THE USE OF TRAINING GROUPS (T-GROUPS) IN RAISING SELF AND SOCIAL AWARENESS AND ENHANCING EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT BEHAVIORS
William L. Weis, Seattle University and Lisa Hanson, Seattle University

ABSTRACT

The application of training group (T-Group) dynamics in teaching emotional intelligence (EQ) offers a promising methodology for raising self and social awareness, for practicing authentic communication among group participants, and for enhancing emotionally intelligent behaviors.
This paper discusses how the particular needs of an EQ-training program can be effectively served with a well-managed T-Group experience. It also addresses questions about “why are we doing this?” which inevitably emerge from the frustrations of T-Group participation.
The T-Group has been a viable learning modality for 60 years, and has seen myriad changes in its intended use and its application procedures over that time. This paper presents a model that is significantly truncated from the original T-Group format, and, as such, is more adaptable to short-term training interventions, as well as to MBA and management development courses that meet in short sessions.