Emotional Capitalists, The New Leaders – Dr Martyn Newman – Book Review

What’s it about?

“Emotional capitalists are those extraordinary leaders who recognise that to build a successful business today they must go beyond a focus on traditional financial assets, such as physical capital….and even beyond intellectual capital…to a new focus on emotional capital – the energy, enthusiasm and commitment in the hearts of everyone connected with the business.” Martyn Newman

The book draws on the concept of emotional intelligence (referencing Reuven Bar-On and Daniel Goleman who pioneered the term in the 80s and 90s) and links it directly with leadership success.  The idea of emotional capital is that it has a worth  – and is generated via the perceptions and interactions with both customers and colleagues as well as within the individual through the ability do harness positive energy.

From the list of competencies related to emotional intelligence, Martyn Newman identifies seven which he believes are critical to leadership:

  •  Self reliance
  • Assertiveness
  • Optimism
  • Self Actualisation
  • Self confidence
  • Relationship skills
  • Empathy

Each has a chapter devoted to explaining the competency, giving examples and also suggestions about how the reader can develop their effectiveness in this area.

The book is linked to a leadership system with self assessment via an on-line questionnaire. Readers are invited to take the test and get a report at a discount of 25%.

Read more at www.emotionalcapitalists.com

Read this book if:

  • You like easy to grasp concepts with practical application – each chapter ends with a checklist of things that you can do to build competence.  It’s an easy read.
  • You want a different take on leadership – build your self awareness and understanding of the impact you can have on others.