Page 23 - Leadership Basics 3

For your interest

Building Norms for Three Levels of Group Emotional Intelligence

Group emotional intelligence is about the small acts that make a big difference. It is
not about a team member working all night to meet a deadline; it is about saying
thank you for doing so. It is not about in-depth
discussion of ideas; it is about asking a quiet member for his thoughts. It is not about
harmony, lack of tension, and all members liking each other; it is about
acknowledging when harmony is false, tension is unexpressed, and treating others
with respect. The following exhibit outlines some of the small things that groups can
do to establish the norms that build group emotional intelligence.

Individual Group Cross‐Boundary

NORMS THAT CREATE AWARENESS OF EMOTIONS
Interpersonal understanding Team self‐evaluation Organizational understanding

1. Take time away from group tasks to get 1. Schedule time to examine team 1. Find out the concerns and needs of
to know one another. effectiveness. others in the organization.

2. Have a ‘check in’ at the beginning of 2. Create measurable task and process 2. Consider who can influence the team’s
the meeting—that is, ask how objectives and then measure them. ability to accomplish its goals.
everyone is doing.

3. Assume that undesirable behavior takes 3. Acknowledge and discuss group moods. 3. Discuss the culture and politics in the
place for a reason. Find out what that organization.
reason is. Ask questions and listen.
Avoid negative attributes.

4. Tell your teammates what you’re think‐ 4. Communicate your sense of what is 4. Ask whether proposed team actions are
ing and how you’re feeling. transpiring in the team. congruent with the organization’s culture
and politics.

5. Allow members to call a ‘process check’.
(For instance, a team member might
say, “Process checks: is this the most
effective use of our time right now?”)

Perspective taking Seeking feedback

1. Ask whether everyone aggress with a 1. Ask your ‘customers’ how you are doing.
decision.
2. Ask quiet members what they think. 2. Post your work and invite comments.

3. Question decisions that come too 3. Benchmark your processes.
quickly.
4. Appoint a devil’s advocate.

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