Daniel Goleman, Ph.D
Author and Science Journalist
Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence
Modern life is full of disruption and interruption, and many of us live in a state of continuous partial attention, checking email while having dinner, talking on the phone while driving, texting while in a meeting. Is this what it means to flourish? It comes as no surprise that author, psychologist, and science journalist Daniel Goleman, Ph.D., one of our nation’s leading researchers of social and emotional intelligence, should turn his attention to the topic of, well, attention. He is the author of Emotional Intelligence (1996), The Emotionally Intelligent Workplace (2001), Social Intelligence (2006), and Leadership: The Power of Emotional Intelligence (2011). In his brand-new book, Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence, Dr. Goleman explores multiple manifestations of focus: concentration, selective attention, open awareness, self- awareness, empathy and systems awareness, categorizing these as inner, other, and outer focus. All three require listening and attention skills, the ability to absorb feedback, correct errors and add new learning.
For this presentation, Dr. Goleman will explain concepts and mental training techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, focused preparation and resilience, and the importance of competence over intelligence. Long lauded for his views on the “emotionally intelligent leader,” he posits that a well-focused leader can blend together self-awareness (inner), social intelligence (other) and big-picture thinking (outer). This drives excellence not only for leaders, but also for anyone seeking a well-lived life, the “serious play” we most need.
NOTE: On Wednesday, November 20, there is NEXT-DAY SEMINAR, Renewing Our Sense of Calling: Cultivating Inner Strength in Ourselves and Our Children, presented by Linda Lantieri, MA, Director, The Inner Resilience Project in New York City. CPDUs available.
Event Sponsors
- Alison Tobey Smart Memorial Fund at Kenilworth Union Church
- Beacon Academy
- Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
- Chiaravalle Montessori School
- ECGC Parent Group at New Trier High School
- Family Service Center
- Family Service of Winnetka-Northfield
- Glencoe D35
- Highcrest Middle School
- Wilmette Junior High School
- Northwestern University Center for Talent Development

Upcoming Events
The Book of (More) Delights: A Conversation with Ross Gay
Ross Gay
Award-winning New York Times bestselling author
Adrian Matejka
Award-winning poet and Editor of Poetry magazine
Evanston Township High School Auditorium
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Note: Event start time is Central Time (CT).
Failures of Forgiveness: What We Get Wrong and How to Do Better
Myisha Cherry, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of California, Riverside
Danté Stewart
Theologian, essayist, cultural critic, and author
ON ZOOM
Eight Setbacks That Can Make a Child a Success (Event 1 of 2)
Michelle Icard
Speaker, educator, and author
Heidi Stevens
Chicago-based writer and Director of External Affairs for the University of Chicago’s TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health
Gorton Center
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Note: Event start time is Central Time (CT).