"In 20 years of doing work with leaders, I've only ever pointed people to Dan Goleman's original book on EI. I never had a book that captured the message in the way it was needed for people to hear and want to change. Until now. Kris' book is fantastic and takes you on a journey with emotional intelligence that has been missing. With this book in hand, you'll have personal a-ha moments and if you work in this space, will be sending everyone a copy. It's a must read and refreshing, modern reflection on a topic we all could benefit learning more about about."
Kris Girrell has decades of experience as a coach and leadership expert but this is not a dry academic read! In this book he shares his own journey with feelings from such a vulnerable and authentic place that it’s hard to put down. This book weaves together research, personal experiences and provocative questions in a way that’s easy to understand and very engaging. Kris is a very good writer. I’d highly recommend Learning to Feel for anyone wanting to understand themselves and others better.
It is clear from the outset that Kris Girrell is passionate about the subject matter of this intense and well-presented self-help book. One of the most striking qualities of the read is the personality and honesty embedded in the narrative, gently coaxing readers to look at themselves from a more critical viewpoint. It also peels back many layers of the author’s own heart and mind to show us the true power of being vulnerable and honest with ourselves. Learning to Feel is a work that is profoundly researched, well-written, and fascinating to read, and it will certainly help anyone looking to explore the nature of their innermost feelings for themselves.” - 5 Stars! Readers' Favorites
“Kris Girrell takes the reader on an emotional journey through various stages of his life in Learning to Feel. With personal experiences and insightful notes and questions, the author’s emotional connection with the reader is evident. Girrell’s passion for emotional intelligence and self-awareness is palpable throughout the book. By the end of the book, the reader gains a different perspective on life, human beings, and emotions. The book teaches readers how to connect with their inner selves, have better relationships with others, and communicate effectively. Girrell’s phenomenal writing style and engaging storytelling make Learning to Feel an exceptional read. This thought-provoking book is a combination of a memoir, a journey of self-discovery, and a self-help guide. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking personal growth and a deeper understanding of themselves." - 5 Stars! Literary Titan
"Reading a book authored by a psychologist is like getting free therapy sessions, with no appointment necessary. Such is the case reading Girrell's book, as he goes deep, discussing emotions well beyond sad, mad, and glad. Girrell focuses on bringing awareness to one’s feelings, after making a strong case for why one needs them. After reading this book, readers are guaranteed to come away feeling challenged but armed with the tools and paths forward in their own emotional journeys." - 5 Stars! US Review of Books
"I did not have any expectations on what coaching sessions would entail prior to starting with Kris; however I was not expecting to be as valuable as it was. Previous coaching from leaders before focused more on specific work problems, and not necessarily on the overall larger development trends. With Kris I had a clear intention and a path to get there. I feel that the most valuable part of the coaching session was interpretation of the 360 results, and utilizing that to determine the higher level areas of improvement for my professional career. By taking these results and turning them into larger goals/actions, it has helped significantly for me to both prioritize where I focus my energy on development, and to take a moment before I interact with others to ensure I am considering my goals. I have also recently took on a new leadership position within the organization to better apply what I had been working on during our coaching sessions. Since my coaching, there has been an increase in my overall leadership maturity (I have received feedback to that effect) and I have used many of the change management and peer to peer communication skills we practiced."
"Stated simply, Kris knows his clients better than they know themselves, often before he meets them! He does his homework and is always fully prepared. I have partnered with Mr. Girrell in every possible capacity over the past 15+ years - from mentor, to colleague, to unshakable vendor, and on some of the most challenging coaching assignments one could ever assume. His demeanor is passionate, empathetic and real and yet he demands that his clients face the hidden demons hindering their workplace success. The combination of Kris' unprecedented expertise, caring personal style and willingness to do "whatever it takes" inspires breakthrough successes from mid career to CEO level. Kris is truly a guru."
"When I sought Kris' guidance, I was frustrated with a lot of aspects of my business, personal progress, my ability to motivate others and specific employee challenges that took up an unhealthy portion of my brain space. Working with Kris has helped me better understand my role in so many of my past and current frustrations as well as understand the criticality of selecting team members that aligned with my vision and values. Through our work, I was able to authentically address issues that were not serving us well, confidently embrace my values, reflect on what got me to my current success and decide what path I would take on my new journey as a mentor and leader. I never questioned Kris' credentials but I was apprehensive about the kind of results I would get for my investment. Kris' approach and results-oriented style delivers short-term and lasting value that affirms investing in yourself (and your leadership) as one of the best moves you can make."
Check out my latest books: LEARNING TO FEEL: One man's path to reconnecting with the heart of emotions, and TYPHOON HONEY: The Only Way Out Is Through. And coming later this year SPIRITUALLY HOMELESS.