Review: Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
Game Changer is a series featuring reviews of non-roleplaying books that can be used as roleplaying game sourcebooks. Today we’re looking at Daniel Goleman’s groundbreaking work, Emotional Intelligence.
Roleplaying relies on emotions to create meaningful stories and engaging characters. Emotional Intelligence explains how emotions shape decisions, relationships, and problem-solving. Understanding these ideas helps gamemasters, designers, and players create deeper narratives and more immersive experiences.
Core Ideas & Takeaways
Goleman presents emotional intelligence as a combination of self-awareness, empathy, emotional regulation, motivation, and social skills. He argues that these qualities influence success and decision-making more than traditional intelligence. The ability to recognize and manage emotions improves communication, builds trust, and creates stronger relationships.
Applying this perspective to roleplaying changes how characters and interactions develop. Emotions influence every choice, from a leader making a difficult decision to a rogue struggling with loyalty. A character’s growth comes from their emotional journey as much as their external actions. Gamemasters benefit from these ideas by recognizing how players engage with stories. When the emotional stakes feel real, the experience becomes more immersive.
How It Applies to Roleplaying
This book provides insight into character development, improvisation, and player engagement. Games that include emotional consequences or relationship-driven mechanics reflect the ideas Goleman explores. Blades in the Dark uses stress as a central mechanic, encouraging players to consider the emotional cost of their actions. Apocalypse World builds character relationships into the system, making emotional connections an integral part of play. These approaches align with the idea that emotions shape decisions as much as logic or strategy.
Gamemasters who recognize emotional cues create stronger sessions. A player’s hesitation or frustration often signals a deeper concern about their character’s place in the story. Addressing these moments enhances the experience and allows for natural character growth. The ability to read the room and adapt to player responses builds trust and strengthens engagement.
TDLR
Goleman’s work highlights the role emotions play in storytelling and decision-making. His insights encourage a thoughtful approach to roleplaying that prioritizes meaningful connections and emotional depth. Roleplaying thrives on strong characters and immersive stories, and Emotional Intelligence provides the tools to create both.
Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More than IQ. Bantam Books.
