Emotional Intelligence 2.0

By: Travis Bradberry, Jean Greaves

Narrated by: Tom Parks

Length: 4 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's Summary

In today's fast-paced world of competitive workplaces and turbulent economic conditions, each of us is searching for effective tools that can help us to manage, adapt, and strike out ahead of the pack.

By now, emotional intelligence (EQ) needs little introduction - it’s no secret that EQ is critical to your success. But knowing what EQ is and knowing how to use it to improve your life are two very different things.

Emotional Intelligence 2.0 delivers a step-by-step program for increasing your EQ via four, core EQ skills that enable you to achieve your fullest potential:

1) Self-Awareness

2) Self-Management

3) Social Awareness

4) Relationship Management

Emotional Intelligence 2.0 is a book with a single purpose - increasing your EQ. Here’s what people are saying about it:

“Emotional Intelligence 2.0 succinctly explains how to deal with emotions creatively and employ our intelligence in a beneficial way.” - The Dalai Lama

“A fast read with compelling anecdotes and good context in which to understand and improve.” - Newsweek

"Gives abundant, practical findings and insights with emphasis on how to develop EQ. Research shows convincingly that EQ is more important than IQ." - Stephen R. Covey, author, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

"This book can drastically change the way you think about success...read it twice." - Patrick Lencioni, author, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

Please note: When you purchase this title, you will be emailed a unique ID that provides access to accompanying online material.

©2009 TalentSmart®. Travis Bradberry, Ph.D., and Jean Greaves, Ph.D. (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Self-assessment is subjective

I give it 3.5 stars. After purchasing the book, you are given a code to take the emotional intelligence appraisal test online. You rate yourself on a list of statements, like whether you can be counted on, handle stress well, get along with others, and handle conflict effectively. Then based on your responses, you are directed to certain strategies in the book, like practice the art of listening and catch the mood of the room. This is ineffective. Most people can't objectively rate their own behaviors and performance. If you know you are weak in certain areas (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management), you can practice the strategies in those chapters. However, if you are already aware of your weaknesses and want to improve, you're probably not deficient in emotional intelligence. You're better off selecting a book focused in the area you want to strengthen, such as communication, giving feedback, reading body language, building relationships, making conversations, etc.

Also, the book doesn't provide good illustrative examples where you can picture yourself in those situations and whether you're demonstrating emotional intelligence or not. The examples read like generic performance reviews -- "she sometimes comes across as defensive or aggressive. So for her to be more aware of her tone and language would be helpful." There's no context for these statements, like what was said that sounded defensive and what would have been a better alternative.

Better Printed or as a Pamphlet

Is there anything you would change about this book?

There are many numbered lists in this book that would be better if purchased as a printed book. There is a ton of "filler" information in this book. I would imagine this could be a Pamphlet. It is not worth the cost.

What was most disappointing about Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves ’s story?

The narration was laughable. He reads experiences from men and women. Instead of just reading the experience he reads one (like a woman) in a high pitched voice, then one like an angry man, happy man… it was so bad, so distracting I could not take it anymore.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The narration was laughable. He reads experiences from men and women. Instead of just reading the experience he reads one (like a woman) in a high pitched voice, then one like an angry man, happy man… it was so bad, so distracting I could not take it anymore.

Did Emotional Intelligence 2.0 inspire you to do anything?

Return it.

This is a good READ.

This wonderful book shines a light on the fact that intelligence, that is "book smarts," is just one component of what contributes to a person's overall success in life. Pursuing qualities such as self-esteem or persistence will make you more effective in your work, as well as bring more joy into your life. He gives you sound examples of how to cultivate areas in your own life, so you are not just reading about how it "should" be.

That said, the narrator starts off well reading this book. He is engaging and fairly easy to listen to. However, at the points when he needs to share the quotes of a variety of people, he uses a strange and almost comical variety of voices and it does not work well. I became so annoyed with this over-acting, that eventually, I had to skip through it. It is truly awful.

I had read the book, and just wanted to reiterate the information more clearly in my mind as I drove. Reading the book is worth the effort!

Sound quality dubious

Goes from loud to soft sometimes so i have to keep ajusting volume. Annoying. Might have to get a refund.

You need to have access to an online tool

What disappointed you about Emotional Intelligence 2.0?

It is after you buy the book that you realize that you need access to the online assesment tool. It's been a week and no code has been provided so far. I've just called Customer Service to see if I will receive the promised access.Unless you get tested through the online tool, the audiobook is useless.

