The New Emotional Intelligence

by Travis Bradberry

The world is changing rapidly, and emotional intelligence (EQ) is more important now than ever. As times change, so should your approach to increasing your EQ. The New Emotional Intelligence is a groundbreaking new book by Dr. Travis Bradberry, coauthor of the massive best seller Emotional Intelligence 2.0 , that answers the call with a powerful new way to increase your EQ.

This trailblazing book applies the latest breakthroughs in psychology and neuroscience to deliver a proven, step-by-step program that will take your EQ to new heights. The book's innovative process shows you how to make big changes in small steps as you transform yourself, surpass your goals, and unlock your highest potential.

60 powerful new super strategies will improve your EQ via the four core skills of:

1) Self-Awareness
2) Self-Management
3) Social Awareness
4) Relationship Management

Each copy contains a unique passcode to take The Emotional Intelligence Test™ an enlightening new assessment (the author's first in 20 years) that will show you where your EQ stands today and how you can improve it. Complete with video-based elearning and an online coaching plan, your test results will:

* Reveal which of the book's 60 super strategies will increase your EQ the most.
* Help you see what's holding you back and what you should be doing more of
* Allow you to test yourself a second time to measure your progress.

As the world's foremost expert on increasing emotional intelligence, Dr. Bradberry is known for his ability to turn complex topics into simple behaviors that you can easily apply to your life and work. This easy-to-follow guide offers an abundance of practical strategies to help you harness the power of EQ and build your skills into strengths.

WITH 90% OF TOP PERFORMERS HIGH IN EQ, AND EQ TWICE AS IMPORTANT AS IQ IN GETTING WHERE YOU WANT TO GO IN LIFE, CAN YOU AFFORD TO IGNORE IT?

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Business, Personal Development, Leadership, Audiobook

368 pages, Hardcover

Published May 13, 2025

About the author

Dr. Travis Bradberry is the award-winning author of the #1 bestselling book, THE NEW EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE. He is a world-renowned expert in emotional intelligence whose books have sold more than 5 million copies.

Dr. Bradberry is a LinkedIn Top Voice with 2.5 million followers on the platform. He has written for, or been covered by, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, TIME, Bloomberg Businessweek, Fortune, Forbes, Fast Company, The Washington Post, and The Harvard Business Review.

Reviews

[Hillary Pate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I think it could just be a manual on how to be a great human.

[Ray Gasser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had found this book years ago...it literally has me questioning how I have approached so many things both in work and in life. I truly believe it to be an instruction manual on how to be a better and more effective human being. And I think I can make it happen for me.

[Bill Theroux · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very well written and really engaging. I enjoyed how the strategies were broken up and how you could tie it to your emotional intelligence score. I would recommend most companies implement this type of training in their curriculum!

[Collin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Another insightful read by Dr. Bradberry. I’ve kept up with his books for years and he just keeps getting better.

[Alberto Segura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this and I loved it!

Not only was the content helpful and relevant to my work in a large organization, I really enjoy the sensory experience of this book.

I LOVE that the cover is printed on the actual book and I can discard the jacket. Its small size made it easy to throw in my carry-on at the airport. It fit inside my Baggu easily.

[Mickoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I really like:

-The tone is encouraging but realistic; Bradberry doesn’t promise overnight miracles but emphasizes consistent improvement. That makes accepting one’s shortcomings less shameful.

-So many small stories, examples, reflections — enough that you feel you’re not alone in having these struggles: losing patience, misreading cues, snapping in anger, etc.

-The inclusion of modern neuroscience updates — people love books that feel evidence-based. When you see why things happen in your brain, you get less self-blame and more optimism (“this can change”).

-The test + follow-up is motivating. It shifts the book from “just read” to “do” to “track.” And tracking often is what differentiates people who grow vs those who only aspire.


What Could Be Better?

No book is perfect.

-While the 60 strategies are powerful, for some readers they might overlap or feel repetitive. It’s sometimes tricky to know which ones to focus on first (though the test tries to help).

-The jump between strategy and deep personal change still depends heavily on self-discipline, time, reflection. The book gives tools, but you have to do the work. If someone is overwhelmed, burned out, or lacking resources (time, mental energy), applying even good small strategies can feel hard.

