[.uk] Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human ... (ISBN 0739326791)

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.

Too much hand waving, not enough science:
This book has some interesting new ideas, spread thinly among pages of personal anecdotes and wishy-washy prose. The part that really killed it for me was where Goleman casually dismisses Richard Dawkins' "Selfish Gene" theory with an explanation "it works in some cases, but here's what I think is _really_ going on..." Way to tackle an argument buddy. You will understand less after reading this book.

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.

A Human Interaction "Users' Manual":
In 1995, as an officer in the US Submarine force, I read Goleman's first book - "Emotional Intelligence". It was an eye-opener for someone in a leadership role operating under unusual and extremely stressful conditions. None of my military leadership training, nor any of my mentors in the military, had prepared me for leading people on an emotional level. Naturally, Goleman's most recent book strikes a similar chord. Whether it's a social, business or casual interaction, this book explains many of the fundamental dynamics of the human brain when interacting with another person. While much of it seems intuitive, and many of the referenced sytudies have been cited in other works, this book packages it all together rather nicely. Fans of the Cameron Diaz/Ben Stiller movie "There's Something About Mary" will even recognize a scientific correlation to the famed "don't go out with a loaded gun" discussion. (No, not the unconventional hair gel, but the condition of the male brain after the fact.) Combined with "The Tipping Point", this book makes the required reference library for any marketeer.

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!