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Choose one that addresses a specific challenge, then agree how you will follow up.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Start with a clear outcome\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Decide what you want to change before choosing an activity.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"That could mean raising disagreements during meetings, handling feedback more calmly or giving quieter colleagues space to contribute.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Choose something you can observe. Check progress over the following weeks and review it again after three months.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"1. Keep a trigger log\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Develops:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" self-awareness and impulse control.\",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"type\":\"hard_break\"},{\"text\":\"Time:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" 10-minute briefing, two weeks of reflection and a 30-minute debrief.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Ask people to record moments when they notice a strong reaction at work:\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"bullet_list\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"What happened.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"What they felt.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"How they responded.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Keep the logs private. In the debrief, invite people to share patterns they are comfortable discussing, without naming colleagues.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Recognising recurring triggers helps people prepare a more considered response.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"2. Practise a pause\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Develops:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" impulse control and stress management.\",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"type\":\"hard_break\"},{\"text\":\"Time:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" 15 minutes to introduce, then ongoing practice.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Use a familiar scenario, such as an unexpected deadline change. Ask people to notice their physical reaction, name the emotion silently and pause before responding.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Practise in pairs using a low-stakes example. The aim is to create enough space to choose a useful response.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"There is no fixed time in which an emotion must pass. Focus on responding deliberately rather than counting down.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"3. Rewrite a difficult message\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Develops:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" communication and interpersonal skills.\",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"type\":\"hard_break\"},{\"text\":\"Time:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" 45 minutes.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Use four or five anonymised emails or messages, shared with permission, where the wording caused confusion or friction. Ask pairs to rewrite them.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Compare the versions:\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"bullet_list\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Which is clearer?\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Which could sound dismissive?\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"What would help the recipient understand what is needed?\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Practise any communication tools your team already uses, and agree one principle to apply to future messages.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"4. Explore a stakeholder’s perspective\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Develops:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" empathy and reality testing.\",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"type\":\"hard_break\"},{\"text\":\"Time:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" 60 minutes.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Choose a challenging working relationship. Map four areas:\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"bullet_list\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"What the stakeholder says.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"What they do.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"What they may be thinking.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"What they may be feeling.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Mark thoughts and feelings as assumptions\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\", then discuss how to check them through conversation.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Finish by agreeing a constructive next step. Understanding someone’s perspective should help you address the issue.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"5. Rehearse a difficult conversation\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Develops:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" assertiveness, emotional expression and stress tolerance.\",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"type\":\"hard_break\"},{\"text\":\"Time:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" 90 minutes.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Work in groups of three: speaker, other party and observer. Choose an appropriate conversation and rehearse its opening for two minutes.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"The observer gives feedback on whether the opening is clear, respectful and likely to encourage discussion. Repeat it using that feedback.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Keep the focus on describing the issue and inviting a response, without blame.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"6. Review a decision\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Develops:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" reality testing and problem-solving.\",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"type\":\"hard_break\"},{\"text\":\"Time:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" 60 minutes.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Choose a past decision the team can discuss constructively. Separate what was known, what was assumed and what people felt at the time.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Ask whether concerns about relationships, reputation or confrontation influenced the choice.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Agree one change to the next decision-making discussion, such as checking assumptions before committing.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"7. Review your team’s unwritten rules\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Develops:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" collaboration and shared responsibility.\",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"type\":\"hard_break\"},{\"text\":\"Time:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" 90 minutes.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Ask the team to describe what happens in practice when someone disagrees, gives feedback or makes a mistake.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Examples might include saving objections until after a meeting or avoiding challenges to senior colleagues.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Choose one unhelpful pattern and agree a specific alternative, with a date to review it.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"This exercise can surface sensitive issues. Use an experienced facilitator where trust is low or conflict is unresolved.