-The cultural/contextual aspect: since people come from different backgrounds, what’s “normal” in relationship management or social awareness can vary widely. Some of the examples might assume Western norms of communication, for example.

-For people with mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, trauma etc.), some advice may need adaptation or supplementation (e.g. therapy, professional help). The book is strong as a self-growth tool, but not a substitute for clinical support.


Is It Worth Reading For “Ordinary” People?

Definitely!
If you are someone who wants to grow, wants to relate better to others, wants to be more resilient, less triggered, more connected, this book gives concrete, practical help.


What makes it stand out over many self-help / EQ books is that it:
-gives you current research so you feel not like someone’s opinion but a foundation;
-offers actionable strategies, not just theory;
-integrates a feedback loop (test, apply, retest);
-acknowledges that the world has changed (how we communicate, stressors, social norms) and updates what we know about emotions accordingly.

My overall rating for the book: 4.5 stars.
The half-star off isn’t because of big flaws, but because real change is hard (and the reader has to meet the book halfway) and because some of the deeper relational/troubled cases may need more than the book offers.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The New Emotional Intelligence by Travis Bradberry! I found it to be easy to read and digest. I liked that he used easy to understand, everyday language. This book is relevant to people of all levels of the emotional intelligence studies.

I thought the narration by Tom Parks was great! He used great timing and was easy to understand.

I’ll definitely be purchasing a copy because I want access to The Emotional Intelligence Test™ and the additional material. I highly recommend reading this!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The New Emotional Intelligence by Travis Bradberry
Narrated by Tom Parks
Publisher: Brilliance Publishing, Brilliance Audio
Genre: Business, Leadership, Finance | Nonfiction (Adult)
Expected Publication Date: May 13, 2025

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 Stars (Excellent)
Setting: N/A
Genre: Self-help

Dr. Travis Bradberry’s The New Emotional Intelligence is a compelling and highly practical guide for anyone looking to better understand and elevate their emotional intelligence. Building on the foundation he helped lay in Emotional Intelligence 2.0, Bradberry returns with a wealth of fresh insights, grounded in the latest research in neuroscience and psychology.

What sets this book apart is its clear, actionable structure. The 60 “super strategies” are thoughtfully organized around the four pillars of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Each strategy is bite-sized, yet impactful—making it easy to apply the lessons to everyday life. Whether you’re looking to become a better leader, teammate, partner, or parent, there’s something in this book for you.

One of the standout features is the inclusion of The Emotional Intelligence Test™, which helps readers assess their EQ baseline and provides a customized improvement plan. The integration of video-based elearning and online coaching adds an interactive and personal touch that makes the experience feel more like a journey than just a read.

While the book excels in accessibility and usefulness, some readers might wish for a deeper dive into the science behind the strategies. At times, the book favors simplicity over depth, which is great for beginners but may leave more seasoned readers wanting more.

Overall, The New Emotional Intelligence delivers on its promise: it offers a straightforward, engaging, and science-backed roadmap to improving your EQ. Dr. Bradberry’s writing is approachable, his advice is sound, and the format is refreshingly hands-on. Whether you’re new to emotional intelligence or looking to refine your skills, this book is a worthy investment in your personal and professional growth. #netgalley #thenewemotionalintelligence #booked_this_weekend

[Nathanael Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A relatively quick read, summarizing and reinforcing some good foundational concepts in emotional intelligence. Well worth a read.

[starsliterarychronicles · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ✨ I would recommend this book to anyone, especially new adults navigating both personal and work life. The pacing is interesting because it’s mostly focused on specific things without losing the integrity as a whole, meaning, you can use the index and read about a particular skill without missing key examples from previous chapters or to come back and still know what was being explained.

In all honesty, reading this book came at the perfect time for me. For the longest time I’ve been struggling with understanding emotional intelligence not only as a concept, but with how to apply it organically. This helped me start to navigate that, even though it’s still very much a WIP.

