Social Intelligence Provides Keys to Success for Work, Friendships and Relationships

New book exposes “toxic behaviors” including social halitosis, flatulence and dandruff; displays nourishing behaviors to more effectively deal with others

(PRWEB) December 2, 2005 -- Often referred to as people skills, social intelligence (SI) is the ability to relate to, understand and interact effectively with others. But renewed focus and application is increasingly establishing SI as one of the important ingredients for succeeding in life. SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE: The Science of Success (Pfeiffer/A Wiley Imprint, $24.95, ISBN: 0-7879-7938-4) by Karl Albrecht, is the most thoughtful exploration to date of SI, building further interest, understanding and application of this importance principle in our culture, business and education.

In this book, Albrecht defines SI as the ability to get along well with others while winning their cooperation. He outlines SI as a combination of sensitivity to the needs and interests of others, sometimes called a “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. The book is filled with intriguing concepts, enlightening examples, stories, cases, situational strategies and a self-assessment tool (sample available upon request) – all designed to help readers learn to navigate social situations, whether at work, among acquaintances or at home, more successfully.

"More people have lost jobs, friends, marriages and mates as a result of poor interpersonal skills than for all other reasons combined,” says Albrecht. “The simple fact is that people who have a highly developed sense of social intelligence have more friends, better relationships, more successful careers and happier lives than those who lack those skills."

Albrecht builds upon the breakthrough work of Harvard professor Howard Gardner, which legitimized the notion that human intelligence is more than a single trait (IQ), and the more recent efforts by Daniel Goleman who launched popular interest in the developmental possibilities for this multiple intelligence model with his book, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ.

Toxic or Nourishing?

From the standpoint of interpersonal skills, Karl Albrecht classifies behavior toward others as falling somewhere on a spectrum between "toxic" effect and "nourishing" effect. Toxic behavior makes people feel devalued, angry, frustrated, guilty or otherwise inadequate. Nourishing behavior makes people feel valued, respected, affirmed, encouraged or competent.

A continued pattern of toxic behavior indicates a low level of social intelligence - the inability to connect with people and influence them effectively. A continued pattern of nourishing behavior tends to make a person much more effective in dealing with others; nourishing behaviors are the indicators of high social intelligence.

Social Halitosis, Flatulence and Dandruff

Noting various forms of social improprieties, Albrecht uses personal hygiene metaphors to lend monikers to several -- social halitosis, social flatulence and social dandruff. Inauthentic, inconsiderate communication, such as people who force conversation upon you regardless of your level of interest or input, is a form of social halitosis. Telemarketers, salespeople and others who get paid to pitch products often fit into this category. Another variation of this affliction is the person who only has one story to tell and insists on telling it over and over to everyone who will hold still.

Social flatulence originates in ignorance, lack of situational awareness or a lack of respect for the accepted norms of behavior. This form of toxic behavior can stem from someone saying something inappropriate, inconsiderate of crude thereby showing little appreciation for the immediate context.

Social dandruff is a pattern of behavior that selfishly imposes one’s interest on others. Albrecht uses examples such as teenaged boys that pull up in a car with their music blaring, a coworker who walks into another’s office uninvited, sits down and props his/her feet up on the desk assume that person has nothing else to do. Social dandruff also includes the person who imposes on the politeness of others.

All three of these forms of toxic behavior arise from the same social pathology: lack of insight or lack of concern for one’s impact on others. They all represent various versions of self-centered selfish and self-serving behavior, lacking in altruism or consideration for others.

Albrecht breaks down many of the traditional definitions that have limited the understanding of SI as a broader concept, and have led many people to settle for clichés instead of seeking a more robust operational model. Social Intelligence develops a more comprehensive model of human effectiveness which can serve as a mental platform for understanding social situations, contexts in which interactions take place, or designing a response to unique situations.

About the Author

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.

About Pfeiffer

Pfeiffer serves the professional development and hands-on resource needs of training and human resource practitioners and gives them products to do their jobs better. We deliver proven ideas and solutions from experts in HR development and HR management, and we offer effective and customizable tools to improve workplace performance. From novice to seasoned professional, Pfeiffer is the source you can trust to make yourself and your organization more successful. More is available at www.Pfeiffer.com.

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SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE:

The New Science of Success

Pfeiffer/A Wiley Imprint

November 2005

ISBN: 0-7879-7938-4

$24.95/Cloth

ATTENTION REVIEWERS: For the convenience of your readers, please include the following in your review: Pfeiffer/A Wiley Imprint books are available at your local bookstore, all major online booksellers and www.pfeiffer.com or by calling 800-956-7739. In Canada, call 800-567-4797.

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