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Balance empathy with clear expectations\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Empathy helps people understand one another, but effective working relationships also need assertiveness and honest feedback.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"A manager can understand why someone is struggling while still discussing missed commitments. Avoiding that conversation may leave both the person and the team without the support they need.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"When using empathy mapping, check that the exercise leads to a useful conversation or action. It should not become another reason to postpone one.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Make the learning stick\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"A useful session is a starting point. What happens afterwards determines whether the team works differently.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"bullet_list\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Follow up.\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" Agree one action, who will take it and when the team will review progress.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Respect boundaries.\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" Make sharing optional and plan how to handle sensitive disclosures privately, through the appropriate support channels.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Set the tone.\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" Ask senior colleagues to listen, acknowledge their own learning and avoid pressuring others to disclose personal experiences.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Check the outcome.\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" Ask what has changed at work, as well as whether people enjoyed the activity.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Internal facilitators can lead suitable activities when they have the skills to manage the discussion. More sensitive work needs experience in emotional intelligence, group dynamics and handling conflict.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"When to bring in an expert\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Consider specialist support when:\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"bullet_list\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Repeated sessions have produced little change and the team needs a clearer baseline, follow-up or programme design.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"The main issue involves one person or relationship and may need individual assessment and coaching.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"An otherwise capable team struggles to collaborate, or discussions repeatedly become defensive.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Our companion articles explain how to choose a programme and build the business case: \",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"text\":\"The Benefits of Emotional Intelligence Training: What the Evidence Shows\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"italic\"}]},{\"text\":\" and \",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"text\":\"What Should Emotional Intelligence Training Include?\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"italic\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Summit’s \",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"text\":\"Emotionally Intelligent Teamwork\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"link\",\"attrs\":{\"href\":\"https://www.summittraining.co.uk/team-development/emotionally-intelligent-teamwork/\",\"uuid\":null,\"anchor\":null,\"target\":null,\"linktype\":\"url\"}}]},{\"text\":\" programme supports whole teams. \",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"text\":\"Emotional Intelligence for Managers\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"link\",\"attrs\":{\"href\":\"https://www.summittraining.co.uk/management-training/emotional-intelligence-for-managers/\",\"uuid\":null,\"anchor\":null,\"target\":null,\"linktype\":\"url\"}}]},{\"text\":\" combines two days of learning with follow-up resources, while the \",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"text\":\"EQ-i 2.0\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"link\",\"attrs\":{\"href\":\"https://www.summittraining.co.uk/eq-i-2-0-certification/\",\"uuid\":null,\"anchor\":null,\"target\":null,\"linktype\":\"url\"}}]},{\"text\":\" can help establish an assessment baseline.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"For a smaller starting point, explore our \",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"text\":\"30-day quick-start plan for managers\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"link\",\"attrs\":{\"href\":\"https://www.summittraining.co.uk/summit-blog/emotional-intelligence-training-for-managers-that-sticks/\",\"uuid\":null,\"anchor\":null,\"target\":null,\"linktype\":\"url\"}}]},{\"text\":\".\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Talk to Summit about your team’s needs\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"link\",\"attrs\":{\"href\":\"https://www.summittraining.co.uk/contact-us/\",\"uuid\":null,\"anchor\":null,\"target\":null,\"linktype\":\"url\"}},{\"type\":\"bold\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"horizontal_rule\"},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":3,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Further reading\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"bullet_list\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"The Benefits of Emotional Intelligence Training: What the Evidence Shows\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"What Should Emotional Intelligence Training Include?\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"30-day quick-start plan for managers\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"link\",\"attrs\":{\"href\":\"https://www.summittraining.co.uk/summit-blog/emotional-intelligence-training-for-managers-that-sticks/\",\"uuid\":null,\"anchor\":null,\"target\":null,\"linktype\":\"url\"}}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Emotional intelligence training at Summit\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"link\",\"attrs\":{\"href\":\"https://www.summittraining.co.uk/emotional-intelligence/\",\"uuid\":null,\"anchor\":null,\"target\":null,\"linktype\":\"url\"}}]}]}]}]}]},\"component\":\"simple-centered\",\"title_h_tag\":\"h2\"}],\"meta\":{\"_uid\":\"0e65e400-f96a-438c-9a48-7eabf6032781\",\"title\":\"7 Emotional Intelligence Training Activities\",\"plugin\":\"meta-fields\",\"description\":\"Try seven practical emotional intelligence activities to improve self-awareness, communication and teamwork, with guidance on making the learning stick.\"},\"component\":\"post\",\"description\":\"Emotional intelligence activities are most useful when they help people handle real situations at work. A good exercise gives your team something to practise, discuss and use again after the session.\"}","full_slug":"emotional-intelligence/seven-emotional-intelligence-activities-for-your-team","uuid":"2b2d1cfc-120b-4ae1-8e48-01565863a06c","first_published_at":"2026-09-09T09:27:24.586Z","published_at":"2026-09-09T09:28:18.129Z"}},"pageContext":{"story":{"id":"storyblokentry-218138182972999-default","name":"Seven Emotional Intelligence Activities for Your Team","slug":"seven-emotional-intelligence-activities-for-your-team","field_component":"post","full_slug":"emotional-intelligence/seven-emotional-intelligence-activities-for-your-team","content":"{\"_uid\":\"55c72849-160f-45c8-a79f-c1e83983c0a8\",\"body\":[{\"_uid\":\"0afb378b-1a1c-4fab-a925-9da92e297b5c\",\"label\":\"Seven Emotional Intelligence Activities for Your Team\",\"title\":\"Seven Emotional Intelligence Activities for Your Team\",\"content\":{\"type\":\"doc\",\"attrs\":{\"backgroundColor\":null},\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Emotional intelligence activities are most useful when they help people handle real situations at work. A good exercise gives your team something to practise, discuss and use again after the session.