The message of the book is clear -you never wonder why something is being mentioned- I will say, as it’s obvious, there is a bias when reading and that’s why I couldn’t connect with everything, or when analysing somethings I didn’t see it as the author was explaining it. To be clear, the text is neutral when giving examples, but my mind’s default mode is to overthink, so … I had to figure out how to balance the author’s examples with the ones on my brain.

The test provided was such an amazing add on that made a lot of sense for the nature of the book. The author explains that personal competence has four main emotional intelligence skills and based on the results you can focus in the ones needed. I’ll probably redo the test in a couple of months to (hopefully) see the progress.

With that said, the format felt almost like a lecture—in the best way. The book combines statistics, biological/neurological facts and commentary that keeps you engaged while learning without it being overwhelming. It definitely made me want to research more about the human brain, and it got me interested on the author’s backlist.

[Bearone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book begins with a lesson from an athlete’s experience.

The author then explains how emotional intelligence works, described in a scientific manner. I’m delighted because this can open our eyes to how unique we are as humans with the various components within us. The author explains it briefly and simply, so i think it’s not difficult for laypeople to understand.

After we understand how emotional intelligence works, the author emphasizes its importance in the life we lead. This is crucial because, of course, we need to know the purpose of why we’re learning about this, right?

If likened to the layers of Earth's atmosphere, i think this is the outermost layer. This book is an introductory one, which i believe is more suitable for laypeople to get acquainted with emotional intelligence.

I became curious: how many types of emotions are there in the world? What kinds of emotions do we have?

Oh, by the way, the author includes an emotional intelligence test that can be accessed online. (Unfortunately, it can only be accessed twice.) This is quite interesting.

When we want to change or improve ourselves, we often get confused about where to start. Well, don’t worry. This book provides steps to guide us in building emotional intelligence gradually.

The book contains questions and tables that guide us in recognizing emotions, building and maintaining healthy relationships, fostering social awareness, and reflecting on the results of the emotional intelligence test we took online. This is truly useful for laypeople like me in learning about emotional intelligence. I feel like it’s training us to journal in a more structured way.

As we know, human life is very complex and interconnected. So, it’s not surprising that emotional intelligence is related to human lifestyles. Here, the author reminds us to live with healthy lifestyle habits.

Since emotional intelligence involves others, the author also provides tips or advice for interacting with others, especially in the context of work.

This is a great book for beginners who are learning to understand themselves.

[Prashanth Bhat · Rating 4 out of 5]

world is changing.
now you not only need intelligence.
you need emotional intelligence.
in this rapidly growing world how to tackle problems while living and working in a corporate setup is the new problem.
but how to deal with this problem.
I don't know why this isn't taught as an MBA course. I would have found this very valuable as part of my curriculum. so I recommend this to evwryone out there.
this also makes us take tests so that we can cross verify what we learnt.
in that sense this is a complete guide.
loved it.

[Kevin Dufresne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

The New Emotional Intelligence by Dr. Travis Bradberry, PhD, explores strategies to improve individual, interdependent, and organizational emotional intelligence. Engaging my interests in healthful progressions of life as well as of being a more mindful romantic/life partner, I decide to buy then read the text to further broaden and deepen my healthfully progressing understanding of healthfully progressing parameters of life. Additionally, confirmation of my decision to buy then read the text branches from finding, and thoroughly enjoying, Dr. Daniel Goleman's, PhD, books, Emotional Intelligence and Working With Emotional Intelligence, extremely interesting, profound, if one will, truly expanding healthful awareness of aspects of human spectrums. The New Emotional Intelligence by Dr. Travis Bradberry, PhD, offers an emotional intelligence test, questions for discussion, personal training (in connection with the EQ test as well as beyond the EQ test), and plethora of strategies for one to deliberate, seeking to grow healthfully well. The test is straightforward though requires careful reading. The EQ test is interesting, and I think decent to consider in many regards (especially considering the many ways one may read the prompts of the EQ test, to deliberate further in other ways). One has much control over one's life.

Onward and Upward,
Kevin Dufresne
www.Piatures.com
IG: @Dufreshest

[Juan Carlos Quintero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy to read and useful test and strategies to improve the weakest emotional areas

[Alex Whang · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually find these types of book insufferable but this one was surprisingly tolerable. My mom sent this to me so maybe she was trying to tell me something :)

[Berkeley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am not this book’s target audience.

