Teaching a Course on Positive Relationships Jane Dutton, Sally Maitlis and Arne Carlsen POS Research Conference June 5-6, 2019

Goals for Game plan our time together INSPIRATION PRACTICAL- RESOURCE RICH DIVERSITY OF PERSPECTIVES WHY? HOW ? (Topics, Materials, Assignments) DESIGN CHALLENGE Q AND A (Throughout) Jane do intro/overviw

Background Context: Who? How Long? Sally Arne Jane We each talk about what we do in teaching this

1. Why this course? Jane will talk about the goals from her perspective

Goals Enhance self-awareness about relationship-building Deepen knowledge/skills about building high-quality relationships Broaden capacity to deal with corrosive and challenging relationships Strengthen diagnostics for relational capabilities for organizations Explore relational aspects of leadership See applications beyond work Jane do

2. Core topics covered Sally will talk about the sequence of topics/modules she covers– using next slide

Possible Topic Sequence (JD & SM) Making the Case for focus on HQCs Strategies for Building HQCs A. Respectful Engagement B. Task Enabling C. Trusting D. Playing III. Challenges in Building HQCs (Power, Diversity/Difference. Technology, Distance) Dealing with Corrosive Connections Designing for HQCS– the Relational Organization Living Relationally – Being a Contribution Sally do

Another Possible Topic Sequence (AC) 1. Quality and energy in relations Affirmative bias Growth mindset 2. Experiential learning 3. Meaning making 4. Making space 5. Positive organizational change

3. Favorite materials-- Readings

JD Arne do this section

AC 1, Quality and energy in relations: High-quality connections; psychological safety; generative resistance/radical candor & liberating laughter. 2. Experiential learning: : Classics (Kolb) and more recent papers on reflexive practices; transition to topics in design thinking; punk production. 3. Meaning making: Prosocial motivation and giving behavior; callings, compassion; motivational framing and positive dramas. 4. Making space: Work space design; visualization & sketching; the use of artifacts & boundary objects. 5. Positive organizational change: The progress principle; small wins, self-efficacy & agency;a taste of appreciative inquiry.

SM

Favorite materials - Videos We each talk about one that we use and make point about videos allowing for discussion of embodied aspects of relationality

So many favorites– but if forced to pick one (JD) Touching Strangers (< 3 min. ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq 69EV5dMsU Themes Power of touch– almost instant What happens in connection? Why might this matter?

AC “So tell me … what is your philosophy of leadership? .. how you inspire your men to be better than they think they can be?” Snippets from semi-documentary movies, e.g. Invictus, When We Were Kings, Nicky’s family The 911 call on the bookkeeper in Atlanta who talked down a gunman Peak moments in creative interactions (own research) Also: NOT VIDEO, but live acting with professional actors taking direction from students (critical moments approach)

SM The Doctor Listening Empathy: The Human Connection Mo Cheeks & Natalie Gilbert SM

Favorite materials- Cases Sally will talk about the prima donna Stanford case

SM

LinkedIn: Example of Relational Selection Practice (JD) https://wdi- publishing.com/product/a- values-based-approach-to- candidate-selection-linkedin- intern-interviews/

4. Winner assignments Arne will lead here talking about the set of assignments that are about HQC experiments

A series of self-designed action experiments with log, feedback and plenary debriefing Home exam experiencing reflecting (in log) designing debriefing 1st gathering (Sep) 2nd gathering (Nov) 3rd gathering (Jan) 4th gathering (Feb) 5th gathering (Apr) 1st menu: Respectful engagement Generative resistance Liberating laughter Psychological safety 2nd menu: Reflective Self-Portrait Good deeds … 3rd menu: Beneficiary contact practices Appreciation practices … 4th menu: Making space Creative collaboration Focused training … AC

Building a tent blindfolded—the final simulation (JD) Teams-time pressure– don’t know it is a tent Essay assignment (like final exam) How would you characterize the quality of connections? How do you know? What facilitated and what enabled the building of HQCs? What difference did HQCs make?

Design challenge for you!

QUESTIONS?

RESOURCES New website on HQCshttps://www.highqconnections.com/ Teaching resources on POS website (e.g., old syllabus and teaching notes https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/wp- content/uploads/Dutton_MO615.pdf)