An executive leadership program for building collaborative, high-performing teams.
The program is grounded in more than twenty years of international research conducted by Druskat and colleagues, including the seminal publications in Harvard Business Review and the work developed within the Center for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations (CREIO) founded by Daniel Goleman.
This body of evidence has established a clear causal chain:
- emotionally intelligent team norms
- generate team social capital (psychological safety and trust, belongingness),
- which directly enhances collective learning, decision quality, adaptability, and performance outcomes.
A distinctive contribution of the Team EI model is its focus on the team level of analysis. Research consistently shows that it is not primarily the emotional intelligence of individual members that differentiates effective teams, but rather the norms that regulate how teams communicate, collaborate, address conflict, and support one another.
This systemic perspective enables leaders to intervene in ways that are strategic, sustainable, and evidence-based, rather than relying solely on individual skill development.
In a global business environment characterized by increasing complexity, uncertainty, and interdependence, the ability to collaborate effectively has become a defining leadership competence. High-performing teams succeed not simply because of technical excellence or individual talent, but because they cultivate shared behavioral norms that enable trust, accountability, learning, and sustainable performance.
The Emotionally Intelligent Team is a three-day advanced program designed to explore the most robust scientific research on team effectiveness and translate it into actionable leadership insight. Hosted in Italy and accessible worldwide through a fully integrated dual format, this program offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with the pioneers of the Team Emotional Intelligence (Team EI) framework.
For the first time in Italy, participants will learn from Professor Vanessa Druskat, internationally recognized as the world’s leading authority on Team Emotional Intelligence, together with Massimiliano Ghini, University of Bologna and a key contributor to the European development and application of the Team EI methodology.
ACCREDITATIONS AND RANKINGS
Bologna Business School is EQUIS – EFMD Quality Improvement System accredited, one of the most important international quality assessment and continuous improvement systems for Schools of Management and Business Administration.
Gli Open Program di Bologna Business School sono inclusi nel Financial Times Ranking nella categoria Executive Education 2025.
"Research consistently demonstrates that what distinguishes exceptional teams is not the emotional intelligence of individuals, but the norms teams establish about how they work together. Leaders shape these norms every day—whether intentionally or not. This program is designed to equip leaders to understand this science and apply it with clarity and measurable impact."
Structure
The Emotionally Intelligent Team unfolds through a blended learning architecture designed to maximize learning effectiveness and practical application.
The program begins with an Online Kick-Off on April 8 at 6:30 PM, aimed at creating conceptual alignment and preparing participants for the intensive experience.
It continues with three days of live training, available either in person in Italy or online in real time, from April 27 to 29, 2026.
The program concludes with an Online Follow-Up session on June 18, dedicated to reflection, consolidation, and application in real organizational settings.
Learning approach
The teaching approach is strongly practice-oriented and integrates contributions from faculty members coming from academia, industry, and consulting. The program combines lectures, analysis of real business cases, and direct testimonials from managers, fostering learning that can be immediately applied in the workplace. Teaching activities are supported by an e-learning platform featuring materials and exercises to facilitate study and further exploration between sessions.
Faculty
Faculty members at Bologna Business School work together offering outstanding teaching standards. An international and interdisciplinary approach is guaranteed by a joint team of distinguished national core professors, adjunct, visiting professors, guest speakers and top managers.
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Massimiliano Ghini
Director
European Center for Team Emotional Intelligence
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Vanessa Druskat
Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior and Management
University of New Hampshire
Networking
The open program is an experience built around people and relationships, fostering valuable connections through continuous interaction among participants, faculty members, and managers. During the classroom sessions, a dynamic network develops, enriched by the diversity of experiences, roles, and industries. A vibrant ecosystem that enhances learning and continues to generate value over time.
COMPANIES
Companies within the Bologna Business School network actively contribute to the development of the Open Programs by helping shape the content and bringing real-world experience into the classroom. Managers and professionals take part through testimonials, real business cases, and direct contributions, enriching the learning journey with a practical perspective. Interaction with companies from different industries encourages a continuous exchange of experiences and best practices. This ongoing dialogue between the classroom and the business world creates a dynamic ecosystem where skills, perspectives, and approaches come together, generating value for all participants.
FEES
The participation fee for the program is:
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€5,000 (+ VAT) for enrolments from companies and institutions;
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€4,000 (+ VAT) for individual enrolments.
The fee includes attendance to the program, all study materials available through the online platform, and access to Bologna Business School services, including a personal Wi-Fi account and use of the study areas.
Discounts are available for:
- early registrations;
- companies belonging to the Business Network;
- Alma/BBS and Profingest Alumni;
- groups of at least 3 people.
INTERPROFESSIONAL FUNDS
Alumni and Companies can check the availability of vouchers at the relevant Interprofessional Fund:
Fondimpresa – for supervisors / middle management
Fondo Dirigenti PMI – for managers in industrial SMEs
Fonditalia
Fondirigenti – for executives
Fon.Coop – for cooperative companies
REQUIREMENTS
The program is limited to a maximum of 30 participants in order to ensure an effective and interactive learning experience, and is open to professionals with diverse backgrounds and levels of experience.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To participate, it is necessary to request the application form by emailing openprograms@bbs.unibo.it. The team is available to provide all relevant information and support candidates throughout the process.
FAQs
Yes, there is a certificate upon successful completion of all courses, the final examination and 70% attendance. The certificate will attest to successful completion of the courses and will award 60 university credits (CFU).
The documents used in the classroom and any further reading or exercises will be uploaded to our platform, whose credentials will be delivered in the classroom.
Should a group of colleagues wish to participate in the program, it is possible to contact the Program Manager to evaluate an ad hoc participation price.
Our short courses do not require a specific course of study. It is important to have a few years of work experience behind you that can help you, inside the classroom, by bringing real cases dealt with and solutions adopted during your work.