This is a book for business bros who want to use emotional intelligence as a strategy to get a leg up. I am not that. I knew this wasn’t for me the moment it used phrases like “dividends of happiness” and “significant gains” multiple times. Eye roll, barf, guffaw… all of the above.

If I had to read one more list, I would scream. Some of the lists were genuinely thought-provoking and focused on intrinsic motivation. But most felt like instructions for how to perform care for others for strategic gain. It often came off as manipulative rather than sincere. The book leans heavily on bullet points, but rarely offers tangible examples to show how emotional intelligence actually plays out in real life. There were no vignettes, no grounded scenarios. This book’s lack of depth feels disconnected from a nuanced understanding of human behavior.

There were also sections that were outright ableist. At one point, the book uses Forrest Gump (a fictional character with a developmental disability) as an example of a fixed mindset. That comparison is offensive and wildly inappropriate, especially in a book about emotional intelligence.

Other examples of ableism include this gem: “Why do people procrastinate? Sometimes it’s simply because they’re lazy.” No. Lazy isn’t a personality trait. I encourage you to read Laziness Does Not Exist by Devon Price. The book also implies that people who struggle with executive dysfunctioning (i.e., people with neurodivergences) can’t have grit because it makes people incapable of mental toughness. That’s inaccurate and damaging.

And then there’s the fatphobia: “Not sleeping enough makes you fat.” As if that is the worst-case scenario. Using body shame as a motivator to encourage better sleep is so outdated and harmful.

The author criticizes all-or-nothing thinking while constantly labeling people in rigid categories: “confident people,” “self-aware people,” as though emotional intelligence is something you achieve and then check off for life. Emotional intelligence is a lifelong process of reflection and growth, not a final form you evolve into.

To be clear, I’m not saying this book is useless to everyone. In fact, Travis Bradberry was instrumental in me learning how to operate appropriately in a neurotypical landscape (ie, masking, but that’s another issue). But it’s either very much for people who want to use emotional intelligence for self gain, or it’s for people who have made it to this reading level without any emotional regulation or relationship skills.

I do not recommend this book for neurodivergent readers (not that it was written for us) or for anyone looking for a meaningful, inclusive take on emotional growth.

Thank you to Brilliance Publishing for early access to the audiobook via NetGalley.

[Jules Poet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this audiobook through Netgalley.

The first, and arguably the most, important point is that this book has a serious sales gimmick. You are very heavily encouraged to take the test once before you read the book and once after. The catch is that you have to pay big for the privilege of taking this test. 5/25/25 pricing: @udible: 1 credit, @mazon hardcover $22.99,
B@rnesandnobledotcom $26.95, W@lmart $22.99.

Why does the cost matter? The code in the book only works for one person to take the test twice, or for 2 different people to take it once. That means if you read an advanced copy (which, I did), there’s no code. If you get it from the library, thr1ftbooks, @bebooks, or at a used bookstore - the code won’t work for you.

Just go on the website and pay for the test you say? The website is probably T@lentsmart. You can buy the book (but the link is to a former version of the current book), or you can enter your passcode.

This seems like a serious scheme to me and a terrible one at that, and that tactic is something that shows a low EQ.

Not everyone can afford the price of this test. And, people don’t like being emotionally bullied into paying such a high cost.

….
Anyway, the book…
First, it was way too long. Second, this isn’t a thesis where you need to tell me the contents of each chapter. I read this for me, not for a class.

Second, If the writer wants to encourage people to behave in a way that suits themselves personally and helps cultivate better relationships with others - there are better, less wordy, ways to get the point out there.

There are good things to learn or reacquaint yourself with.

I felt like I was at a boring lecture, and wanted to fake a bathroom break. I wasn’t captivated. I wasn’t thinking “a-ha! So that’s how I can make my work environment better”.

Mostly, I thought, why should people have to pay a lot for this test? That though popped into my head while listening to this over a dozen times.

The author and publisher could & should do better. If the point of this book is to see how many people you can corner into buying this book - great. But, if the point is to help make the world a more emotionally intelligent place - lower the price of the test, and make that available to use. I would happily pay $6 to take the test myself, and it pisses me off that I can’t, and that you may have the same issue saddens me.

