Participative Leadership Training (Deep Democracy)

Who is it for

This 1.5 day training course is for University of Edinburgh research and academic staff to increase research leaders' (in this method, defined as anyone who works alongside others to create impact - it does not refer to hierarchy necessarily) capacity to work within complex social systems by helping them understand relationship and group dynamics, by offering practical tools for working with differences in a group and making effective decisions, and by increasing their conflict literacy to lean into difficult conversations skillfully.

What to expect

Effectively managing team work and group dynamics is not easy. Problems are often encountered in the following areas:

• decision making
• gaining real commitment to act
• listening, and breakdown in communication
• openness to alternative views
• dealing with difference, tensions, paradox and conflict

This course is aimed to provide the theoretical background and experiential learning opportunities to begin using the tools and culture of Deep Democracy in day-to-day work and personal environments. 

Many facilitation or leadership training offer great ways of engaging groups and techniques for challenging conversations, but do not incorporate how to deal meaningfully with the unsaid dynamics, inherent differences and tensions that affect them. This course specifically shows people how to surface undercurrent views, include all voices, and build the inner skills needed to achieve breakthroughs in seemingly impossible-to-solve issues.

During the training, we cover theory and tools, but we spend a large amount of time in active practice. Rather than working through pre-set scenarios or case studies, participants bring live topics, real tensions, and current decisions into the room. The method is then practised on what is live and relevant in the group. This means people leave with direct experience of using the tools, not just an understanding of them.

What you will learn

Understanding group dynamics

• read the dynamics of a group, pick up on the early signs of resistance and emerging conflict and act in a timely manner to reduce tension
• understand the obstacles to good communication, learn to listen and pay attention to different viewpoints
• observe group dynamics that exist beyond individuals and manage them for more effective collaboration
• begin and end meetings with a powerful way to connect the group and get a handle on what is happening in the room

Collaborative decision making

• facilitate dynamic conversations which unleash engagement and creativity
• create safety in large or small groups for difficult conversations to take place
• search for the wisdom of the unpopular views and improve decision- making by incorporating this valuable information

Resolving conflict and tension

• recognise the underlying tensions that block a group's progress, diagnose when group dynamics become polarised and rigid, and know what facilitation tools to use in such situations
• resolve differences of opinions, arguments and conflicts instead of allowing anger and blaming to continue 
• learn to unleash the creative potential that lies within every conflict
• appropriately address “elephants in the room”
• use tension as an opportunity for learning and to improve relationships

Developing inner skills 

• grow the capacity to hold all views as valuable, including the uncomfortable, unpopular, or dissenting ones
• stay present with tension, difficulty, and strong emotion without collapsing into fixing, withdrawing, using rank, or avoiding
• build self-awareness of your own reactions, edges, and assumptions and the ability to work with them rather than be hooked by them
• develop the inner steadiness that allows you to facilitate, lead, or contribute as a non-polarising presence in charged situations without losing your ground
• cultivate genuine compassion for the range of views and experiences in yourself and within a group, including those you disagree with

Eligibility and booking

You must be able to attend both days on campus to be eligible for booking.

This 1.5 day course will take place on 26 April, 09:30-16:30, and 27 April, 09:30-12:30, 2027, in a central campus location.