Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

What Makes a Leader: Why Emotional Intelligence Matters

Rate this book
What Makes a Leader: Why Emotional Intelligence Matters is a compilation of Daniel Goleman’s groundbreaking, highly sought-after Harvard Business Review articles and other business journal writings in one volume.

This often-cited, proven-effective material has become essential reading for leaders, coaches and educators committed to fostering stellar management practices, performance and innovation.

The collection reflects the evolution of Dr. Goleman’s thinking about emotional intelligence, especially in relation to the latest neuroscience research on the dynamics of relationships, and examining data on the real impact emotional intelligence has on an organization’s bottom-line.

175 pages, Paperback

Published February 10, 2014

197 people are currently reading
2035 people want to read

About the author

Daniel Goleman

385 books5,479 followers
Author of Emotional Intelligence and psychologist Daniel Goleman has transformed the way the world educates children, relates to family and friends, and conducts business. The Wall Street Journal ranked him one of the 10 most influential business thinkers.

Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence was on The New York Times best sellers list for a year-and-a-half. Named one of the 25 "Most Influential Business Management Books" by TIME, it has been translated into 40 languages. The Harvard Business Review called emotional intelligence (EI) “a revolutionary, paradigm-shattering idea.”

Goleman’s new book, Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence, argues that attention — a fundamental mental ability for success — has come under siege. Leadership that gets results demands a triple focus: on our inner world so we can manage ourselves; on others, for our relationships; and on the outer forces that shape our organizations and society itself.

His more recent books include The Brain and Emotional Intelligence, and Leadership: The Power of Emotional Intelligence - Selected Writings.


Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
188 (25%)
4 stars
311 (41%)
3 stars
200 (26%)
2 stars
42 (5%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa.
40 reviews6 followers
February 26, 2009
Good one. I'm a fan of Daniel Goleman as an emotional intelligence expert. Then you add in Jack and Suzy Welch. It's the perfect combination of practical thoughts + academic ones.
Profile Image for CA Ram Melam.
439 reviews5 followers
June 20, 2023
What makes a leader?
Emotional intelligence skills make you a leader, as per the author Daniel Goleman, apart from possessing technical skills and IQ.
Five EI skills are:
1. Self-awareness (Know thyself - a Greek adage);
2. Self-regulation (controlling and redirecting disruptive impulses and moods);
3. Motivation;
4. Empathy; and
5. Social skills.
Profile Image for Sergiu Cipcigan.
28 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2019
I really liked the fact that it emphasized the importance of attention in the work environment, and how different types of attention can influence our next steps.
The fact that he explained different styles of leadership, how they work and more importantly when each style is appropriate was a really good tip. It made me realize that one style is not enough, you should be able to switch between multiple leadership styles according to the context or what the goal is.
Profile Image for Sara Mateo.
30 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2024
Es una excelente introducción a la importancia del desarrollo de la inteligencia emocional cuando se aspira o se tiene un puesto de liderazgo, me impresiona que hace casi más de 12 años de qué coleman publicó sus artículos en diversos foros como LinkedIn y Forbes y los temas siguen siendo la raíz de preocupación de grandes empresas e incluso de inquietudes personales cuando buscas el desarrollo
Profile Image for Goncalo Almeida.
4 reviews
March 14, 2024
Muito eficaz no seu propósito, enriquecedor e de boa leitura, muitas boas ideias a tirar deste livro.
Profile Image for SJ L.
457 reviews95 followers
February 2, 2013
What Makes a Leader?
The title of this paper is incorrect, it should instead be called What Makes a Great Leader. The author begins by listing some threshold capabilities to reach the top: intelligence, toughness, determination, and vision. People typically list these as what makes a leader, but the author takes this one step further, adding a trait that distinguishes the best leaders. In this review I hope to introduce the essential trait for excellent leaders, quickly explain its five main components, discuss personal choice, and finally discuss what I am very much enjoying about the realm of business.
You have to possess the threshold capabilities to be a leader, but the best leaders also excel in another area – emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence has five components and also a very important feature – it can be improved. Won’t be easy to improve in the area of emotional intelligence, but like any other trait it can be improved through study, commitment, practice and honest feedback.
Briefly, the five components and some of their features. The first component of emotional intelligence is self-awareness, the old know thyself mantra. Recognizing strengths and weaknesses, understanding what motivates you and being careful to align your principals with a likeminded organization, being open to feedback and constructive criticism and knowing when to ask for help. Second, self-regulation, controlling emotions to channel them into useful outlets. This is interesting, it’s important to be passionate, but equally important not to explode with your passion on others without first stepping back and evaluating things. It links itself to integrity and thoughtfulness. Third, motivation. Intrinsic motivation to simply achieve coupled with unflagging energy to do things better. Fourth, empathy, taking into account other people’s feelings while making decisions, knowing when to push and when to pull back. Finally, social skill, knowing how to move people in a desired direction. Empathy is more individualized, social skill applies to groups.
How important to point out that it is through practice, actions, that one can improve in this trait. I feel this brings up the issue of personal responsibility and the power of action to the forefront. No pointing fingers to outside social factors, nope. It’s about getting shit done by choosing to do things. Period. The issue of personal responsibility, coupled with intelligent people exchanging ideas, is one of the things that I am most enjoying about the business environment. The conversation is heightened, much more cerebral than my previous career. This I like, very much so.
Quotes:
Emotional intelligence played an increasingly important role at the highest levels of the company.
Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Those with leadership potential are motivated by a deeply embedded desire to achieve for the sake of achievement…The first sign is passion for creative challenges, love to learn and take great pride in a job well done. They display an unflagging energy to do things better. People with such energy often seem restless with the status quo.
Social skill is friendliness with a purpose: moving people in the direction you desire, whether that’s agreement on a new marketing strategy or enthusiasm about a new product…a knack for building rapport and building bonds widely.
Profile Image for Carolina Pereira.
7 reviews
April 17, 2022
Muito bom!
Um livro extremamente prático e útil nos dias que correm. Fala-nos um bocadinho de tudo e não só sobre como liderar uma equipa, mas também como saber se estamos no sítio certo e se o caminho que estamos a percorrer é o nosso!
É de leitura simples e muitos dos exemplos nós conseguimos colocar em prática na nossa vida profissional
Profile Image for Kent.
336 reviews
December 4, 2018
Succinct summary version of the author's presentation of emotional intelligence components, which was originally published as an article in the Harvard Business Review. Short was good!
Profile Image for Erwin .
43 reviews
September 18, 2024
Cómo ser un líder de Daniel Goleman es un libro que profundiza en la relevancia de la inteligencia emocional en el liderazgo. Goleman, reconocido por popularizar este concepto, recopila varios de sus artículos en los que explora cómo gestionar las propias emociones, comprender las de los demás y cómo estos elementos impactan en el rendimiento de los equipos. La obra conecta la psicología del liderazgo con su aplicación en el entorno empresarial, proporcionando herramientas que no solo permiten mejorar a nivel personal, sino también en la gestión de personas y equipos.