[trinket · Rating 5 out of 5]

The New Emotional Intelligence by Travis Bradberry gave me a fresh and eye-opening take on emotional intelligence, and it honestly made me pause and think about how I handle my own emotions. It doesn’t just explain concepts, it makes you reflect on your everyday reactions and relationships. I liked how easy it was to follow without feeling too heavy or technical.

What really stood out to me was how the book shows emotions as something you can work with, not something you have to suppress. It changed the way I look at empathy, self-awareness, and even how I communicate with others. Bradberry’s approach feels supportive and realistic, which made the lessons feel doable in real life.

I also really enjoyed the writing style—it’s clear, engaging, and flows naturally from one idea to the next. The format makes it easy to read in short sittings while still leaving an impact. Overall, this is one of those books that quietly sticks with you, and I’m genuinely thankful to the author for sharing these insights.

[Georgia Hutto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent guide on how to be a human!

[Mateo · Rating 2 out of 5]

In a vacuum, this book is pretty good. It’s well written and super easy to follow. It also makes a lot of intuitive sense and it all seems like good life advice. And that reflects the problem. There’s very little that isn’t already discussed in “How to Win Friends and Influence People” (published 90 years ago) and similar books from the last century. For a “new” book on EQ released in 2025, I was disappointed to see almost nothing about how 21st century life has a host of completely new issues that mess with everyone’s emotional regulation. The presented advice, which is mainly being more thoughtful about what you feel and thinking about how others feel, is good to see on paper but has already been said (and is repeated often within the book). There’s a few pages referencing some neuroscience studies (which are also kind of old) and texting, but if you talk to any teen or 20-something year-old then you will see that a modern book on EQ necessitates further exploration into the effects of today’s society on emotion. All in all, I don’t think I learned anything new that couldn’t have been printed out on two sheets of paper.

If you really want to learn about emotional intelligence that hasn’t already been said by self-help experts *including this author* in previous works, then read some papers by the scientists actively studying this field. If you want to become more emotionally intelligent, don’t buy this book in hopes of gaining new knowledge about the self and connection to others. Touch grass, and connect with others. It’s probably infinitely more useful to practice talking with people and use skills from cognitive behavioral therapy than to buy this book, take the online quiz, journal in it your experiences, and discuss it in a group (there’s discussion questions provided at the end for your convenience!) as the publishers very much encourage you to do. That whole “buy this and use it as an all inclusive guide” schtick is patronizing and it turned me off. The most emotionally intelligent people, which the author constantly references as a part of his writing style to say “this is what they do and what you should copy,” probably didn’t read a book to get there.

[Jung]

Despite being positioned as a practical guide to mastering emotional intelligence, "The New Emotional Intelligence: Master Your Emotional Skills for Lasting Success" largely falls into the trap of recycling oversimplified self-help advice. While it uses a dramatic opening anecdote - the infamous shark attack on surfer Mick Fanning - as a metaphor for emotional trauma and resilience, the connection to emotional intelligence feels forced, more like a gimmick to capture attention than a substantive lesson. Fanning’s journey, though moving, is used as a superficial bridge into a book that mostly repackages common emotional wellness tips under the guise of neuroscience and psychology, often lacking real depth or originality.

The book structures itself around the four so-called 'pillars' of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. However, its attempt to teach these in a meaningful or novel way is weak. Instead of engaging critically with complex emotional processes, the author delivers a stream of predictable insights. The section on self-awareness, for instance, begins with the idea that naming one’s emotions helps regulate them - a concept widely repeated in countless other resources. Rather than digging deeper into why or how this occurs, or exploring its limitations, the author quickly moves on, offering little more than a surface-level gloss.

The advice on building confidence reads like a list pulled from an Instagram infographic: 'don’t procrastinate,' 'don’t seek praise,' 'never give up.' These maxims are presented as if they’re universally applicable, ignoring the fact that confidence is shaped by far more than just behavioral choices. There’s no real discussion of cultural, psychological, or socioeconomic factors that can impact one’s sense of self-efficacy. The tone is overly optimistic and dismisses nuance. Worse, it borders on victim-blaming: if you’re not confident, it implies you just aren’t following the seven steps hard enough.

