Psychologist Daniel Goleman, author of "Emotional Intelligence" and "Focus," visits Eastern Mennonite University April 2 for a lecture and workshops, as well as a dinner and lecture. (Courtesy photo)

‘Emotional Intelligence’ author Dan Goleman joins EMU graduate counseling faculty to share latest research on focus

Psychologist and author of Emotional Intelligence and Focus Daniel Goleman has transformed the way the world educates children, relates to family and friends, and conducts business. The Wall Street Journal ranked him one of the 10 most influential business thinkers.

Goleman visits Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) Saturday, April 2, for two educational opportunities. A day-long training on emotional intelligence and the latest research about focus will be followed by a variety of breakout sessions facilitated by members of the education, counseling and psychology community.

Goleman will also speak at an evening dinner lecture about concepts of leadership.

Goleman’s work on the brain and behavioral science was nominated twice for the Pulitzer Prize and recognized with the Washburn Award and Lifetime Career Award from the American Psychological Association.

His 2014 bestseller, Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence, argues that leadership that gets results demands a triple focus: on ourselves; on others, for our relationships; and on the outer forces that shape organizations and society. Goleman’s “The Focused Leader” won the 2013 HBR McKinsey Award, given each year for the best article in Harvard Business Review.

In his latest book, A Force for Good: The Dalai Lama’s Vision for Our World, Goleman — who was personally selected by the Dalai Lama — combines the Dalai Lama’s key teachings, empirical evidence, and true accounts of people putting his lessons into practice, offers readers practical applications for making the world a better place.

Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence was on The New York Times best sellers list for 18 months. Named one of the 25 “Most Influential Business Management Books” by TIME, it has been translated into 40 languages.

“As a journalist and psychologist, Dr. Goleman beautifully blends professional research and difficult concepts into language that is accessible to a broad population and many audiences,” said Kristy Koser, professional development coordinator for the MA in Counseling program. “Dr. Goleman has intrigued some of the most influential leaders in the psychology, business, and leadership arenas. Educators, counselors, psychologists, church leaders, and business leaders will be interested to learn more from him.”

Breakout sessions for the day training include:

  • “The Empty Desk: Why We Lose Struggling Learners and How Insights from Research on the Brain and Learning Can Help,” Sarah Armstrong, director of the MA in Education program;
  • “The Art of Noticing: Discovering Opportunities for Social Contextual Learning in the K-12 Classroom,” Judy Mullet, Psychology Department, EMU;
  • “Focus with Focusing,” David Glanzer, faculty, MA in Counseling program, EMU;
  • “Mindfulness and the Cultivation of Focus and Connectedness,” Cheree Hammond, faculty, MA in Counseling program, EMU;
  • “Where the Rubber meets the Road: Implementing Emotional Intelligence and Focus for Ourselves and With Our Clients,” – Rowland Shank, private practitioner.

Costs for the day training is $225, which includes lunch, materials and continuing education credits. Day and evening admission is $350. The evening dinner and lecture is $125. Discounted rates are available for EMU faculty, staff and students. To register, click here.

The program is offered by the Institute of Experiential Therapies and the MA in Counseling program in EMU’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies.