WFED 880 – Lesson 5 Discussion – Facilitating Group Emotional Intelligence

Based what we have discussed regarding group EI, what can you do as a facilitator of groups that will help to establish a culture of emotional awareness on a broad perspective? Consider the Druskat and Wolff article in your response. Identify specific elements within this context that you feel are particularly relevant in establishing a team culture that is aware of and responds to group EI. 

As a facilitator, one of the most important thing you can do at the beginning of your session is the simple task of setting team/group norms. What is important to the group? How do they want to hold each other accountable? What are the expectations of each partnership? Etc. In the Druskat and Wolff article, they share the importance of trust amongst the members, creating a sense of the group’s identity and a sense of the group’s efficiency – by creating team norms, and holding the team accountable to them, the group can often have deep trust and have great success.

In terms of this information, what do you view as the greatest challenge in establishing a team culture that is aware of and responds to group EI? Use the Druskat and Wolff article as the source for your response.

I believe the greatest challenge is accountability. As shared in the article, the team attitudes and behaviors will often become habits. Creating Team Norms can provide a wonderful foundation for these habits, but truly holding the team and each individual accountable is sometimes difficult for a facilitator as it requires candor and honestly.

As a facilitator of group EI, be specific as to how these challenges can be overcome.

A great way to overcome the above challenge is to document and celebrate the activity of Team Norms. Use a large board or piece of paper to document the norms. The team should own this and use their creativity and colors to make this document come alive so that the behaviors are lived within the team. Post the document in full sight in the room and continuously praise when you see these norms being practiced. Even more importantly, address when they are not – I have witnessed facilitators not even have to speak one word – all they do is point to the norms and the group nods in agreement. It is a wonderful learning moment and re-evaluation of the moment. I have also witnessed many teams take great pride in their document – often large, colorful and signed by all team members.