CODE 118371 ACADEMIC YEAR 2026/2027 CREDITS 3 cfu anno 2 ENERGY ENGINEERING 11917 (LM-30 R) - SAVONA 3 cfu anno 2 ENGINEERING FOR NATURAL RISK MANAGEMENT 11921 (LM-26 R) - SAVONA LANGUAGE English TEACHING LOCATION SAVONA SEMESTER 1° Semester OVERVIEW This SOFT SKILLS module will be experiential, based on continuous interaction between the lecturer and the students as well as among the students themselves. The course will focus on three main topics: The empathetic communication model, high-quality communication (with oneself and with others) that stands as one of the most valuable competencies in today's workplace; Three creative thinking techniques that sharpen problem-solving skills and enhance teamwork; Selected leadership theories to increase self-awareness, help recognize personal limits, and learn how to overcome them. Throughout the sessions, students will have the opportunity to engage in practical pair-work and group-work activities and interact continuously. AIMS AND CONTENT LEARNING OUTCOMES This teaching aims to provide knowledge on the soft and meta-level skills required of professionals by the complex organizational contexts that characterize the world of work. AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES Establishing self-awareness; facilitating behavioural integration through active experiential learning; cultivating meta-cognition and analytical self-regulation; developing leadership, teamwork and empathetic communication skills. PREREQUISITES There are no specific requirements. TEACHING METHODS Interactive lectures, round tables, role-plays, group work. SYLLABUS/CONTENT The content of the course covers three main topics: 1) The Empathetic Communication model, inspired by the four-step process developed by Marshall Rosenberg, offers a tool that is simple in its principles yet exceptionally powerful for deeply improving the quality of relationships. Participants work through the four phases of empathetic communication: Observation without evaluation — distinguishing facts from interpretations. Identification of feelings and emotions — naming what one feels. Recognition and expression of needs — understanding what generates one's emotional state. Request for strategic action — formulating clear, actionable proposals. The program guides participants both in self-empathy (directed toward oneself) and in empathy toward others, applying the four phases to real-life situations with colleagues and clients. The course includes guided discussions, pair and group exercises, role-plays, and practical application, with the goal of integrating the model's principles into daily communication 2) Creative thinking tools such as ALTERNATIVES, RANDOM ASSOCIATIONS AND PROVOCATIONS will be explained and put in practice with the view to refine the participants' thinking skills, enhance their ability to question the 'status quo' and find solutions to problems which may seem insolvable from the logical point of view 3) Leadership based role-plays will help participants increase their self-awareness and take the courage to initiate change. RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY Rosenberg, M. (2017) Le parole sono finestre (oppure muri). Introduzione alla comunicazione nonviolenta, Esserci edizioni. / Rosenberg, M. (2015) Nonviolent communication, Puddle Dancer Press Heifetz, R (2009) Practice of Adaptive Leadership: A Fieldbook for Practitioners, Ingram Publisher Services Kegan, R & Lahey, L (2018) Immunità al cambiamento: come liberare nuove potenzialità (in noi e nella nostra organizzazione), Edizioni Franco Angeli / Kegan, R & Lahey, L (1018) Immunity to change: how to overcome it and unlock the potential in yourself and in your organisation, Harvard Business Review Press De Bono, E. & Brunelli, F. (2001) Creatività e Pensiero Laterale, Rizzoli / De Bono, E. (2016) Lateral thinking: a textbook of creativity, Penguins Books Ltd De Bono, E. (2011) Essere creativi. Come fare nascere nuove idee. I concetti, gli strumenti, le applicazioni del pensiero laterale, Il Sole 24 Ore TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD PAOLA NOVELLINI Ricevimento: Before lessons or after lessons. In case of need, please write to pnovellini@yahoo.it LESSONS LESSONS START https://corsi.unige.it/en/corsi/11917/studenti-orario Class schedule The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy EXAMS EXAM DESCRIPTION For attendees: a group presentation. For non-attendees: a 1000-word essay to send via email to pnovellini@yahoo.it. ASSESSMENT METHODS Ongoing assessment based on a 360-degree feedback system for those who will attend the course. Essays written by non-attendees will need to show critical thinking skills. FURTHER INFORMATION For any additional information not included in the unit description, contact the professor.
