Social Intelligence: The New Science of Success [Hardcover]

“…powerful and compelling…a great read…” (Reading Chronicle, January 19^th, 2006)

"Everyday I meet leaders with very high IQs and very low SQs. Social Intelligence shows why it is important to have both! It is filled with wonderful stories and examples that show what social intelliegence is and, more important, how to develop yours. This book is recommended reading for any leader and any coach."
—Marshall Goldsmith, co-editor, The Leader of the Future, and Global Leadership

Karl Albrecht defines social intelligence (SI) as the ability to get along well with others while winning their cooperation. SI is a combination of sensitivity to the needs and interests of others, sometimes called your “social radar,” an attitude of generosity and consideration, and a set of practical skills for interacting successfully with people in any setting. Social Intelligence provides a highly accessible and comprehensive model for describing, assessing, and developing social intelligence at a personal level. This book is filled with intriguing concepts, enlightening examples, stories, cases, situational strategies, and a self-assessment tool – all designed to help you learn to navigate social situations more successfully.

The breakthrough work of Harvard's Howard Gardner has legitimized the notion that human intelligence is not just a single trait (IQ) but a constellation of capabilities. More recently, Daniel Goleman popularized this notion with the best-selling Emotional Intelligence. Now, in this groundbreaking book, business thinker and futurist Karl Albrecht shows how the dimension of social intelligence—perceptiveness, situational savvy, and interaction skill—is key to success at work and in life.

Karl Albrecht defines social intelligence (SI) as the ability to get along well with others while winning their cooperation. SI is a combination of sensitivity to the needs and interests of others, sometimes called your "social radar," an attitude of generosity and consideration, and a set of practical skills for interacting successfully with people in any setting. Social Intelligence provides a highly accessible and comprehensive model for describing, assessing, and developing social intelligence at a personal level. This book is filled with intriguing concepts, enlightening examples, stories, cases, situational strategies, and a self-assessment tool all designed to help you learn to navigate social situations more successfully.

Karl Albrecht takes you on a guided tour of the five dimensions of social intelligence ("S.P.A.C.E."): 1) Situational Awareness: The ability to read situations and to interpret the behaviors of people in those situations. 2) Presence: Often called "bearing," it's a whole range of verbal and nonverbal behaviors that define you in the minds of others. 3) Authenticity: The behaviors that cause others to judge you as honest, open, and "real." 4) Clarity: The ability to explain your ideas and articulate your views. 5) Empathy: The ability to "connect" with others. Karl Albrecht defines, explores, and interrelates all of these key dimensions and shows how to use his S.P.A.C.E. formula as an effective diagnostic and development model.

What's Your Social I.Q.?

"Everyday I meet leaders with very high mental IQ's and very low social IQ's. Social Intelligence shows why it is important to have both! It is filled with wonderful stories and examples that show what social intelliegence is and, more important, how to develop yours. This book is recommended reading for any leader and any coach."
—Marshall Goldsmith, co-editor, The Leader of the Future and Global Leadership

"In Social Intelligence Karl Albrecht engages us in a lively, insightful, and compelling exploration of the most crucial of human competencies. Full of real-life examples, a memorable framework, and practical tools and skills, Social Intelligence is a must-have guide for navigating our way through the sometimes mystifying, sometimes hilarious, and always stimulating world of person-to-person interactions. You will laugh, nod, go 'hmmm,' and just plain enjoy yourself. Hurry up and buy this book. You'll want to read it before your next encounter with a fellow human."
—Jim Kouzes, co-author, The Leadership Challenge

"The constant interaction between human beings is a complex, dynamic phenomenon. Powerfully convincing, Albrecht's Social Intelligence brilliantly adds another facet of understanding to why some succeed with people and others don't. His S.P.A.C.E. interaction theory was especially fascinating. What a remarkable contribution!"
—Stephen R. Covey, author, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness

"Karl Albrecht pulls from a lifetime of experience to make his model come to life. He is a master storyteller, and pulls on his eclectic knowledge of films, politics, and even Popeye to get his points across. You will dog-ear and highlight every other page!"
—Beverly L. Kaye, co-author, Love 'Em or Lose 'Em: Getting Good People to Stay and Love It, Don't Leave It: 26 Ways to Get What You Want at Work

Karl Albrecht is a management consultant, executive advisor, futurist, speaker, and a prolific author. As chairman of Karl Albrecht International, he is known worldwide as a key thought leader in business. He is the author of such best-selling books as Service America!, Brain Power, The Northbound Train, and The Power of Minds at Work.