Similarly, the book’s emphasis on sleep and caffeine management, while grounded in credible research, seems oddly placed in a guide supposedly focused on emotional skills. The suggestion that cutting back coffee and sleeping more will increase your EQ feels reductive and somewhat patronizing. These lifestyle tips may be beneficial, but they oversimplify emotional intelligence by turning it into a wellness checklist rather than a deeply interpersonal and introspective skillset.

When it comes to self-management, the book again offers generic solutions: slow down, reflect before reacting, avoid multitasking. While these are valid recommendations, they are hardly revelatory. The text fails to engage with situations where self-management is most difficult - when emotions override logic, when trauma skews perception, or when mental health disorders are at play. There’s a conspicuous absence of discussion about emotional dysregulation, burnout, or the messy, contradictory nature of human emotion. Instead, readers are handed quick fixes with little acknowledgement that lasting emotional growth requires more than breathing exercises and timeouts.

The book’s advice on setting boundaries and saying no is likewise presented without nuance. Phrases like 'just say, ‘I won’t be able to this time’' are portrayed as silver bullets for maintaining self-respect. Yet, the emotional and social complexities of saying no - especially in situations involving power dynamics or marginalized identities - are glossed over. Emotional intelligence in difficult social situations requires sensitivity, strategy, and practice, not just rigid scripting.

In its social awareness section, the book continues to lean on overly simplified and often anecdotal arguments. It encourages readers to become better listeners, suggesting they put their phones away and use reflective responses. These are standard communication skills, yet the book treats them as groundbreaking. There’s also an awkward reliance on clichés, such as 'listen more than you speak,' which, while true, are hardly sufficient guidance for developing genuine empathy or emotional attunement.

The text’s brief detour into deception detection - claiming you can tell someone is lying if they fidget, hold eye contact too long, or give too many details - ventures into pseudoscientific territory. Although the author throws in a caveat about not jumping to conclusions, this section risks reinforcing harmful stereotypes about body language and honesty. It simplifies interpersonal complexity into a list of suspicious behaviors, which can be damaging if misapplied in real-world interactions.

Perhaps the most telling shortfall of this book lies in its missed opportunity to address emotional intelligence in diverse, high-stakes contexts. EQ is a vital skill in environments such as parenting, leadership, education, conflict resolution, and systemic inequality. Yet the book rarely ventures into these domains. It focuses instead on individual improvement, often framed through the lens of performance and success. Emotions are seen less as deeply human experiences to be explored and more as obstacles to productivity that must be 'managed.'

Even the book’s concluding chapters on relationship management feel more like recycled corporate training material than heartfelt reflections on emotional connection. The tips - show appreciation, maintain boundaries, be assertive - are all valid, but again, lack emotional nuance or cultural sensitivity. There is a notable absence of storytelling or case studies that illustrate these concepts in real life. The few that are included (like the surfer or a quick mention of a car-buying study) feel shoehorned in rather than integrated into a coherent framework.

The book tries to wrap up by asserting that emotional intelligence can be learned and strengthened, which is certainly true. But its method for achieving this - pick a skill, practice it daily - reduces a lifelong process to a simplistic to-do list. It treats emotional intelligence like a personal development app, to be 'hacked' with the right inputs and mindset. In doing so, it undercuts the gravity, complexity, and interrelational depth that real emotional growth requires.

In the end, "The New Emotional Intelligence" reads less like a transformative guide and more like a string of motivational blog posts, dressed up with pop-psychology buzzwords and surface-level neuroscience. Its intentions are positive, and it may offer value to readers who are completely new to the concept of EQ. But for anyone looking for a serious exploration of emotional complexity or a practical guide grounded in emotional realism, this book will likely disappoint. It promises emotional mastery, but delivers a thin layer of feel-good advice wrapped in overly neat packaging.

