Activities to Address Too Analytical Discussions + Free Resource
And don't miss out on the early bird deal of $25 for our February 18 Foundations of Collaborative Discussion Workshop! Only 5 days left to get this discount, so sign up now!
Dear collaborative discussion friends,
This week we would first like to share a quick reminder that we are offering a Foundations of Collaborative Discussion Workshop. During the workshop, we will model activities from the Collaborative Discussion Toolkit that you can use to help you set the stage for better conversations and productive collaboration.
The workshop is being offered on two different dates, February 18 and March 1. Choose the date that works best for you:
Tuesday, February 18th from 6 pm - 8 pm ET. Register by this Friday, January 31st to get the early bird price of $25! Only 5 days left, so register now!
Saturday, March 1st from 10 am - 12 pm ET. Register by February 12th to get the early bird price of $25!
This week we are also sharing two activities that can be help when discussions become too analytical. Instead of focusing only on analyzing ideas, these activities can help a group also address and engage with the emotions that arise during the discussion. We are also including a free resource that can be used as a reminder of which activities can serve as responsive interventions to help with difficulty in engaging with emotions in a discussion.
If you missed the previous newsletter, Register Now for an Introductory Workshop or Webinar, you can access it and our other weekly newsletters by subscribing below.
Free resource with activities to help address too analytical discussions
Some discussion can become too analytical, focusing solely on analyzing the ideas shared about the topic of discussion, while ignoring or glossing over the underlying emotions that also arise in regards to the topic or problem being discussed. Especially if groups are discussing a challenging or sensitive issue, not addressing these emotions can prevent a productive conversation from taking place. Naming and trying to understand each other’s emotions and expressing empathy for others, on the other hand, can help build a sense of safety, trust, and connection, which are all important for effective collaboration.
The following two activities can be used to intervene and help a group when they are having difficulty reflecting on their own and understanding others’ emotional reactions in a discussion, as well as help the group build a stronger sense of connection through practicing intentional empathy.
Activity 3.2 Critical Feeling in Discussions
Activity 3.2 Critical Feeling in Discussions. Being aware of the emotional charge of a discussion is important. This involves being aware of personal emotional reactions as well as the reactions of others. This activity helps participants to reflect on their own emotional reactions while also asking questions to better understand the emotions of others.
Activity 4.5 Nurturing Intentional Empathy
Activity 4.5 Nurturing Intentional Empathy. This activity helps participants practice intentional empathy by viewing a situation from someone else’s perspective and diving deeper into what they are thinking and feeling.
Printable PDF of 2 activities to address too analytical discussions
Download and print out copies of this PDF to use as a reminder of which activities can act as responsive interventions when a group is having trouble engaging with emotions in a discussion and share with fellow educators, facilitators, or team leaders.
Shareable image of 2 activities to address too analytical discussions
Share this image online with fellow educators, facilitators, or team leaders as a reminder of which activities can act as responsive interventions when a group is having trouble addressing the emotions present in a discussion.
Upcoming Events
Foundations of Collaborative Discussion Workshop. Learn how to set the stage for productive collaboration. We are offering this workshop on two different dates. Choose the date that works best for you and register now. All are welcome!
Tuesday, February 18th from 6 pm - 8 pm ET. Register by this Friday, January 31st to get the early bird price of $25!
Saturday, March 1st from 10 am - 12 pm ET. Register by February 12th to get the early bird price of $25!
Introduction to the CDP Toolkit Webinar. This webinar will take place from 12 pm to 1 pm (eastern) on Thursday, March 6th. Learn about our free toolkit of activities designed to build and support collaborative discussion skills and mindsets. All are welcome! Register Now.
Looking forward to collaborating,
Ritu, Shannon, & the Collaborative Discussion Team