Using Business EQ in an Executive MBA to develop leadership skills
Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) is successfully using Business Emotional Intelligence in the Leadership Development component of their International Executive MBA programme.
Zurich University of Applied Sciences uses Business EQ as part of its Leadership Development Programme, which is part of its International Executive MBA course. The programme is designed to increase the skills associated with effective leadership, with a strong emphasis on self-awareness and developing soft skills.
ZHAW is one of the leading universities of applied sciences in Switzerland. It offers teaching, research, continuing education and other services that are both practice-oriented and science-based.
Research & Development at the ZHAW focuses on key societal challenges, with a particular emphasis on energy and societal integration. With its expertise in sustainable development and digital transformation, the ZHAW imparts forward-looking knowledge and takes an active part in shaping the digital and ecological transformation. With locations in Winterthur, Zurich and Wädenswil, the ZHAW is firmly anchored in its region whilst collaborating with international partners.
How Business EQ is used in the Leadership Development Programme
The programme is structured so that there are 3 “touch points” during the whole 20 months. The Business EQ Assessment along with EBW tools are integrated with the programme as follows:
Touch Point 1: Business EQ Assessment and Team Assessment is completed (alongside other tools) to measure the baseline position and starting point.
ZHAW uses the MBTI, EBW Business EQ Assessment, and CEB Management Scenarios from the outset, to stimulate self-awareness, and inform a personal development plan for each of the students for the duration of the programme.
They also include 2 days of lectures and workshops so that students can experience type, EQ and team dynamics. ZHAW have chosen to use the EBWt Team Report along with the Human Synergistics Group Styles Inventory for this purpose.
Touch Point 2: Leadership Energiser & Coaching Sessions
At the midpoint of the programme, there is an “Energiser” that focuses on situational leadership. At this point, each of the students have 1:1 coaching sessions and their personal development plan is updated accordingly.
Touch Point 3: Repeat the Business EQ Assessment to measure the improvements made during the programme
At the conclusion of the programme, ZHAW have students re-take the EBW Business EQ Assessment and Management Scenarios to see what has changed and measure the improvements that have taken place over the duration of the programme.
Students also then receive their third coaching session and update their personal development plans with the knowledge gained from their repeated Business EQ Assessment.
Benefits Gained from using Business EQ
The feedback gained from the course facilitators and students has been extremely positive - among the benefits reported were increased self-awareness as well as improved ability to create more meaningful and well-targeted action plans.
The Course Facilitators gave the following feedback:
“Really well the results were very accurate!””
“She was not self aware, but we explored the fact that this is due to a negative, rather than overestimating, self view.”
“We formulated a clear action plan as a result for her placement year, and I’d highly recommend the use of the EBW in this context. Very pleased!”
The students also gave very positive evaluations of the programme:
“I feel that this course has really stimulated me to learn.”
“Opportunities for immediate feedback from the EBW allowed me to reflect whilst the experience was still fresh.”
“Doing the EBW sharpens focus brings training to life.”
“The EBWt team exercise allowed me to benchmark my responses compared to others.”
“I was amazed at the quality...I am a trainer and have been to loads of trainer days, the EBWt team assessment made this the best training course I’ve ever been on.”
The EBW Certified Partners running the programme made the following observations:
“Overall enjoyable, challenging and informative.”
“Opportunities for constructive and informed feedback.”
“The MBAs found the Emotional Intelligence talk and tool very useful...it’s like a roadmap – it provides a clear route to a better leadership destination.”
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. It helps MBAs think more laterally about their behaviours at work which they might not do normally.”
“It helps MBAs think more laterally about their behaviours at work which they might not do normally.”
“Interesting and absorbing for all concerned, of very real value to MBA.”
Business Emotional Intelligence can be used with great success for developing emerging and future leaders in a variety of settings. As this success story demonstrates, it can also be used successfully in academic settings as part of business course curriculums. Business Emotional Intelligence is particularly effective for use in situations where it is essential that students or delegates develop self-awareness skills.
Inspired to start using Business Emotional Intelligence in your business? Find out more about the Business EQ Assessment, Team Assessment or our Leadership Development solutions.
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