[Kiran K Adharapuram · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The New Emotional Intelligence," authored by Travis Bradberry, is an encompassing educational postulation about the complex intellect and its theoretical standpoints. As Travis rightly says, 'emotions are the root of all human behavior'; it's always an imperative skill for every individual to harness them. The author encourages readers to take a self-assessment test with adequate questions before reading this book. These tests serve as a terminus quo for setting the right tone for the book. The assessment results help to identify the gray and murky areas and help to point out those chapters in the book that need more lookout.

A holistic handout curated with practical strategies grounded in scientific research, making the intricate concept of emotional intelligence accessible and actionable for everyone. It is an essential possession for anyone looking to enhance their self-awareness and social skills in today’s fast-paced world. Travis breaks Emotional Intelligence Skills into Personal and Social Competence, where each skill boils down further to self-awareness and self-management, social awareness, and relationship management, respectively. Each chapter delivers actionable insights that you can apply immediately, whether you're leading a team or just trying to be more present in your day-to-day interactions.

With 60-plus strategies made available to the readers, the author points out the areas to work on bringing in change and transformation based on the test results. He emphasizes that emotional intelligence is not static; it’s a skill that can be improved with conscious effort. The chapters are filled with useful exercises and tips that encourage self-reflection and growth. Whether you're dealing with professional challenges, relationship disarray, or personal conflicts, the insights shared here can help you navigate emotions more effectively and build stronger, more meaningful affinities.

He further counsels his readers to develop a growth mindset to rewrite the routine actionable targets, plus enrich the focus on attaining their full potential to learn and overcome routine mental mistakes. He also emphasizes the significance of sound sleep and caffeine regulation for his readers, helping them master their emotions instead of being mastered by them. If you're looking to boost your emotional skills and cultivate a more resilient mindset, I highly recommend this book. It’s insightful, practical, and empowering.

The book doesn’t just exemplify what Emotional Intelligence is; it shows you how to build it. From addressing stress to improving communication and empathy, The New Emotional Intelligence gives you the tools to thrive in any situation. It's beneficial for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating complex relationships. He taps into the need and demand of skills like active listening, body language, becoming a people magnet, good communication, trusting intuitions, identifying toxicity, and so on.

After finishing this book, I am stunningly confident that I can be a true catalyst for remedying emotional intelligence. I endorse the author's standpoint of proving emotional intelligence is a foundation of any organization's triumph and the need to include the essential education in the respective individual learning. Emotional Quotient often matters more than IQ when it comes to success, happiness, and leadership, making it a must-read for anyone ready to level up their life. If you want to master your feelings instead of being mastered by them, this book merits a spot on your shelf. Highly recommended!

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC in audiobook format.

Travis Bradberry’s "The New Emotional Intelligence" is a compelling evolution of his work on emotional intelligence (EQ), offering fresh insights into how we understand and apply EQ in today’s rapidly shifting world. Narrated by Tom Parks, the audiobook delivers a dynamic listening experience that enhances the book’s core message: emotional intelligence is not static—it must adapt and grow alongside us.

Bradberry’s approach is scientific yet practical. He integrates the latest findings in psychology and neuroscience to present a structured, step-by-step method for improving EQ. The book is built around four core skills—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management—each explored through actionable strategies designed to create lasting change. What sets "The New Emotional Intelligence" apart is its emphasis on incremental progress; Bradberry argues that small, consistent adjustments lead to profound transformations.

Tom Parks’ narration adds an engaging layer to the material. His delivery is clear and authoritative, making complex concepts accessible without losing their depth. Parks strikes a balance between informative and conversational, ensuring that listeners remain engaged throughout. His pacing and tone complement Bradberry’s writing, reinforcing the book’s motivational and instructional elements.

One of the audiobook’s standout features is its interactive component—listeners gain access to an EQ assessment that personalizes their learning journey. This practical application makes "The New Emotional Intelligence" more than just a theoretical exploration; it becomes a tool for self-improvement.

For those seeking to refine their emotional intelligence, whether for personal growth or professional success, "The New Emotional Intelligence" is an invaluable resource. Bradberry’s insights, paired with Parks’ engaging narration, make this audiobook a powerful guide to mastering EQ in an ever-changing world.

