Skip to content

Emotional intelligence Quote by Daniel Goleman

“circuitry. Studies of neurological patients with damaged prefrontal–limbic circuitry confirm that their cognitive capacities may remain intact, while their emotional intelligence abilities are impaired. 11 This neurological fact clearly separates these competencies from purely cognitive abilities…” quote by Daniel Goleman
Download Open image
““circuitry. Studies of neurological patients with damaged prefrontal–limbic circuitry confirm that their cognitive capacities may remain intact, while their emotional intelligence abilities are impaired. 11 This neurological fact clearly separates these competencies from purely cognitive abilities like intelligence, technical knowledge, or business expertise, which reside in the neocortex alone. Biologically speaking, then, the art of resonant leadership interweaves our intellect and our emotions. Of course, leaders need the prerequisite business acumen and thinking skills to be decisive. But if they try to lead solely from intellect, they’ll miss a crucial piece of the equation. Take, for example, the new CEO of a global company who tried to change strategic directions. He failed, and was fired after just one year on the job. “He thought he could””

Daniel Goleman

About This Quote

Source Book: Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, 1995

Intelligence alone is insufficient for leadership; emotional intelligence is essential for resonant leadership.

In simple terms: Leadership needs both mind and heart.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate emotional intelligence alongside expertise.

Themes

leadership emotional intelligence neuroscience decisionmaking

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

advice psychology

When to use this quote

  • executive coaching
  • team building
  • conflict resolution
  • strategic pivots

Key Concepts

prefrontal‑limbic circuitry neocortex resonant leadership

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can leaders balance analysis and feeling?
  • What practices develop emotional insight?
A Different Perspective

Intellectual focus without emotion leads to failure.

4.2 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Daniel Goleman

Explore all 200 Daniel Goleman quotes

More Emotional intelligence quotes

Browse all 269 Emotional intelligence quotes