Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships | Daniel Goleman

Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships | Daniel Goleman | Not as earth shattering as emotional intelligence

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Social Intelligenc...

	Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships Daniel Goleman Bantam, 2007 - 416 pages average customer review:based on 79 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Emotional Intelligence was an international phenomenon, appearing on the New York Times bestseller list for over a year and selling more than five million copies worldwide. Now, once again, Daniel Goleman has written a groundbreaking synthesis of the latest findings in biology and brain science, revealing that we are ?wired to connect? and the surprisingly deep impact of our relationships on every aspect of our lives.

Far more than we are consciously aware, our daily encounters with parents, spouses, bosses, and even strangers shape our brains and affect cells throughout our bodies?down to the level of our genes?for good or ill. In Social Intelligence, Daniel Goleman explores an emerging new science with startling implications for our interpersonal world. Its most fundamental discovery: we are designed for sociability, constantly engaged in a ?neural ballet? that connects us brain to brain with those around us.

Our reactions to others, and theirs to us, have a far-reaching biological impact, sending out cascades of hormones that regulate everything from our hearts to our immune systems, making good relationships act like vitamins?and bad relationships like poisons. We can ?catch? other people?s emotions the way we catch a cold, and the consequences of isolation or relentless social stress can be life-shortening. Goleman explains the surprising accuracy of first impressions, the basis of charisma and emotional power, the complexity of sexual attraction, and how we detect lies. He describes the ?dark side? of social intelligence, from narcissism to Machiavellianism and psychopathy. He also reveals our astonishing capacity for ?mindsight,? as well as the tragedy of those, like autistic children, whose mindsight is impaired.

Is there a way to raise our children to be happy? What is the basis of a nourishing marriage? How can business leaders and teachers inspire the best in those they lead and teach? How can groups divided by prejudice and hatred come to live together in peace?

The answers to these questions may not be as elusive as we once thought. And Goleman delivers his most heartening news with powerful conviction: we humans have a built-in bias toward empathy, cooperation, and altruism?provided we develop the social intelligence to nurture these capacities in ourselves and others.

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Intelligence + Awareness = Healthy Relationships! (translation: Read this Book!)

Daniel Goleman's book, "Social Intelligence- The New Science of Human Relationships", is a thought-provoking, analytical immersion in how people interact with one another on a daily basis. Goleman is perhaps widely recognized for his earlier success when he wrote about a similar theme in his previous book Emotional Intelligence.

Goleman's theories are intellectually stimulating and applicable in daily living. Case by case, the author is thoroughly able to prove his hypothesis- that healthy human interaction is directly connected to well being, tranquility, and a general sense of happiness. Goleman writes in depth about social awareness and social facility. He states that social awareness is possible by "instantaneously sensing another's inner state" and that this awareness itself can lead to mutually satisfying communication. As we live our daily lives, our social interactions, both with strangers and those within our familiar circle can grow richer and easier each and every day, as long as we remain socially `aware'.

Goleman's insights remind me of two of my favorite authors Ariel and Shya Kane. The Kanes have written two wonderful and inspiring books entitled Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenmentand Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: A Book About Instantaneous Transformation. Both books are full of incredible and insightful examples of how their friends and family members were able to attain well being and satisfaction in their lives by simply developing self awareness and awareness of others. Their technique is called Instantaneous Transformation. It's easy to understand and apply in your daily life- and the results are really instantaneous! In one of my favorite passages in Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: A Book About Instantaneous Transformation, the Kanes define awareness as "a non-judgmental witnessing, viewing or seeing of yourself and how you interact with your life." Imagine living a life that is free of judgment- that you could actually allow yourself to interact with others without the need to hide behind societal labels? Imagine living your life with free and easy communication- and interacting with your life exactly as it shows up without predetermined preferences! The Kanes offer numerous insights on how to make all of the above possible.

The Kanes' books allows for practical application that seems to nicely compliment Goleman's theories. I highly recommend that you read all three books as companion pieces.

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Not as earth shattering as emotional intelligence

Social Intelligence is an interesting and readable book that showcases Goleman's (a former journalist) fluid and thought-provoking writing style. The theory the book is based on is essentially a microcosm of emotional intelligence, which makes the overall book not as earth shattering as his landarm tome in 1995. It's still a fun journey and an enjoyable read if you like these types of books.

Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships.

While these sort of books may not be to everyones taste, I found them to be 'intoxicating'. This book has certainly broadened my outlook on life. I would commend this book to anyone who wants have a better understanding of how their life and everybody elses lives fit together.

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Excellent neurobiological information

Dr. Goleman writes a compelling book, filled with interesting findings. We learn that we are predisposed to connect with others, and the role of the brain, dopamines etc. in our relationships. I loved reading about how our emotions are involved in our relationships. Any reader who is interested in social neuroscience, should read this book. As I am a great fan of Rosalene Glickman's philosophy "The purpose of relationships is to be our best self regardless of the circumstances", I recommend Optimal Thinking: How to Be Your Best Self. Read both books!

To get the most out of social intelligence

For Goleman fans, who seek an in-depth coverage of the scientific
research behind social intelligence, this book will satisfy. It can be an essential resource for researchers and human development practitioners, but may have less appeal for those seeking a more applied, "how-to" explanation. Goleman provides lots of scientific tidbits, but little advice on how to actually describe, assess, or teach social intelligence as a set of practical competencies. As with his first book, "Emotional Intelligence: Why It May Be More Important than IQ," educators and business users will find it necessary to develop their own methods for application.

It's worth noting that this book was published a year after the publication of Dr. Karl Albrecht's book, "Social Intelligence: the New Science of Success." Albrecht's book offers a more practical, "street level" treatment of the subject, with a five-point descriptive model of social intelligence, ("S.P.A.C.E.," which stands for Situational Awareness, Presence, Authenticity, Clarity, and Empathy) and a primary focus on how those dimensions can be measured and developed.

Recommendation: read both books.

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