My hope was that organizations would start including this range of skills in their training programs - in other words, offer an adult education in social and emotional intelligence.

In this quote, Daniel Goleman expresses his hope that organizations would begin to include social and emotional intelligence as part of their training programs. He believes that these skills are essential for personal and professional development, and should be treated as an important area of learning, just like traditional skills. Goleman suggests that by offering an adult education in these areas, organizations can help individuals better navigate their emotions and relationships, ultimately leading to improved performance and interpersonal dynamics within the workplace.

Goleman is advocating for the inclusion of emotional intelligence in the workplace as a key element of employee development. He recognizes that while technical and cognitive skills are important, understanding and managing emotions, both personal and social, are equally crucial for success. His suggestion to focus on social and emotional intelligence aims to equip individuals with the necessary tools to handle stress, conflict, and communication challenges in a way that fosters healthier work environments and more productive teams.

The origin of this quote is tied to Goleman’s broader work on emotional intelligence, which he helped popularize in the 1990s with his book Emotional Intelligence. Since then, Goleman has advocated for incorporating these vital skills into education and professional training to improve leadership, teamwork, and communication. His thoughts reflect his belief that emotional intelligence is not just a personal asset but a social one, impacting group dynamics and organizational culture.

Ultimately, Goleman’s quote calls for a shift in how organizations approach employee training. He encourages a more holistic approach, one that goes beyond just technical proficiency and instead includes an understanding of social and emotional intelligence. This approach not only benefits the individual but also contributes to the overall health and success of the organization, creating a more emotionally aware and cohesive workforce.