Effective Communication and Collaborative Skills

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles of effective communication and collaboration.
• Develop practical skills for clear verbal and non-verbal communication in diverse contexts.
• Improve active listening, empathy, and assertiveness when interacting with others.
• Learn to give and receive constructive feedback to promote mutual understanding and growth.
• Build strategies for successful teamwork, including setting shared goals and managing group dynamics.
• Enhance conflict management and negotiation skills within collaborative environments.
• Strengthen intercultural and digital communication competencies for global teamwork.
• Foster a positive, supportive, and inclusive atmosphere in teams, classrooms, or workplaces.

Schedule

MODULE 1 – Foundations of Communication

• Principles and types of communication: verbal, non-verbal, and written
• Communication styles: assertive, passive, aggressive, and passive-aggressive
• Identifying personal communication strengths and areas for development
• Barriers to effective communication and how to overcome them
• Self-assessment: communication profile

MODULE 2 – Active Listening and Empathy

• The role of active listening in effective communication
• Techniques for attentive and reflective listening
• Empathy: understanding others’ perspectives and emotions
• Building trust through empathetic interactions
• Practising active listening in diverse scenarios

MODULE 3 – Assertiveness and Giving Feedback

• Assertiveness: expressing opinions, needs, and boundaries respectfully
• Differences between assertiveness and aggression
• Techniques for giving and receiving constructive feedback
• Handling criticism and difficult conversations
• Feedback models and real-life applications

MODULE 4 – Teamwork and Collaborative Dynamics

• Key principles of effective teamwork
• Roles and responsibilities in teams
• Building psychological safety and trust in groups
• Group decision-making: consensus, compromise, and shared leadership
• Managing group dynamics and avoiding common pitfalls

MODULE 5 – Conflict Management and Negotiation

• Types and sources of conflict in teams
• Stages of conflict and strategies for prevention and resolution
• Conflict resolution styles and negotiation techniques
• Mediation and collaborative problem-solving
• Transforming conflict into opportunities for growth

MODULE 6 – Intercultural and Digital Communication

• Communicating and collaborating across cultures: challenges and strategies
• Navigating cultural differences in communication styles and expectations
• Digital communication tools for collaboration (emails, chats, video meetings, collaborative platforms)
• Netiquette and best practices for online teamwork
• Hybrid and remote collaboration: tips for efficiency and engagement

MODULE 7 – Building High-Performing and Inclusive Teams

• Fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in teams
• Harnessing the strengths of diverse team members
• Creating a supportive and motivating team climate
• Recognising and addressing unconscious bias
• Team-building activities for engagement and cohesion

MODULE 8 – Personal and Group Action Plan

• Setting personal goals for improved communication and collaboration
• Developing action plans for team effectiveness
• Peer feedback and reflection sessions
• Showcasing collaborative projects or solutions
• Planning for continuous development and learning

OPTIONAL MODULE – Communication and Collaboration in Leadership

• The role of communication and collaboration in effective leadership
• Motivating and inspiring others through communication
• Leading collaborative projects and managing virtual teams
• Handling resistance and fostering change through dialogue