Quick Emotional Intelligence Activities for Busy Managers: 50 Team Exercises That Get Results in Just 15 Minutes

Quick Emotional Intelligence Activities for Busy Managers: 50 Team Exercises That Get Results in Just 15 Minutes

Released January 2007
Publisher(s): AMACOM
ISBN: 9780814408957

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Book description

In a team situation, many issues -- like lack of trust and commitment, unresolved conflicts, and the inability of individuals to understand how their actions impact the rest of the team -- can stop even the most promising groups from delivering great results. This simple, easy-to-use book gives managers, supervisors, and team leaders activities to help their teams overcome emotional obstacles and become more effective. Readers will find powerful, proven exercises they can use to help employees:

* identify individual and team mood
* deal with anger and emotional triggers
* avert, rather than avoid, conflict
* encourage communication
* overcome fear and other obstacles
* understand and manage competition
* honor differences
* assess team strengths and weaknesses
* pick up on cues from teammates
* control the emotional climate of the team

Each activity is followed by a discussion of its purpose, how to use it, and a list of post- activity questions to help solidify each lesson. This practical, effective collection of proven exercises will elicit the best from any team.

Table of contents

  1. Copyright
  2. Acknowledgments
  3. Introduction
  4. 1. A Guide to the 50 Activities
  5. 2. What You’ll See for Each Activity
    1. Level of Risk
    2. Purpose
    3. Why Is This Important?
    4. When to Use This Activity
    5. Set the Stage
    6. Materials
    7. The Activity
    8. Key Questions
    9. A Word of Caution
    10. Variation
    11. Ask for Commitment
  6. 3. How to Use This Book
    1. Before the Activity
    2. During the Activity
    3. After the Activity
  7. 4. For the Leader
    1. Your Mindset/Role Model
    2. Learn More
    3. Reinforce Behaviors
    4. Timing and Readiness
    5. As Your Team Develops
    6. What If . . .
      1. What If Things Go Wrong?
      2. What If No One Participates?
      3. What If No One Answers The Key Questions?
      4. What If The “Group Think” Turns on You?
    7. Conclusion
  8. 5. The Activities
    1. EQ 1. Mood Check
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. Ask for Commitment
    2. EQ 2. I Can Top That
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Some Suggested Topics for Stories
      9. Key Questions
      10. A Word of Caution
      11. Variation
      12. Ask for Commitment
    3. EQ 3. Lead Balloons
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    4. EQ 4. When Things Go Wrong—Our Team M.O.
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. The Activity
      7. Key Questions
      8. A Word of Caution
      9. Variation
      10. Ask for Commitment
    5. EQ 5. Helium Balloons
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    6. EQ 6. Hair Triggers or Hot Buttons
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    7. EQ 7. Spirit Killers
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    8. EQ 8. UP
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. The Activity
      7. Key Questions
      8. A Word of Caution
      9. Variation
    9. EQ 9. Strung Tight—Understanding M.O.s During High Stress
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    10. EQ 10. Team Trophies
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    11. EQ 11. Thank You for the Gifts
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    12. EQ 12. Who Said That?
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    13. EQ 13. Choir Director
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    14. EQ 14. Five Team Strengths—A 360 Assessment
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Ask for Commitment
    15. EQ 15. Five Team Weaknesses—A 360 Assessment
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    16. EQ 16. Speak Up
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Ask for Commitment
    17. EQ 17. Keep Your Eye on the Eye
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    18. EQ 18. My Dirty Dozen
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    19. EQ 19. Search Warrants for the Dirty Dozen
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. Set the Stage
      5. When to Use This Activity
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    20. EQ 20. PFAT Self-Scan
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    21. EQ 21. PFAT Group Scan
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    22. EQ 22. People and Perceptions
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    23. EQ 23. Tuning In
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    24. EQ 24. But I Didn’t Mean . . .
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Ask for Commitment
    25. EQ 25. Trading Spaces
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. Variation
      10. Ask for Commitment
    26. EQ 26. What Else?
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    27. EQ 27. Channel Surfing
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. Variation
      10. Ask for Commitment
    28. EQ 28. Voices in Harmony
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. Variation
      10. Ask for Commitment
    29. EQ 29. Color My World
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    30. EQ 30. And Now a Word from Our Sponsor
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. Variation
      10. Ask for Commitment
    31. EQ 31. Emotional Trophies
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. Variation
      10. Ask for Commitment
    32. EQ 32. Secret Admirer
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    33. EQ 33. Accomplishments Flower Garden
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    34. EQ 34. Profiles in Respect
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Ask for Commitment
    35. EQ 35. Perfect Team
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    36. EQ 36. Gut Check
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    37. EQ 37. Timed Reflection
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    38. EQ 38. Best Failure
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    39. EQ 39. First Impression
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    40. EQ 40. I Think; I Feel
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. Variation
      10. Ask for Commitment
    41. EQ 41. Cartoon Characters
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    42. EQ 42. Throwing Rocks
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    43. EQ 43. The Pause Button
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. Variation
      10. Ask for Commitment
    44. EQ 44. The Pause Elf
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    45. EQ 45. Best Practices
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. Variation
      10. Ask for Commitment
    46. EQ 46. Heroes
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    47. EQ 47. It’s in the Air
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. Variation
      10. Ask for Commitment
    48. EQ 48. My Mantra
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    49. EQ 49. Flying Values
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. A Word of Caution
      10. Variation
      11. Ask for Commitment
    50. EQ 50. What’s Different?
      1. Level of Risk
      2. Purpose
      3. Why Is This Important?
      4. When to Use This Activity
      5. Set the Stage
      6. Materials
      7. The Activity
      8. Key Questions
      9. Variation
      10. Ask for Commitment
  9. Recommended Resources
  10. About the Author

Product information

  • Title: Quick Emotional Intelligence Activities for Busy Managers: 50 Team Exercises That Get Results in Just 15 Minutes
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: January 2007
  • Publisher(s): AMACOM
  • ISBN: 9780814408957