El libro es una excelente opción si buscas una visión más humanista y relacional del liderazgo. Los conceptos son accesibles y los ilustra con ejemplos prácticos que invitan a la reflexión. Muchos podrían valorar la claridad y la estructura del texto. Sin embargo, si ya estás familiarizado con los trabajos previos de Goleman o con el concepto de inteligencia emocional, el libro puede resultar repetitivo, ya que al ser una compilación de artículos, algunas ideas y ejemplos se reiteran. Para aquellos con más experiencia en liderazgo, el contenido puede parecer superficial y no profundiza en temas más complejos o técnicos. Este no es mi caso, disfrute la lectura, en especial, del capítulo Inteligencia social y la biología de liderazgo .

En resumen, Cómo ser un líder es ideal para quienes buscan desarrollar sus habilidades de liderazgo desde un enfoque emocional y empático, especialmente si están comenzando en su carrera o desean reforzar su autoconciencia. Sin embargo, podría no ser la mejor elección si lo que buscas son estrategias más avanzadas o si ya dominas los conceptos de inteligencia emocional. Como en muchas lecturas, todo depende de dónde te encuentres en tu proceso de desarrollo como líder y de lo que quieras mejorar.

Algunas de las ideas en cada capítulo.
Profile Image for Ravi Teja.
217 reviews9 followers
December 30, 2019
This book packs quite a punch. Picked this book because it's one of the HBR classic series and boy doest it deliver?

In simple and no nonsense terms author talks about self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills. A must read, and here is a summary from the book itself about the EI skills.

The EI skills are:
• Self-awareness—knowing one’s strengths, weaknesses, drives, values, and impact on others
• Self-regulation—controlling or redirecting disruptive impulses and moods
• Motivation—relishing achievement for its own sake
• Empathy—understanding other people’s emotional makeup
• Social skill—building rapport with others to move them in desired directions

Such was the impact that I was immediately able to identify a couple of things that I need to change/incorporate into my routine to be a better executive/employee/person.

