The Rules of EQ

Title of Book: The Rules of EQ

Author: Rob Yeung

Published by: Marshall Cavendish Business, 2006


Review:

The rules of work have changed. These days, it is no longer the most intelligent people, nor the most hardworking people, nor the most experienced people that get promoted fast. The latest keyword to succeeding in the world today is EQ. The people who succeed are often good at motivating themselves and influencing others. They understand their own emotions and are able to get themselves going even if they are feeling otherwise. They are able to influence not only themselves, but also others, motivating and persuading people, to help them out, or in the more extreme case, to their own benefit.

Dr. Rob Yeung, an expertise where this area is concerned, shares his knowledge and experience on what is Emotional Quotient, and how can one apply it to the workplace. The book is structured in such a way whereby it centres around the three domains of EQ, namely self-awareness, self-direction and interpersonal savvy, and as well as their application as organizational savvy. In the four parts, Dr. Yeung explains the underlying ideologies and highlights what are some ways towards their attainment and discusses how can they be applied in the workplace.

For example, under the dimension Self-direction, one of the ways mentioned in the book is called "Visualize Success". Visualization is a useful tool as it can foster a virtuous circle in the brain-body-behavior link. This means that if you imagine yourself succeeding, then your brain sends nerve impulses to release chemicals that promote positive emotions, and then you will actually end up with a higher chance of succeeding! If you take the time and make the effort to imagine a scenario (ie. presentation) in greater clarity, the results of the visualization can be surprising.

On a personal note, this book can be an interesting read, as it will lead you on the road to self-discovery, and enable you to be more aware of your emotions, how to control them and at the same time, be more aware of others' actions and behaviors. The techniques mentioned in the book are rather useful, and if one is a hardworking student, these techniques will be excellent tools for the reader to find the path towards greater achievements in the workplace, and eventually, success!