In this class, you will embark on a learning journey different from any you are likely to have experienced before. The class uses the well-established T-Group (or training group) method as originally developed at the National Training Lab over 70 years ago. Participating in a T-Group is not like attending a class in statistical methods or finance. Here you will engage in a form of experiential learning or learning by doing. While each class will begin with a brief lecture and one or two short exercises, the primary learning takes place in the T-Group. T-Group is an interactive, small group with no set agenda. The group dynamic and interactions between members dictate the agenda. The T-Group is composed of 12 students, the instructor and a co-facilitator, and will comprise the majority of each class period. In addition, there will be T-group meetings outside of the regular class time, including an intensive weekend experience.
The main focus of this course is on enhancing interpersonal communication skills to foster more effective relationships. This leadership learning laboratory offers ample opportunity to test out assumptions, determine if you are having the impact you intend, and to practice giving/receiving feedback in a productive way. In the process of becoming the most effective communicator you can be, the course calls you to engage in deep and sometimes uncomfortable self-exploration. The extended goals of this course are:
• To use interpersonal communication skills to build more open, effective, and rewarding relationships, even with people whom you may initially experience as difficult or who are different from you.
• To identify and pursue personal learning goals aimed at improving interpersonal communications.
• To learn how you are perceived by your colleagues and how you can shift in order to present yourself such that others’ perceptions more accurately reflect what you intend.
• To identify your emotions and how to utilize them as an important source of information and guide to your interpersonal choices.
• To navigate the emotions of others and learn how to be more aware of and sensitive to them.
• To identify the widely varied and equally valuable leadership roles that emerge in the life of a group.
• Improving personal knowledge and abilities in these areas is crucial to becoming a more effective manager in today’s increasingly complex, diverse, international and exceedingly inter-dependent business climate.
A Note About Connecting Via Zoom
31401-06 will be in person this quarter. If this is not possible due to unforeseen reason, we will shift to virtual using Zoom. Connecting virtually is something just about every company is needing to do right now. For many international companies, virtual team meetings have been long practiced/required. Learning how to build and sustain relationships and giving/receiving productive feedback through a virtual setting will increase the influence you can bring to the current or next company you are a part of.
Commitment
Because of the highly interactive nature of this course, it is essential that all students make a commitment to the course from the beginning and attend all sessions. Course shopping is actively discouraged. Failure to attend the first class will result in an automatic drop.
Scheduling Details
Attendance at each 3-hour class and up to eighteen additional hours of T-Group (outside of the weekly class time, during a T-Group Intensive Weekend - see further below) is required.
Enrollment in the course is by application
Apply online. You will be notified of your enrollment status on November 12th before bidding begins. The more sections you indicate you could commit to, the better your chances in landing a spot. When applying, please note that successful applications usually show a fair amount of self-reflection and vulnerability. It helps to show that you have already started an introspective process and feel ready to learn even more about yourself.
Please note: You may want to consider current life stressors and struggles when deciding when or whether to apply.
Format and Course Materials
The format of the class will include discussion, experiential exercises, and short lectures, in addition to T-Group. Links to all course readings will be included in the syllabus; there is no textbook for this class.
Spring 2021 Information Session
View recording of Spring 2021 Info Session
Winter 2026 Section Specifics
(All times are in CT)
31401-06: Monday afternoons in Harper Center (HC225): 1:30 - 4:30 PM
31401-83: Monday evenings in Gleacher (GL422): 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Interpersonal Dynamics sections are NOT interchangeable; you may only attend the section you are offered
In-person Weekend Intensive for 31401-06 section (Mondays 1:30 - 4:30 PM)
Feb 20: 6:45-9:30pm
Feb 21: 9:00am-12:00pm; 1:30-4:30pm; 7-9:30pm
Feb 22: 9:00am-12:30pm
In-person Weekend Intensive for 31401-83 section (Mondays 6:00 - 9:00 PM)
Feb 27: 6:45-9:30pm
Feb 28: 9:00am-12:00pm; 1:30-4:30pm; 7-9:30pm
Mar 01: 9:00am-12:30pm