Each topic had some kind of example. I wished there were more or better examples for motivation and empathy. That's my one minor gripe. Regardless, I'd be reading expanded versions of these by the same author and also these are some of the things that I'd work on for the coming year, now that I've identified things that I can improve about myself.

A must read. This is a short book, don't dither too much.
Profile Image for Danny Yáñez.
51 reviews
June 14, 2021
Segundo libro en la serie de liderazgo que estoy leyendo. Debo decir que me ha gustado muchísimo.

Este libro es un compendio de publicaciones del autor en diversas revistas y blogs, presentados por fecha de publicación, haciéndonos ver la evolución de su pensamiento en el tema. Incide mucho en la empatía (cognitiva, emocional y preocupación empática), el autoconocimiento, la atención, las habilidades sociales y, en general, en la inteligencia emocional por encima del coeficiente intelectual como factores de éxito.

Según Goleman, los estilos de liderazgo son una serie de palos de golf que el líder debe utilizar dependiendo de las circunstancias en las que se encuentre. Ya sea para marcar la pauta, movilizar a la gente hacia una visión, crear lazos, construir consenso, entrenar o tomar las decisiones difíciles.

Contiene una gran cantidad de estudios en el campo de la neurociencia que respaldan las teorías presentadas. Me gustó, por ejemplo, la explicación sobre la influencia del estado de ánimo de líder sobre los miembros de su equipo, basado en el sistema límbico abierto para recibir las emociones. En general, un buen manual para tener siempre a la mano.

Siguiente libro: "El camino del líder" de David Fischman.
Profile Image for Gonçalo Santos.
35 reviews
February 10, 2021
Excelente! Já percebi que não há muitas pessoas a concordarem comigo, mas a opinião de cada um pressupõe subjetividade.

Eu achei o livro e o seu tema subjacente(Neurociência) extremamente interessantes, que apesar de não ser um expert teórico já vou tendo umas “luzes” práticas deste conceito. Senti uma espécie de mistura de “Como fazer amigos e influenciar pessoas” e “Desperta o Gigante que há em ti”(Que recomendo para quem ainda não leu, que o faça), no entanto neste livro do Daniel temos termos mais técnicos, ainda assim com uma linguagem acessível. A sua área de profissão também permite que lhe seja mais fácil aprofundar o tema. À semelhança de muitos destes livros de Desenvolvimento Pessoal têm alguns exercícios práticos. Alguns dos quais achei imensamente interessantes. Aborda ainda temas como o Mindfulness e Empatia, que são temas seguidos por mim há já algum tempo.
Para quem goste de aprender um pouco mais sobre desenvolvimento pessoal nas áreas sociais e psicológicas e de liderança, leia!
Profile Image for Bruna Luz.
10 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2023
É o segundo livro de Daniel Goleman que leio e, apesar de não ter gostado do “Foco- O Motor Oculto da Excelência” por ser demasiado teórico, “Como ser um líder - A Importância da Inteligência Emocional” superou todas as minhas expectativas.

Este livro apresenta vários tipos de líderes e as principais características de cada um deles. Contudo, é aconselhado adotar mais do que um tipo para ser um líder bem-sucedido. Para além disso, são apresentadas técnicas para lidar com determinados problemas/pessoas e para aumentar o foco durante o trabalho.

O livro apresenta ainda situações reais e métodos eficazes para as ultrapassar. A inteligência emocional é tão importante quanto o QI! Excelente livro!

Crítica à editora Temas e Debates - Círculo de Leitores: a versão traduzida para língua portuguesa ainda apresenta algumas falhas a nível de pontuação, nomeadamente a falta de vírgulas a isolar modificadores apositivos. (nº de edição: 8053)
Profile Image for Cecilio Calderon.
23 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2021
Daniel Goleman realizó uno de los hallazgos con alto impacto en la actualidad "la inteligencia emocional" después de escribir su libro, realizó varios estudios donde se percata que el liderazgo requiere de inteligencia emocional.

Para ser un líder se requiere inteligencia emocional siendo el sine qua non del liderazgo. Los componentes de la inteligencia emocional que menciona el autor son: conciencia de uno mismo, autorregulación, empatía y destreza social.

