Building Stronger Teams Through Emotional Intelligence: A Unique Experience in Bologna

From September 09th to 13th, a group of 11 leaders from FGU Hovedstaden in Denmark embarked on an enriching journey in Bologna, Italy. The group, which included professionals such as principals, vice principals, and key school leaders, had a clear goal: to engage in team-building activities while exploring the intricacies of leadership styles, conflict management, and emotional intelligence.

The course began with a focus on understanding emotions, both personal and within the group. Participants delved into emotional intelligence, particularly the importance of self-awareness, self-motivation, and empathy—key pillars for effective leadership. Through theoretical discussions and hands-on activities, the group analyzed how emotional dynamics influence their interactions and leadership approaches.
One of the most insightful activities involved role-playing, where participants were encouraged to empathize with a colleague in a challenging situation. This exercise not only fostered understanding but also helped them analyze various emotions at play, offering an opportunity to develop deeper connections with their peers.

Another powerful moment came during a unique activity designed to help each leader reflect on their inner selves. Through this self-exploration, others had to guess the traits that defined their colleagues, fostering a sense of empathy and solidarity among the group.

To enhance the experience, participants also had the chance to share a morning session with two other groups of educators attending parallel courses. This offered a valuable opportunity to exchange insights and learn from the activities done earlier in the week.
The course didn’t shy away from tackling the difficult yet vital topic of conflict management. Numerous role-play exercises allowed participants to explore various conflict resolution strategies, empowering them with the tools to handle workplace challenges more effectively.

The participants—Camilla Saebel, Lise Mundt, John Larsen, Bente Klitgaard, Søren Østerby, Trine Bloch Nielsen, Zaki Mølgaard, Marianne Vesterager, Johanne Bjerregaard, Rikke Svendsen, and Simon Bjørnholdt Eriksen—returned home with new insights and stronger team dynamics, ready to implement their newfound knowledge back in Denmark.

Discover more about this course here.