What to Expect – EI Cohort Learning with Interculturalist

As you prepare to begin the cohort learning phase in your partnership with Interculturalist, we’d like to share with you what you can expect and a few requests that we have of you and your participation.

Our cohort learning will be taking place virtually via Zoom. We would like to request that each of you participate at your own individual computer or device (so that we can utilize breakout rooms).

Knowledge Building
During these cohort sessions, we will focus on knowledge building. This knowledge building – learning new concepts and frameworks -- facilitates emotional intelligence development. To be more specific, the purpose is to provide frameworks that you can use in reflecting on your life and professional experiences so that we can become more skilled at emotional governance. Just so you know, as we cover the knowledge content, we will talk at you some and at other times, ask you to discuss.

Discussion
During the sessions, we will also have large and small group discussions. We will be sharing slides on the screen during the sessions, but you do not need to copy the information on these slides as we will provide a handout of these slides after the session. So please fully engage in the discussion! In breakout rooms, you will be asked to discuss specific questions or topics. These breakout room discussions typically last between 3-15 minutes.

While we will be discussing various aspects of emotional intelligence, please know that you will never be asked to share anything beyond what you decide to share. Your participation is valuable, and the depth of your sharing is entirely in your hands. Everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to personal disclosure, and that’s perfectly okay.

You may hear others share experiences or thoughts that are more personal than what you might choose to share. This is a natural part of our diverse group dynamic. We encourage you to go along with the process, even if it makes you feel a bit uneasy at times. However, remember that you are not asked to match anyone else’s level of sharing.

Our goal is to create a supportive and respectful environment where everyone feels safe to contribute at their own pace. Let's embrace this learning experience with openness and understanding.

Pre-Work
At the end of each cohort session, we will explain the pre-work for the next session. This pre-work should be done on your own. It is work to prepare for the next session, but should not entail a great amount of time to complete.

Requests
1. If you have questions, you are welcome to ask them. As we have a limited amount of time together during cohort sessions, we will take the responsibility of answering questions that will further the cohort learning for the session and perhaps “park” other questions. Please do not let the time limitation discourage you from speaking up!

2. As much as possible, we would like for your camera to be on and showing your face. We are aware that there are situations that inhibit motivation to show your face on screen. If you need to have the camera off during part or all of the session, we understand. That said, we very much appreciate seeing your face, as well as accompanying non-verbal communication of your understanding (e.g. head nods)!

3. When not speaking, please keep your mic on mute.

4. Typically, we plan to have a 5 minute break every hour. If this does not work for you, please let us know. If there are other accommodations needs or requests for us, don’t hesitate to communicate to us!