La inteligencia emocional no sólo distingue a los líderes destacados, sino que también pueden relacionarse con los que ofrecen grandes resultados.
Profile Image for Henrique Vogado.
252 reviews4 followers
March 21, 2022
Há uns anos atrás li sobre a "Inteligência Emocional", termo desenvolvido por este autor.
Ainda estudava na faculdade e esta era a expressão do momento. Não importava o Quociente de Inteligência, mas a parte emocional que lida com as questões diárias.
Comprei esta obra na Feira do Livro, com um bom desconto, pensando que o tema já estaria datado e por isso o incrível preço.
Revelou-se melhor que pensava.
O livro não ensina como ser um líder, mas como o desempenho das lideranças.
Muitos são os chefes que precisam de formação para gerir pessoas. Esse é o aspecto mais difícil de controlar e melhorar, daí a inteligência emocional.
Um livro para ler e consultar.
Profile Image for Maru.
68 reviews
April 28, 2024
El contenido ha sido interesante de leer. Me quedo con los consejos prácticos y con ganas de ser capaz de inspirar a la gente con el ejemplo, por pequeño o momentáneo que sea. Aunque no crea que el mundo sea tan simple como para dividirlo entre líderes y seguidores, creo que a todos nos gusta estar cerca de personas coherentes, empáticas, determinadas y conscientes, por lo que todos podemos ser líderes y seguidores con inteligencia emocional y seguir aprendiendo herramientas para movernos en el mundo. Tres estrellas.
Profile Image for Filipe Salgueiro.
38 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2020
This is a rather useful book (like so many from Daniel Goleman). It offers an interesting look into what happens with us when assuming a leadership position, also giving us valuable tips.
If you already read "Focus" then the last part of this book is a bit of a reash.
I completely reccomend this book, not only if you are (or want to be) a leader but also to anyone who wants to understand better how to position themselves better among people.
Profile Image for gabriela .
72 reviews
November 4, 2023
lo leí para hacerle una tarea a una amiga. me agrada el enfoque que le da al liderazgo desde los vínculos sociales y la colectividad, también el q piense q un líder debe proyectarse al futuro y trabajar en conjunto a otros líderes para mejorar la sociedad, y así no limitarse solo a cumplir los objetivos de una empresa.

lo único q es un poco tedioso es q al ser recopilatorio, hay muchos puntos q se redundan pero de ahí no tengo más quejas<3
Profile Image for Cesar Palerm.
6 reviews3 followers
February 17, 2018
The selection of articles in this book provides a good overview of the different aspects of emotional intelligence as it relates to leadership. I found it to be a great starting point and it has whetted my appetite to dive in deeper into the topic.
Profile Image for Vlad.
5 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2019
An excellent book on how emotional intelligence can give someone with leadership aspirations a new perspective on becoming a better communicator and substantially increase one's social and empathic skills.
Profile Image for Maleja Pérez Sánchez.
114 reviews4 followers
February 12, 2020
Si bien para esta literatura es fácil caer en los lugares comunes y en las generalizaciones, y este no es la excepción, este libro lo leí en un taller de liderazgo y me aportó elementos valiosos de crecimiento personal.
22 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2020
Tiene varios puntos importantes que todos los líderes de hoy en día deben tener. Menciona casos muy puntuales sobre cómo aplicar el liderazgo y que tan importante es la inteligencia emocional en los proceso
Profile Image for Luis Andres.
57 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2021
Un libro que explora las clases de liderazgo, cómo la inteligencia emocional afecta al liderazgo, tiene algunos puntos prácticos.
Pero hubiera esperado que sea un poco más atractivo para la lectura, por ratos el libro cansa.
Profile Image for Ricardo.
28 reviews
February 14, 2024
Una guía corta pero valiosa con ensayos y consejos para desarrollar tu liderazgo y llevar a tu equipo al éxito empresarial. No le doy 5 estrellas porque mucho de los textos son publicaciones de Linkedin.
Profile Image for Susete Santos.
36 reviews
September 15, 2025
"Liderar com eficácia é, por outras palavras, muito mais a capacidade de desenvolver o interesse genuíno pelas pessoas que colaboram connosco, e o talento para gerar sentimentos positivos nessas mesmas pessoas, do que ser capaz situações ou do que dominar aptidões sociais."
245 reviews19 followers
February 26, 2018
Intriguing conversation between Jack and Suzy Welch and Daniel Goleman.
Profile Image for Juliana Viana.
17 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2018
Book repeats the same concepts over and over again. I liked the part about attention and focus.
It is worth reading... very short, you can read it in a day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.