DO NOT BUY FROM AUDIBLE! - Incomplete product.

Any additional comments?

Audible cannot provide the code to take the self assessment. This is supposed to come with the book, but Audible does not know how to make it happen and will not refud your money. You'll have to go buy a separate hardcopy to take full advantage.

I wish I had access to this info decades ago!

Where does Emotional Intelligence 2.0 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of the top self-help books I have come across. Teaching yourself to engage more positively with those around you helps both yourself and others.
I realise now that as a young person I was quite unintelligent (emotionally) while believing I was quite brilliant (intellectually).
I found the link between financial success and EQ the most interesting fact.

Who was your favorite character and why?

N/A

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The narrator is not the very best, but unlike other reviewers, I did not find him overly annoying. ( If I complained about the WAY an important message such as this was delivered - what would that that say about my EQ??)

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

INSPIRATIONAL.

Any additional comments?

I WENT OUT AND BOUGHT THE BOOK AFTER THE 4TH CHAPTER, AS I REALISED THERE WAS TOO MUCH INFO TO MEMORISE.

First Time Audible Sucks

What disappointed you about Emotional Intelligence 2.0?

Simple. According to the audible disclaimer " Your purchase of this audiobook includes one complimentary passcode to access TalentSmart’s emotional intelligence test, the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal®."

Well it really does not. And apparently Audible cannot fix it. And without the passcode this content is not helpful at all.

DO NOT BUY THIS AUDIBLE.

I get my test code

Any additional comments?

I buy this book just for the test code, and I am glad that I get it by email right away. I suggest all who are demanding test code after purchasing the audio book take a serious look into your email. It should be there within hours, if not minutes.

Do not buy this on Audible - NO test code

What would have made Emotional Intelligence 2.0 better?

Don't buy this book on Audible. You are supposed to take an online test along with reading this book, and you are supposed to get the code for the test from Audible. I contacted both Audible and the TalentSmart company, and neither honor this promise when you buy it from Audible. Absolutely horrible bait and switch, as the book is not nearly as effective if you can't take the test along with reading it and measure your own progress.

What was most disappointing about Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves ’s story?

Don't buy this book on Audible. You are supposed to take an online test along with reading this book, and you are supposed to get the code for the test from Audible. I contacted both Audible and the TalentSmart company, and neither honor this promise when you buy it from Audible. Absolutely horrible bait and switch, as the book is not nearly as effective if you can't take the test along with reading it and measure your own progress.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Don't buy this book on Audible. You are supposed to take an online test along with reading this book, and you are supposed to get the code for the test from Audible. I contacted both Audible and the TalentSmart company, and neither honor this promise when you buy it from Audible. Absolutely horrible bait and switch, as the book is not nearly as effective if you can't take the test along with reading it and measure your own progress.

What character would you cut from Emotional Intelligence 2.0?

I haven't even read past the introduction, since I can't take the test

Any additional comments?

Don't buy this book on Audible. You are supposed to take an online test along with reading this book, and you are supposed to get the code for the test from Audible. I contacted both Audible and the TalentSmart company, and neither honor this promise when you buy it from Audible. Absolutely horrible bait and switch, as the book is not nearly as effective if you can't take the test along with reading it and measure your own progress.

Beware!

If you could sum up Emotional Intelligence 2.0 in three words, what would they be?

No Code Supplied

What was one of the most memorable moments of Emotional Intelligence 2.0?

When I realised you need a code to take a online survey as part of the course and Audible didn't email it to me. I have been contacting them for weeks via email, online chat and phone and still no code. Shame.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Yes, I found it fine

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, you need to break off to do the online test and get a score if you have the
Code!

Any additional comments?

Looking at the other reviews the code not being supplied is a common problem

Really interesting audiobook

Would you consider the audio edition of Emotional Intelligence 2.0 to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, so I cannot comment

What did you like best about this story?

I liked that it came with the online content, and the straight forward advice to increasing your Emotional Intelligence

What does Tom Parks bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Tom has very expressive vocalism that keeps me interested, whereas factual books, I tend to monotone when I'm reading

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It has made me stop and think a few times, but the content is not particularly emotionally charged

Any additional comments?

An excellent addition to any library

No code suuplied

Would you consider the audio edition of Emotional Intelligence 2.0 to be better than the print version?

Like the other reviewer on here, I was not emailed a code and am now trying to get one from Audible. It should be straightforward to email this code and is quite frustrating to start the book and realise after the first chapter that you need a code.