Emotional Intelligence 2.0

In the foreword, Patrick Lencioni introduces Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by highlighting a recurring pattern he has observed across workplaces, schools, homes, and communities: People with impressive education, credentials, or intellect often underperform, while others with fewer apparent advantages excel. He presents this not as an isolated phenomenon but as a widespread reality that conventional predictors of success cannot fully explain. This sets up his central point that emotional intelligence (EI), though harder to measure than IQ and largely invisible on résumés, often makes the critical difference.

To illustrate the gap between EI’s popularity and its application, Lencioni identifies two common misconceptions. First, many confuse EI with charm or extroversion, reducing it to surface-level sociability. Second, they view it as a fixed trait, assuming one either has it or does not. These misperceptions, he argues, prevent people from improving EI despite its clear value. The book’s purpose, as he frames it, is to correct these errors by offering a clear definition of EI and practical strategies for building it, enabling readers to leverage their existing intelligence, education, and experience more effectively.

Lencioni’s reasoning reflects a post-1990s professional climate shaped by psychologist Daniel Goleman’s popularization of EI, where “soft skills” became essential in leadership and collaboration. Lencioni’s approach relies on illustrative workplace anecdotes and practical examples, fitting the foreword’s purpose as an endorsement and motivator rather than a detailed instructional guide. The text assumes a professional-class readership with the autonomy to act on EI development, which may limit its resonance in contexts where structural barriers outweigh individual skill gains.

Despite these limitations, the foreword’s argument remains timely. In an era of remote work, global teams, and heightened interpersonal complexity, EI’s influence on performance is more visible than ever. Lencioni positions the book as a hands-on guide, urging readers to actively practice EI so it becomes a true force multiplier for their personal and professional success.

Chapter Lessons

• Emotional intelligence often explains success where education, experience, or IQ do not.
• Misunderstanding EI as charisma or extroversion prevents people from seeing its true value.
• Believing EI is fixed stops individuals from trying to improve it.
• Clear understanding and active practice of EI can help maximize the benefits of one’s existing skills and knowledge.

Reflection Questions

• Have there been moments in your life when your education or skills alone weren’t enough to achieve the results you wanted? How might developing emotional intelligence have changed the outcome?
• Do you tend to see emotional intelligence as something you either have or don’t have? If so, what would it take for you to start viewing it as a skill you can actively build?