How can you use SEL to build a more collaborative team culture?

Collaboration is a key skill for any team, especially in a diverse and dynamic workplace. But how can you foster a culture of cooperation, trust, and mutual respect among your team members? One way is to use SEL, or social and emotional learning, to enhance your team's communication, empathy, and problem-solving abilities. SEL is a process of developing the skills and attitudes that help people understand and manage their emotions, relate to others, and achieve their goals. In this article, you'll learn how you can use SEL to build a more collaborative team culture.

1 What is SEL and why does it matter?

SEL is not a new concept, but it has gained more attention in recent years as a way to improve academic, personal, and professional outcomes. SEL is based on five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. These competencies help people cope with stress, handle conflicts, express their feelings, respect diversity, and collaborate effectively. Research shows that SEL can improve not only individual well-being, but also team performance, creativity, and innovation.

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Oluwaferanmi Owolabi

Head of Purple Academy at Wema Bank Plc.
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SEL is social and emotional learning, a concept that builds wholesome individuals which creates a ripple effect on strengthening teams and in turn driving stronger organisational performance. It created coping strategies that reduce spontaneous negative reactions, corporate and social tantrums and instead builds disciplined individuals who have more positive relationships.

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2 How can you assess your team's SEL skills?

Before you can improve your team's SEL skills, you need to know where they stand. You can use various tools and methods to assess your team's strengths and weaknesses in the five SEL competencies. For example, you can use surveys, interviews, feedback, or observations to gather data on how your team members interact, communicate, and handle challenges. You can also use self-assessment tools, such as the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal or the Social and Emotional Skills Assessment, to help your team members reflect on their own SEL skills and areas for improvement.

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Oluwaferanmi Owolabi

Head of Purple Academy at Wema Bank Plc.
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Evaluating a team's Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) skills is crucial for understanding the collective soft skill strengths within the team. To achieve this, consider utilizing a combination of methods such as personality assessments, 180-360 feedback, direct observation, one-on-one interactions, and role-playing exercises. I highly recommend incorporating close observations, particularly for line managers in situations where they can act as bystanders, as this approach enables them to keenly observe and discern subtle nuances in team dynamics and individual behaviors. This comprehensive approach will provide valuable insights into both strengths and areas for improvement in SEL skills within the team.

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3 How can you develop your team's SEL skills?

Once you have identified your team's SEL needs, you can design and implement activities and strategies to help them develop their SEL skills. For instance, use icebreakers, games, or exercises to foster better relationships and trust. Additionally, provide opportunities for your team members to share their feelings and perspectives, and offer constructive feedback and recognition. Model and teach positive language, body language, and tone of voice when communicating with each other. Facilitate group discussions or decision-making processes that involve input from everyone. Challenge your team members to work on projects or tasks that require cooperation and coordination. Finally, support your team members to set and pursue SMART goals, manage their time and resources, and cope with stress and setbacks.

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4 How can you sustain your team's SEL skills?

Developing your team's SEL skills is not a one-time event, but rather an ongoing process that requires continual support and reinforcement. To sustain your team's SEL skills, it’s important to provide regular feedback and coaching, create a safe and supportive team culture, establish clear norms and expectations, encourage reflection, recognize achievements, and reward growth. These steps will help ensure that your team is able to effectively use their SEL skills in the workplace.

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5 How can you measure your team's SEL outcomes?

To evaluate the impact of your SEL efforts, you need to measure your team's SEL outcomes. Various indicators and metrics, such as team satisfaction, engagement, morale, creativity, innovation, performance, productivity, learning, and growth can be used to track and assess progress. Different methods and tools, like surveys, interviews, feedback, observations, or performance reviews can be used to collect and analyze data. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative methods can be used to compare your team's SEL outcomes before and after your SEL interventions or with other teams or benchmarks.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you use SEL to build a more collaborative team culture?

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1 What is SEL and why does it matter?

2 How can you assess your team's SEL skills?

3 How can you develop your team's SEL skills?

4 How can you sustain your team's SEL skills?

5 How can you measure your team's SEL outcomes?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Cultural Competency

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How can you use SEL to build a more collaborative team culture?

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5

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1 What is SEL and why does it matter?

2 How can you assess your team's SEL skills?

3 How can you develop your team's SEL skills?

4 How can you sustain your team's SEL skills?

5 How can you measure your team's SEL outcomes?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Cultural Competency

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