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"These seven activities focus on self-awareness, communication and teamwork. Choose one that addresses a specific challenge, then agree how you will follow up.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Start with a clear outcome\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Decide what you want to change before choosing an activity.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"That could mean raising disagreements during meetings, handling feedback more calmly or giving quieter colleagues space to contribute.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Choose something you can observe. Check progress over the following weeks and review it again after three months.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"1. Keep a trigger log\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Develops:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" self-awareness and impulse control.\",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"type\":\"hard_break\"},{\"text\":\"Time:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" 10-minute briefing, two weeks of reflection and a 30-minute debrief.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Ask people to record moments when they notice a strong reaction at work:\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"bullet_list\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"What happened.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"What they felt.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"How they responded.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Keep the logs private. In the debrief, invite people to share patterns they are comfortable discussing, without naming colleagues.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Recognising recurring triggers helps people prepare a more considered response.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"2. Practise a pause\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Develops:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" impulse control and stress management.\",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"type\":\"hard_break\"},{\"text\":\"Time:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" 15 minutes to introduce, then ongoing practice.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Use a familiar scenario, such as an unexpected deadline change. Ask people to notice their physical reaction, name the emotion silently and pause before responding.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Practise in pairs using a low-stakes example. The aim is to create enough space to choose a useful response.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"There is no fixed time in which an emotion must pass. Focus on responding deliberately rather than counting down.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"3. Rewrite a difficult message\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Develops:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" communication and interpersonal skills.\",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"type\":\"hard_break\"},{\"text\":\"Time:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" 45 minutes.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Use four or five anonymised emails or messages, shared with permission, where the wording caused confusion or friction. Ask pairs to rewrite them.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Compare the versions:\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"bullet_list\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Which is clearer?\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Which could sound dismissive?\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"What would help the recipient understand what is needed?\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Practise any communication tools your team already uses, and agree one principle to apply to future messages.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"4. Explore a stakeholder’s perspective\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Develops:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" empathy and reality testing.\",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"type\":\"hard_break\"},{\"text\":\"Time:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" 60 minutes.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Choose a challenging working relationship. Map four areas:\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"bullet_list\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"What the stakeholder says.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"What they do.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"What they may be thinking.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"What they may be feeling.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Mark thoughts and feelings as assumptions\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\", then discuss how to check them through conversation.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Finish by agreeing a constructive next step. Understanding someone’s perspective should help you address the issue.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"5. Rehearse a difficult conversation\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Develops:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" assertiveness, emotional expression and stress tolerance.\",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"type\":\"hard_break\"},{\"text\":\"Time:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" 90 minutes.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Work in groups of three: speaker, other party and observer. Choose an appropriate conversation and rehearse its opening for two minutes.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"The observer gives feedback on whether the opening is clear, respectful and likely to encourage discussion. Repeat it using that feedback.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Keep the focus on describing the issue and inviting a response, without blame.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"6. Review a decision\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Develops:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" reality testing and problem-solving.\",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"type\":\"hard_break\"},{\"text\":\"Time:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" 60 minutes.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Choose a past decision the team can discuss constructively. Separate what was known, what was assumed and what people felt at the time.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Ask whether concerns about relationships, reputation or confrontation influenced the choice.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Agree one change to the next decision-making discussion, such as checking assumptions before committing.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"7. Review your team’s unwritten rules\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Develops:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" collaboration and shared responsibility.\",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"type\":\"hard_break\"},{\"text\":\"Time:\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" 90 minutes.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Ask the team to describe what happens in practice when someone disagrees, gives feedback or makes a mistake.