Semester 2, 2024-2025
Type of courseTheory-oriented Workshops
DateJune 19, 2025
LocationUtrecht University
1 day
Maximum number of participants24
ECTS0.5 EC will be appointed for participation in the complete course
StaffTom Damen (UU), Tom Frijns (UU), Johanne Pamperin (UU)
Content
Time schedule
09:45 – 10:15 | Arrival and Welcome
Coffee, tea, and informal introductions. Take a moment to get settled and meet fellow participants.
10:15 – 10:30 | Group Activation: Shared Movement, Shared Identity
We begin the day with a brief interactive exercise inspired by synchrony research. Participants will engage in a short group activity designed to foster coordination, attunement, and a sense of “we.” We will later revisit this experience as a practical example of identity impresarioship—the art of staging experiences that build shared identity.
10:30 – 11:30 | Theory Session I: What is Social Identity Leadership and Why Should You Care?
In this session, we will introduce the core concepts of Social Identity Leadership. We will explore why leadership is fundamentally about “us” rather than “me,” and why this perspective matters for effective leadership across different contexts.
11:45 – 12:45 | Theory Session II: Research Findings & Peer Reflections
We’ll discuss key research insights and real-world examples from the Social Identity Leadership framework. In the final part of this session, participants will briefly reflect on the degree to which social identity plays a role in their own research or practice.
12:45 – 13:45 | Lunch Break
A well-deserved break to enjoy lunch and connect with others.
13:45 – 14:45 | Interactive Workshop I: Mind-Mapping Your Group, Your Leader, and Your Social Identity
Now it’s time to apply the theory. In this interactive session, you will create a mind-map of your own group memberships, leaders, and shared identities. Grounded in empirical research on group dynamics and identity processes, this exercise helps you reflect on how social identity shapes leadership perceptions and behaviors. It also illustrates how organizations can actively leverage these dynamics to build stronger teams, foster a greater sense of belonging, and promote more effective, identity-based leadership.
15:00 – 16:00 | Interactive Workshop II: Becoming a Better Public Speaker Using Social Identity Principles
In the final workshop session, we’ll work on translating Social Identity Leadership principles into practice. This session integrates findings from recent research on public speaking—focusing on how effective speakers use identity-based language, inclusive framing, and collective pronouns to connect with their audience. Through hands-on exercises, you will develop your skills in crafting and delivering messages that foster a shared sense of “us.”
16:15 | Closing and Informal Drinks
We’ll end the day with informal drinks
Learning goals
Participants will be able to explain what Social Identity Leadership is and why it matters in diverse leadership contexts.
2. Recognize how group memberships shape leadership dynamics.
Participants will identify how their own group affiliations and shared identities influence perceptions of leadership and followership.
3. Interpret key research findings in Social Identity Leadership.
Participants will be able to summarize major empirical findings and their implications for leadership practice.
4. Reflect on personal experiences with leadership and group identity.
Participants will critically map their own leadership experiences and group memberships through interactive exercises.
5. Develop practical skills for communicating as an identity-based leader.
Participants will practice public speaking techniques that build a shared sense of “us” with their audience.
Preparation
Before the workshop, think about a group you currently belong to (e.g., your team at work, a project group, a sports team). Consider:
Literature
The following article serves as an excellent primer on Social Identity Leadership. We recommend reading it after the workshop to deepen your understanding and support your personal reflection: