Workshop Overview

Organisations consist of individuals, real people who do not leave their emotions at the door. Rather, they bring the struggles of their outside lives with them. These are played out in relationships within the organisation. These dynamics may result in various challenges including conflicts, excessive competition, communication difficulties and defensive behaviours. If they are not understood and effectively addressed, these can impinge on the performance and productivity within the organisation.

This course will develop an understanding of how groups work and how our emotional and relational states can impact (and often disrupt) our ability to work productively. We will collectively think about the organisational culture and identify some of the myths and blind spots that can be unproductive or unhealthy. Participants will understand more the role that they tend to play in groups (both consciously and unconsciously) and how this may impact their relationship with other colleagues who will often have different styles of relating and different emotional worlds.

By considering the importance of having a clearly agreed ‘primary task’ (purpose) of the group we will aim to help participants identify when the group is not working well and to consider what emotional challenges may be under the surface. We will also think about how our relationship with authority differs from person to person. This may impact our ability to lead and also our ability to follow or compromise in a group situation.

Finally, we will think together about what influences good group dynamics and what strategies can be put in place to achieve this. We will also explore how we use this knowledge of group and organizational dynamics to encourage group ‘buy in’ and implement change.

Workshop Outcomes

  • understand one’s own and others’ role and impact in groups
  • reduce conflict and negative group behaviours
  • awareness that groups often become disruptive and sabotage when unspoken dynamics are not dealt with
  • develop an awareness of the organisational culture and how to nurture its positive aspects
  • improve focus on the primary task (core purpose)
  • increase cohesiveness and collaboration in teams and across the organisation

Further Details

  • this workshop is for senior leaders and HR professionals
  • day workshop (can be tailored to half day or hour sessions)