One of the most influential variables in human development is social relationships. Cultivating Emotional Intelligence: The 5 Habits of the Emotion Coach centers on how educators may build and use positive relationships with their students to help them grow in emotional intelligence. Additionally, this book seeks to answer the question, "What is the end goal of growing emotionally intelligent students? Is it a matter of understanding oneself and other's emotions? Or is the goal simply to produce "good citizens"?

As humans, we desire connection with others. And while most connections remain surface level, this book investigates how teachers can make a deeper connection with students for the purpose of growing emotional intelligence and teaching positive social skills. If educators are going to do so, it will be necessary to reframe traditional school practices that focus on promoting positive behaviors through a discipline system based upon consequences that fail to address the behavior in a redemptive manner.