Practical Project: Psychosocial competencies - communication, cooperation and wellbeing 4219-PP110
The classes take the form of an interactive workshop using work in pairs, groups, forums and in-depth individual exercises. Students will develop their communication skills (including attentive, active listening, direct and clear communication, non-verbal communication and providing feedback), social skills (communication styles in the context of cooperation, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, assertiveness) and self-care (regulation of the nervous system, neuroplasticity, emotional hygiene and healthy habits).
TOPICS
Building Self-Awareness:
• Exploration of self-inquiry exercises and self-discovery assessments.
• Understanding personal values, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Identifying personal biases and their impact on interactions.
• Inquiring about personal preferences, needs & goals.
• Strategies for setting personal development goals.
Understanding Communication:
• Examination of verbal and non-verbal communication.
• The impact of assumptions, stereotypes and cultural patterns on interpersonal communication.
• Elements of effective & impactful communication.
• Training in interpersonal communication including active listening, paraphrasing, and summarizing.
• Strategies for formulating intelligent questions; open-ended and closed-ended questioning.
• Evaluation of individual communication styles, identifying benefits and areas for development.
Communication in Cooperation:
• Mapping communication preferences and conducting needs analysis in a team context.
• Understanding the nature of cooperation and requirements for successful collaboration.
• The role of psychological safety in fostering cooperation.
• Foundations for delivering effective feedback leading to continuous development.
• The significance of emotional regulation in enhancing communication.
Assertiveness:
• Defining assertiveness, learning respectful refusal, and advocating personal viewpoints.
• Differentiating facts from interpretations.
• Identifying personal needs and interests.
• Articulating requests and expectations assertively.
Emotional Intelligence:
• Comprehending and regulating personal emotions.
• Utilizing the informational value of emotions.
• The role of stress and emotions within teamwork.
• Developing empathy and understanding the emotions of others.
• Applying emotional intelligence to improve interpersonal relationships.
• Techniques for enhancing emotional self-awareness and self-management.
Conflict Resolution:
• Strategies for effective conflict resolution.
• Understanding different types of conflict.
• Techniques for de-escalating conflicts and negotiating mutually beneficial solutions.
• The role of active listening and empathy in resolving conflicts.
Neuroplasticity:
• Fundamentals about neuroplasticity and practical applications.
• The impact of lifestyle factors (e.g., diet, sleep, stress management) on neuroplasticity and brain health.
• Neuroplasticity as a basis for change.
Nervous System Regulation:
• Understanding the relationship between the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and stress.
• The role of the vagus nerve in stress response and relaxation.
• Techniques for regulating the nervous system, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and progressive muscle relaxation for improved recovery, focus enhancement & emotion regulation.
• Integrating nervous system regulation practices into daily routines to improve overall wellbeing.
Wellbeing Improvement Activities:
• Planning, prioritization, and fundamentals of effective work habits.
• Strategies for enhancing mental wellbeing, including mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques.
• The importance of social connections and community involvement for overall wellbeing.
• Developing a personal wellbeing plan that incorporates physical, mental, and emotional health practices.
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge:
• Comprehension of verbal and non-verbal communication and active listening.
• Understanding how cultural context and biases affect our communication.
• Fundamental understanding of communication styles in teamwork.
• Understanding how to build psychological safety in team contexts.
• Knows one model in delivering feedback
• Distinguishing between internal & interpersonal conflicts.
• Understanding the concepts of neuroplasticity and how that impacts change.
• Basic knowledge about the autonomic nervous system & emotion regulation.
Skills:
• Proficiency in interacting and collaborating in context of fulfilling group tasks
• Effective communication within team settings.
• Practicing communication elements that enhance trust and safety, such as active listening, paraphrasing, asking questions and providing feedback.
• Utilizing skills for identification & regulation of emotions
• Basic conflict resolution skills
• Planning individualized activities for self-development, soft skills & wellbeing.
Social Competences:
• Enhanced awareness of personal communication style and its effect on team performance.
• Improved listening, direct communication, and feedback skills.
• Knowledge of effective practices in organizational teamwork and business culture.
• Understanding the role of stress and emotions in team dynamics.
• Ability to collaborate effectively, considering diversity and individual potential.
Assessment criteria
attendance* (60%) and 15 min presentation (40%)
* up to 2 absences possible (up to 4h)
Bibliography
1. Stone, D., Patton, B., & Heen, S. (2010). Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most. Penguin Books.
2. Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation. Norton & Company.
3. Merzenich, M. M. (2013). Soft-Wired: How the New Science of Brain Plasticity Can Change Your Life. Parnassus Publishing.
4. Cahn, D. D., & Abigail, R. A. (2014). Managing Conflict through Communication. Pearson.
5. Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.
6. Rock, D. Your Brain at Work: Strategies for Overcoming Distraction, Regaining Focus, and Working Smarter All Day Long.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: