This is however not entirely the case. Working in physical isolation does not mean that there is no need for effective communication. Indeed, communication in such a case becomes even more important, as the lack of a physical workplace creates extra reliance upon communication. Workers still have to communicate with supervisors and customers, even if this is only in the virtual environment. Providing services to human customers will then sometimes necessitate a sufficient amount of EQ to handle possible problems. Goleman's work represents a new awareness of the importance of EQ in the workplace. It furthermore provides the basis for future research not only in workplace intelligence, but also in implementing strategies for increased EQ in children and students at tertiary institutions. His work brings home the importance of personal and social competence in the workplace, and how these can be used to create an optimal integration of intellectual, intra- and interpersonal skills.

The workplace has evolved from the beginning of the 20th century, in which a worker was expected to function as a drone, to a more worker-focused environment from the 1950s and 1960s, where worker intelligence and satisfaction were recognized. Goleman's book represents a further step in this evolution: the recognition that emotional intelligence is a vital factor in improving worker performance. Perhaps the next step can be implementing Goleman's principles in schools and other educational facilities. Preparing children for the workplace by teaching them emotional intelligence can create a future where workers are not only more adept at their work, but in which children also find themselves less anxious and unhappy.

Sources

Goleman, D. (2000). Working with Emotional Intelligence: The New

Yardstick. Publisher: Bantam Books. http://catdir.loc.gov/catdir/samples/random051/98018706.html

Goleman, D. (2000). Working with Emotional Intelligence: The Hard Case for Soft Skills. Publisher: Bantam...

(2000). Working with Emotional Intelligence: Self-Control.
Publisher: Bantam Books.

Goleman, D. (2000). Working with Emotional Intelligence: What Moves Us.

Publisher: Bantam Books.

Davies, S. (2006). Emotional intelligence and leadership. CEO Forum Group. http://www.ceoforum.com.au/article-detail.cfm?cid=6226

The article explains the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace. This aspect of intelligence, referred to as "EQ," is seen as even more important than IQ in terms of success at the workplace. The article also briefly discusses Goleman's work on emotional intelligence. The importance of the book in bringing home to businesses the importance of EQ is underlined. Davies ends on a hopeful note - emotional intelligence can be learned.

Goleman, D. Working With Emotional Intelligence (Slideshow). http://www.slideshare.net/ericw01/working-with-emotional-intelligence/

The slideshow includes 54 slides that summarize Goleman's book. The many issues covered in the book are summarized mostly in bullet form. The slideshow helps the reader to organize the various aspects in the book in a logical manner, while also presenting the information in such a way that readers are able to usefully apply it to their lives and business situations.

Goleman, D. (1998). The Emotional Competence Framework From: Working with Emotional Intelligence. http://www.srds.co.uk/begin/theECF.htm

The web site addresses two aspects of emotional intelligence: personal competence and social competence. Personal competence refers to an ability to regulate and manage one's own emotions and needs. The latter refers to handling ourselves in relation to others. In personal competence some of the most important aspects include knowing and understanding one's own emotions, and regulating these to optimal effect in the workplace. An important aspect of social competence on the other hand is interpersonal communication.