[Swati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so as a psychology student, I do have a basic idea of emotional intelligence. You know—recognizing emotions, managing them, empathy, social skill.....
But this book? It didn’t feel like another boring theory dump. It was more like:
“Hey, you know this already… now here’s how to actually use it in real life.”

Bradberry breaks things into 4 simple parts:

Self-awareness

Self-management

Social awareness

Relationship management

And instead of talking in circles, he gives 60 practical strategies. Not overwhelming. Just small, doable stuff that makes you go—
“Ohhh so that’s why I spiral during group projects.” 😭

What I appreciated most?????
He doesn’t act like EQ is some magic trait you’re born with. It’s buildable. Sharpenable. Day-by-day kind of thing.
Even as someone studying this, I realized—I know the concepts, but I haven’t really practiced them consistently.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I whipped through this! As fast as the words could be spoken!

This is another self-help book, but it's easy to understand, doesn't meander, and offers clear examples. The challenge with this text, as with all in the self-help genre, is whether or not we'll be able to remember and act on the advice offered. There's a lot of material covered here, from nonverbal behaviour to managing your emotions to watching out for toxic people. Maybe this is one of those texts best taken subliminally, through headphones as you're falling asleep.

I presume (having listened to the audiobook) that the research cited has references in the written version. On that note, Tom Parks does a great job, speaking with clarity and good humour.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for the advance copy of the audiobook.

[Kevin Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily in the conversation for my top 3 favorite self-help/personal development books. The self-assessment alone that's included is worth the cost of the book, and the insights that follow are even more valuable. Travis took an actionable approach in this book. No high-level abstract ideas... they’re real-world strategies you can start using right away. And I say this because I have been experimenting with the EQ strategies while I was reading to see what works best for me! The content is grounded in solid research, but it’s written in a way that feels current and easy to connect with. This is a great read/experience for anyone looking to better process their emotions and have healthier relationships, especially for anyone out there who has dealt with a lot of anxiety in their life, like myself.

[Scott Schubert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to listen to an advanced audio copy of The New Emotional Intelligence by Travis Bradberry. This book was fantastic and offered so much valuable insight. While I believe it might work even better as a physical book for easier reference, I was still able to follow along and absorb the key points through the audio format.

I especially appreciated learning more about my own emotional intelligence (EI) and gaining practical strategies to better support my team. As a leader of a large nonprofit, I found this book incredibly relevant — it's a conversation we absolutely need to be having more often in our organizations. The New Emotional Intelligence is a powerful resource for anyone looking to lead with more awareness, empathy, and effectiveness.

[Boyko Ovcharov · Rating 5 out of 5]

With so many books on Emotional Intelligence available nowadays one might ask why we should read this particular guide.

Maybe beacuse it is really practical and straight to the point, containing very useful strategies, explained in an accessible and understandable way. It also features an original EQ test that every reader could take and check the score afterwards. It provides appropriate recommendations for improvement as well.

Besides, it is up-to-date, highly professional, validated and acclaimed.
The author's experience and extensive research work are commendable too.

On the other hand, it feels like it takes a slightly more career-oriented approach, in a way. Nevertheless, it encompasses both self- and social awareness, as well as self-management and relationship management.

Recommended to high achievers in life.

[DesanaRose · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the best quotes- “Self-awareness is the first step to every breakthrough. Without it, you’re just reacting.”

This is very corporate TED Talk energy—which isn’t a bad thing, but it depends on what you’re in the mood for. It’s well-structured, with clear takeaways, and if you’re trying to lead with empathy at work while still setting boundaries? This will help.

That said, it leans more surface-level than soul-level. Good for people-managing and understanding tricky coworkers, but it won’t give you deep healing or emotional breakthroughs. More “HR lunch & learn” than “personal growth

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The New Emotional Intelligence by Travis Bradberry is a practical and highly accessible guide to building emotional intelligence. What I appreciated most was how easy it is to apply the strategies—simple, actionable tips that fit into real life without feeling overwhelming. Bradberry focuses on small shifts (like pausing before reacting or choosing better self-talk) that make a big impact over time. It’s less about theory and more about doing, which makes it a great pick for anyone looking to improve self-awareness, relationships, or leadership skills. Quick read, lasting value.