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Examples might include saving objections until after a meeting or avoiding challenges to senior colleagues.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Choose one unhelpful pattern and agree a specific alternative, with a date to review it.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"This exercise can surface sensitive issues. Use an experienced facilitator where trust is low or conflict is unresolved.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Balance empathy with clear expectations\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Empathy helps people understand one another, but effective working relationships also need assertiveness and honest feedback.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"A manager can understand why someone is struggling while still discussing missed commitments. Avoiding that conversation may leave both the person and the team without the support they need.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"When using empathy mapping, check that the exercise leads to a useful conversation or action. It should not become another reason to postpone one.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Make the learning stick\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"A useful session is a starting point. What happens afterwards determines whether the team works differently.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"bullet_list\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Follow up.\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" Agree one action, who will take it and when the team will review progress.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Respect boundaries.\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" Make sharing optional and plan how to handle sensitive disclosures privately, through the appropriate support channels.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Set the tone.\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" Ask senior colleagues to listen, acknowledge their own learning and avoid pressuring others to disclose personal experiences.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Check the outcome.\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"bold\"}]},{\"text\":\" Ask what has changed at work, as well as whether people enjoyed the activity.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Internal facilitators can lead suitable activities when they have the skills to manage the discussion. More sensitive work needs experience in emotional intelligence, group dynamics and handling conflict.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":2,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"When to bring in an expert\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Consider specialist support when:\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"bullet_list\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Repeated sessions have produced little change and the team needs a clearer baseline, follow-up or programme design.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"The main issue involves one person or relationship and may need individual assessment and coaching.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"An otherwise capable team struggles to collaborate, or discussions repeatedly become defensive.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Our companion articles explain how to choose a programme and build the business case: \",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"text\":\"The Benefits of Emotional Intelligence Training: What the Evidence Shows\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"italic\"}]},{\"text\":\" and \",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"text\":\"What Should Emotional Intelligence Training Include?\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"italic\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Summit’s \",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"text\":\"Emotionally Intelligent Teamwork\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"link\",\"attrs\":{\"href\":\"https://www.summittraining.co.uk/team-development/emotionally-intelligent-teamwork/\",\"uuid\":null,\"anchor\":null,\"target\":null,\"linktype\":\"url\"}}]},{\"text\":\" programme supports whole teams. \",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"text\":\"Emotional Intelligence for Managers\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"link\",\"attrs\":{\"href\":\"https://www.summittraining.co.uk/management-training/emotional-intelligence-for-managers/\",\"uuid\":null,\"anchor\":null,\"target\":null,\"linktype\":\"url\"}}]},{\"text\":\" combines two days of learning with follow-up resources, while the \",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"text\":\"EQ-i 2.0\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"link\",\"attrs\":{\"href\":\"https://www.summittraining.co.uk/eq-i-2-0-certification/\",\"uuid\":null,\"anchor\":null,\"target\":null,\"linktype\":\"url\"}}]},{\"text\":\" can help establish an assessment baseline.\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"For a smaller starting point, explore our \",\"type\":\"text\"},{\"text\":\"30-day quick-start plan for managers\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"link\",\"attrs\":{\"href\":\"https://www.summittraining.co.uk/summit-blog/emotional-intelligence-training-for-managers-that-sticks/\",\"uuid\":null,\"anchor\":null,\"target\":null,\"linktype\":\"url\"}}]},{\"text\":\".\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Talk to Summit about your team’s needs\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"link\",\"attrs\":{\"href\":\"https://www.summittraining.co.uk/contact-us/\",\"uuid\":null,\"anchor\":null,\"target\":null,\"linktype\":\"url\"}},{\"type\":\"bold\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"horizontal_rule\"},{\"type\":\"heading\",\"attrs\":{\"level\":3,\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Further reading\",\"type\":\"text\"}]},{\"type\":\"bullet_list\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"The Benefits of Emotional Intelligence Training: What the Evidence Shows\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"What Should Emotional Intelligence Training Include?\",\"type\":\"text\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"30-day quick-start plan for managers\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"link\",\"attrs\":{\"href\":\"https://www.summittraining.co.uk/summit-blog/emotional-intelligence-training-for-managers-that-sticks/\",\"uuid\":null,\"anchor\":null,\"target\":null,\"linktype\":\"url\"}}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"list_item\",\"content\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"attrs\":{\"textAlign\":null},\"content\":[{\"text\":\"Emotional intelligence training at Summit\",\"type\":\"text\",\"marks\":[{\"type\":\"link\",\"attrs\":{\"href\":\"https://www.summittraining.co.uk/emotional-intelligence/\",\"uuid\":null,\"anchor\":null,\"target\":null,\"linktype\":\"url\"}}]}]}]}]}]},\"component\":\"simple-centered\",\"title_h_tag\":\"h2\"}],\"meta\":{\"_uid\":\"0e65e400-f96a-438c-9a48-7eabf6032781\",\"title\":\"7 Emotional Intelligence Training Activities\",\"plugin\":\"meta-fields\",\"description\":\"Try seven practical emotional intelligence activities to improve self-awareness, communication and teamwork, with guidance on making the learning stick.\"},\"component\":\"post\",\"description\":\"Emotional intelligence activities are most useful when they help people handle real situations at work. A good exercise gives your team something to practise, discuss and use again after the session.\"}"},"fullSlug":"emotional-intelligence/seven-emotional-intelligence-activities-for-your-team"}},
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