recommending it to my colleagues and the families I work with. I would love to have Farah come speak to our organization about her important work!
August 31, 2024
I so appreciated this book! The author's mix of a conversational tone and evidence-based research made the topics feel approachable and insightful.
She used stories to better delineate her points around how critical emotional intelligence is in all facets of our lives. And, I especially loved how she included a variety of reflective questions to really take the reader through their own journey of self-perspective and awareness.
She used stories to better delineate her points around how critical emotional intelligence is in all facets of our lives. And, I especially loved how she included a variety of reflective questions to really take the reader through their own journey of self-perspective and awareness.
August 11, 2023
I loved this book. I learned a lot and it challenged many beliefs, attitudes and assumptions. It made me uncomfortable (and that's a good thing :) )and spotlighted realities that are not always easy to admit. It is very profound and valuable. We have a huge elephant in the room, and it needs to be seen.
June 28, 2023
Smooth, buttery read. I felt it was more educational than self help. For people who don't have time to consume the entire contents, the EQ tips and EQ review will come in handy. 3.5 stars rounded to 4
November 1, 2023
Book Review: The Color of Emotional Intelligence by Farah Harris. The author skillfully conveys her expert wisdom to help readers understand the primary principles of EQ. The discussion of EQ and black people resonates so deeply with me; our survival and upward progress has depended on being emotionally intelligent.
A poignant quote: “Can I let you in on a secret? Those who have historically and systemically been marginalized use the competencies in this skill set differently and as a means of survival. However, before we go there, I want you to understand what emotional intelligence is in black and white before it is touched by color.”
The color of EQ is expertly conveyed along strategies, tools, and self care tools to overcome the challenges and obstacles of the stressors of life. The section for allies is well written, detailed, succinct, and can be applied if approached by allies with humility, honesty, and curiosity. As quoted from the book: “We want to be in lockstep with our emotions—being fully present, aware of them, and experiencing them in real-time. In essence, we want to make sure that we are not just keeping our emotions on a leash but that we know what kind of dog, aka emotion, we are walking with. You may think you’re walking with anger when, actually, it’s guilt or shame.”
As written in the description, let us all strive to better stewards of humanity. Highly recommended. This book should be a part of a leadership toolkit for leaders in all career phases.
A poignant quote: “Can I let you in on a secret? Those who have historically and systemically been marginalized use the competencies in this skill set differently and as a means of survival. However, before we go there, I want you to understand what emotional intelligence is in black and white before it is touched by color.”
The color of EQ is expertly conveyed along strategies, tools, and self care tools to overcome the challenges and obstacles of the stressors of life. The section for allies is well written, detailed, succinct, and can be applied if approached by allies with humility, honesty, and curiosity. As quoted from the book: “We want to be in lockstep with our emotions—being fully present, aware of them, and experiencing them in real-time. In essence, we want to make sure that we are not just keeping our emotions on a leash but that we know what kind of dog, aka emotion, we are walking with. You may think you’re walking with anger when, actually, it’s guilt or shame.”
As written in the description, let us all strive to better stewards of humanity. Highly recommended. This book should be a part of a leadership toolkit for leaders in all career phases.
August 21, 2023
Booktasters recommended this book to me and it is a good follow up read to the DEI training I received at work. There are some excellent points made in the book and I appreciated the author's no nonsense tone. The exercises in the back of the book will be helpful tools to continue my self awareness. Self development is a journey and I think of this book as another tool in the box. Thank you Booktasters for the excellent recommendation.
July 7, 2024
There are several reasons to thank Dr. Harris for this book. Anecdotes, metaphors, professional tips, appropriate examples, and, of course, concise and clear explanations of Emotional Intelligence concepts. Dr. Harris, thank you for writing such an excellent book.
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