If you want a better job, stronger relationships, more confidence, or protection from manipulation, emotional intelligence is the skill that changes everything.

In Emotional Intelligence for a Divided World, you'll learn 16 practical, science‑backed skills—validated in 5,000+ studies—that help you stay calm under pressure, communicate clearly, build trust, and think rationally even when emotions run high.

Today's world is noisy, stressful, and full of conflict. Many people feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or pushed around by difficult personalities. This book gives you the tools to stay grounded, confident, and impossible to manipulate.

You'll learn how to:

· Master your mind so you respond wisely instead of reacting impulsively

· Build better relationships through empathy, clarity, and emotional awareness

· Communicate with confidence even in stressful or divided environments

· Get promoted by developing leadership‑level emotional intelligence

· Resist manipulation and protect your peace

· Stay calm when people push your buttons

· Think clearly when emotions run high

Whether you want career growth, healthier relationships, a calmer home, or simply a stronger sense of control over your life, these skills will help you thrive.

Emotional intelligence isn't a personality trait—it's a learnable skill. And once you learn it, every part of your life gets easier.

Dana C. Ackley earned a PhD in clinical psychology from Florida State University in 1973. For the next 25 years, he worked with families to help them overcome deep divides and significant challenges. Since the late 1990s, he has served as an executive coach and consultant to organizations, helping leaders bring the best of themselves to nearly impossible jobs.

Dana has twice been named a Fellow of the American Psychological Association for innovative thinking in using psychological knowledge to solve vexing problems.

He is an internationally recognized expert in Emotional Intelligence, based on his groundbreaking EQ Leader Program, the first comprehensive program for EQ development for leaders.

The father of three adult children, he lives in Virginia with his wife Peg.

"As an academic physician and lifelong student of leadership and emotional intelligence, I am impressed by how much wisdom is packed into this little book. With clarity, authenticity, humor, it is a warm invitation to gather insight through self-reflection.
Ackley's recommendations would go a long way toward constructive dialogue and relational healing in the public square." — Lee A. Learman, MD, PhD, Medical School Dean

"This book draws back the curtain on how the brain's evolution and the pace of the modern world influence human behavior, and offers a straightforward course toward greater awareness and control over our own reactions." — David J. Calkins, Neuroscientist - PhD

"Read this book. Better yet, give it to all your friends. Even better, follow the simple but powerful evidence-based prescriptions that Dana Ackley offers to help us all regulate our emotional brains and get better at finding common ground." — Larry Richard, JD, PhD, Lawyer, Psychologist

"Dana Ackley reminds us that the human brain is a gift, and offers a guide to how we can best use it. He shines a bright light on how our brains work and how they are structured. He gives us the instruments to successfully navigate our emotions." — Reid C. Thompson, MD, Chair, Neurosurgery

"We are surrounded by conflict and those who feed off it, but a life dominated by anger and anxiety isn't a happy one. This timely book explains how we got here— how our emotions often control us instead of the other way around. Don't just read it for yourself or those you love— do it for all of us." — Wally Howe, PhD, Psychologist

"This is a must- read book. It's also a must- have book . . . Invaluable." — Richard A. Shearer, Retired Executive Vice President

"In a world where the extremes seem to drive our cultural narratives, I am excited to read how the solid and large middle can dial down the rhetoric and dial up civility. I know Dana's words will be inspirational to his readers and, perhaps, become the gospel on how to save humanity." — John Owens, Chief Revenue Officer

"In this short but important book, Dr. Ackley distills the important ways one can develop and build emotional intelligence, based upon the author's 50 years of experience in helping people deal with relationships. Ackley uses a catchy come-on about saving the world to draw us to a better understanding of how conflict occurs, how developing emotional awareness can help us recognize challenging situations, and how to be most prepared to deal with these conflicts at home, in the workplace, and in the current divisive political environment. It's a must read for all of us trying to help resolve conflict." — Sean P. Donahue, MD, PhD, Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Neurology, and Pediatrics

"Dana Ackley has been a leading thinker and practitioner for years. With Emotional Intelligence for a Divided World, he illustrates how absolute mastery of a subject— emotional intelligence—can be made clear and so easily helpful for every reader. Given the unprecedented turmoil of our society in the 2020s, the book's timing is perfect. Dr. Ackley's motive is admirable. Not seeking more acclaim, he's eager to pay it forward to meaningfully benefit future generations." — John Reed, PhD, MBA, MCC

"In Emotional Intelligence for a Divided World, esteemed psychologist Dr. Dana C. Ackley distills years of groundbreaking work into practical strategies for personal and societal change. From healing family rifts to navigating political tensions, his book provides a clear, science-backed path to understanding and harnessing our emotions for a better life and a kinder world. It is a must read for anyone seeking real, impactful solutions to the conflicts and noise we face in our daily lives." — Chris Morrill, Executive Director & CEO