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Hello Xuan,

I am a PhD candidate at the University of Tennessee.  I teach Leadership Skills.  In that class, I use an activity to teach Empathetic listening called Carkhuff's rules.  I also have students read the Seek to Understand chapter of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People book by Covey.  I've attached the very simple PowerPoint I use to introduce Carkhuff's rules.  Then, I have the students go around the room and practice using the skills with one another.  Specifically, I start on one side of the room and have the first student tell the student next to them a short story "I was late to school today."  The student next to them is supposed to use Carkhuff's rules in how they respond to the story to show their empathetic listening skills.   In a class of 30 this process can take 30-45 minutes to get everyone some practice.  Typically, I have them practice one at a time, going around the room.  That way each person gets a chance to practice and receive feedback.  The whole class typically stays engaged and listens and is able to provide feedback.  For example, if someone "me-too'd" someone else's story, we will note where the conversation was in terms of the rules and then give another quick shot to improve. 

Then we discuss the 7 Habits chapter, which students typically can relate to and are engaged in discussion.

As homework for the next session, I have them practice outside of class, and report back 3 instances of them actively working to listen empathetically.  In this write up, I ask them to describe the situation, describe the response they got from the target, and how they felt about the exchange.  Some students report that it felt funny being forced to practice, but many say that they felt more engaged and they could tell the other person was happy that they were listening.  (Many practice on their parents and report back that their parents noticed them being better listeners).  I think that assignment would work very well for high school students. 

I would say to incorporate introducing the PowerPoint, practicing Carkhuff's rules, discussing the book chapter – would need 2 hours.  Then a few minutes the next class to discuss their homework experiences. 

I hope this helps. 

In kind, I would appreciate any class materials and games that you are willing to share in helping me develop my first OB course for this upcoming fall as I am searching for negotiation and conflict activities/cases.

Thanks,

Nancy

From: Organizational Behavior Division Listserv [mailto:OB@AOMLISTS.PACE.EDU] On Behalf Of Zhao, Xuan
Sent: Friday, June 05, 2015 1:44 PM
To: OB@AOMLISTS.PACE.EDU
Subject: [OB-LIST] Seeking class exercises and readings for teaching empathy and leadership

Dear Zhao

As a Consultant Leadership Coach and Trainer with a PhD in Authentic Leadership I share the following:

I teach coaching skills that include micro-skills of empathy and empathic listening as a basic leadership skill set. There are many approaches to coaching skills, I use solution focused method advanced by Dr Anthony Grant, references here:

http://www.amazon.com/Solution-Focused-Coaching-Managing-People-Complex/dp/184304028X

https://scholar.google.com/scholar?client=ms-android-sonymobile&espv=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&lr&cites=11145393666304194317

From a macro perspective you can access a simple competency framework to structure your leadership training. Take a look at your University competence framework for example. Then capture training to meet the skill and competence levels you choose for your cohort. Oh and do a search for school student leadership programs.

Leadership basics such as self awareness (incorporate an assessment such as MBTI for example),  proactive behaviour, setting priority and making decisions, strategy,  explaining the difference between management and leadership, leading change, project management and stakeholder engagement are some favourite skills and knowledge sample topics at individual level; then bridging to include group and team work allows you to introduce concepts of complexity arising in individuals and groups.

Skills of action learning and reflective practice should figure prominently in your program design.

In order to make your sessions enjoyable consider using training tools like Metalog http://www.metalog.de/en/

May I suggest that you complete your design and share with us as a peer group for feedback? I will be happy to do so for you.

Sincerely 

Dr John Read 

Senior Leadership Coach 

and Talent Advisor 

Saudi Arabia 

previously Adjunct Professor 

Singapore Management University 

Executive Development Unit