How can I Use the Emotional Culture Deck with my Team?

You can use the Emotional Culture Deck (ECD) to explore and map both what your team are feeling and how they want to feel.

The first step is to run a facilitated workshop in which you and your team create your culture canvas. The Culture Canvas is a framework that helps visualise the various elements that contribute to the overall emotional climate. It enables teams to gain a deeper understanding of their emotional culture, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies to foster a more positive and supportive environment.

ECD Activities

The workshop can provide a solid foundation for using the deck in various ways to foster a more emotionally healthy and productive team environment. Here are some examples:

1. Icebreaker Activities:

• Random card selection: Have each team member draw a card and share their thoughts on the prompt. This can be a fun way to get to know each other better and spark conversations.
• Group discussions: Choose a card and facilitate a group discussion based on the prompt. This can help identify shared experiences and emotions within the team.

2. Team Building Exercises:

• Emotional check-in: Start team meetings with a quick check-in using the ECD. This can help team members become more aware of their emotions and the emotions of others.
• Reflection and feedback: After a project or event, use the ECD to facilitate a reflective discussion about the team's emotional experiences. This can lead to valuable insights and improvements for future projects.

3. Coaching and Development:

• Individual coaching sessions: Use the ECD to explore individual team members' emotional needs and goals. This can help them develop strategies for managing stress, building resilience, and improving their overall well-being.
• Leadership development: Use the ECD to discuss the importance of emotional intelligence for leaders. This can help leaders develop their ability to understand and manage their own emotions, as well as the emotions of their team members.

5. Addressing Conflict:

• Conflict resolution: When conflicts arise, use the ECD to facilitate open and honest conversations about the emotions involved. This can help team members understand each other's perspectives and find mutually beneficial solutions.
• Empathy building: Use the ECD to help team members develop empathy and understanding for each other's emotions. This can create a more supportive and collaborative work environment.