Collaboration, Inclusion, and Belonging

EI in the Age of AI: Empathy and Connection

• Traditional Classroom: 1-day
• Virtual Instructor-led: One 3-hour session

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to automate more and more managerial tasks, the skills and abilities that make us the most human are rising to the top in importance. Managers need to be able to build trust and mutual respect, create psychological safety, and establish meaningful connections with their people. The gateway to all of these capabilities is the foundational skill of empathy.

In this interactive session we explore three types of empathy and how they intersect with emotional intelligence. Participants will gain insight into the anatomy of emotion and discover ways to regulate their own responses. They will also investigate personal thinking traps and techniques for reframing negative self-talk. They will leave the session with an understanding of empathy as a practice that can enhance both their personal and professional success.

Target Audience

This course is designed for managers, leaders, aspiring leaders, team members, and individual contributors who want to enhance their effectiveness and relationships at work.

Learning Objectives

• Define and distinguish between three types of empathy.
• Explain why emotional intelligence (EI) is critical in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
• Self-assess proficiency in four domains of emotional intelligence.
• “Track” emotions in your mind and body.
• Describe techniques for de-escalating personal emotional responses.
• Identify and dismantle limiting beliefs and personal thinking traps.

Course Outline

The Three Types of Empathy

• Cognitive Empathy
• Emotional Empathy
• Motivational Empathy
• Video: Dr. Brené Brown: “Empathy”
• Workplace Empathy

Exploring Emotional Intelligence

• What Is Emotional Intelligence?
• Daniel Goleman’s Five Components and Four Domains of Emotional Intelligence
• Individual and Group Breakout Activity: EI Self-Assessment

The Anatomy of Emotion

• The Triune Brain and the Limbic System
• Individual and Group Breakout Activity: Tracking Emotions

Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation

• The Amygdala Hijack: Fight/Flight/Freeze Response
• Strategies for Overcoming the Amygdala Hijack

Overcoming the Brain’s Negativity Bias

• Identifying Unhelpful Thinking Patterns
• Individual and Group Breakout Activity: Dismantling Thinking Traps

Summary and Next Steps

MDV1493a-3 Course Code