In a world increasingly defined by complexity and rapid change, collaboration is no longer optional: it’s a strategic capability.
The pressure to deliver results, the blending of roles and functions, intergenerational and intercultural challenges, and high turnover rates all demand a step-change in how we work together.
The ability to truly collaborate has become a critical success factor for building resilient and sustainable teams, innovative organizations, and effective leadership.
Team EI was born from this awareness: collaboration is not just a technique or a set of tools—it’s a mindset that must be cultivated with intention, awareness, and consistent practice.
That’s why the program blends experiential in-person learning with online sessions, following a 2+2 day format and three remote follow-ups designed to support the practical application of course content in real-world contexts.
The Team Emotional Intelligence (Team EI) methodology is based on over 20 years of international research, with studies published in peer-reviewed journals.
Starting from the foundational work by Druskat and Wolff featured in Harvard Business Review, and further developed within the CREIO (Center for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations) led by Daniel Goleman, Massimiliano Ghini and his team at the University of Bologna have created a practical framework and set of tools for building an effective Collaborative Playbook inside organizations.
This model outlines a clear cause-effect relationship: emotionally intelligent norms lead to the creation of social capital (identity, psychological safety, and collaborative efficacy), which directly boosts team performance.
One of TEAMEI’s strengths is the evidence showing that it’s not individual emotional intelligence that drives results—but the shared behavioral norms within a team. This makes the approach faster and more cost-effective to implement and scale.
What You’ll Explore
The course combines practical tools, reference models, and insights inspired by the Manifesto for Collaborative Organizations, diving into essential themes such as:
- What Team EI (Team Emotional Intelligence) really means;
- How to design your Collaborative Playbook;
- The “why” behind working together: purpose, values, shared meaning;
- Defining and aligning on common goals;
- Establishing collaborative norms that enhance both relationships and performance;
- Embedding a continuous improvement process within your teams.
Who It’s For
Team EI is designed for those who:
- Lead teams or manage cross-functional projects;
- Work in agile or matrixed environments;
- Want to develop a more inclusive, generative, and relational leadership style, capable of bringing out the best in people.
A Pathway to Learn, Practice, and Apply
During the first in-person session (2 days), participants will engage in group work, exercises, structured reflection, and the use of operational toolkits.
The learning continues through remote support and a second in-person module, where participants will apply what they’ve learned within their own teams, guided by an exclusive methodology and tools to create their Collaborative Playbook.
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.
Bologna Business School’s Open Programs are included in the Financial Times Ranking in the Executive Education 2026 category.
Massimiliano Ghini
Executive Director
massimiliano.ghini2@unibo.it
"Science now clearly shows what enables teams to collaborate effectively: shared norms, a strong sense of purpose, and social capital built on trust and identity. But knowing is not enough—what we need are models, tools, and above all, daily practice to turn this into real impact."
Structure
The program lasts three months and includes a mix of tools: self-paced materials, in-person sessions, exercises, project work, and online tutorial sessions to support practical application within participants’ own teams.
The structure includes four in-person days (divided into two 2-day blocks) and three online meetings.
The program schedule is as follows:
- Welcome Meeting (online)
September 30, 2026 – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM - The Collaborative Playbook (On campus)
October 7–8, 2026 - First Tutorial Session (online)
October 28, 2026 – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM - Second Tutorial Session (online)
November 11, 2026 – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM - Creating a Collaborative Culture (On campus)
December 2–3, 2026
COURSES
This module focuses on developing a document that formalizes how a team wants to collaborate.
Following the Welcome Session, participants will be asked to complete a survey that will be used as an example to illustrate how to build this playbook, allowing them to experience firsthand what they will later do with their own teams.
During the two in-person days, we will explore:
- how to establish the fundamentals of a team;
- how to define collaborative norms;
- how to design a collaborative process.
The session will begin with participants sharing their experiences in a peer-to-peer learning format, reflecting on what has been learned and identifying areas for growth.
The focus will then shift to how to make collaborative efforts sustainable and how to build the right culture within the team.
In summary, the three main topics of this session are:
- Collaboration, peer learning, and shared insights;
- Sustaining a collaborative culture;
- Inter-team collaboration as a key element of the “team of teams” model.
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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Giulia Baroni
Management Engineer
Freelance
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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€3,000 (+ VAT) for enrolments from companies and institutions;
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€2,600 (+ 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
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.
APPLICATION 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.
