Emotional Intelligence@Work Skills and Strategies: Exploring Emotional Hooks

Course Description

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is more than a relational skill – it’s a strategic advantage in today’s fast-paced, collaborative work environments. The ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions, both our own and those of others, is essential for building trust, enhancing communication, and fostering resilient, high-performing teams.

This workshop explores three key EQ elements: Self-Expression, Decision-Making, and Stress Management, with a focus on understanding and navigating emotional hooks—those moments when emotions hijack our reactions. Participants will learn how to pause, name, and work with emotional hooks to reduce reactivity, improve communication, and respond with resilience and intention.

Course Learning Objectives:

• Understand the anatomy of an emotional hook and how hooked emotions and thoughts can drive reactive behaviors and cloud decision-making.
• Identify the universal human needs that often lie beneath strong emotional responses.
• Practice making clear, doable requests to meet unmet needs and inviting others to share their own needs and requests to foster mutual understanding and connection.

Who should Participate?

All UW–Madison employees, regardless of role or scope of work.

Register

• Courses starting before July 2026
• Courses starting on or after July 1, 2026