Combining Systems Thinking and Emotional Intelligence to Navigate Complexity in Simulation Debriefing

Simulation debriefing requires navigating dynamic interpersonal interactions, shifting roles, and emotionally charged learning environments. This paper frames debriefing as a complex adaptive system and examines how facilitators can apply emotional intelligence competencies to respond adaptively to uncertainty, competing agendas, and emergent challenges. By integrating systems thinking with the 4 domains of emotional intelligence, the paper offers applied strategies to support facilitator responsiveness, relational sensitivity, and adaptive learning during debriefing. This integrated perspective extends existing debriefing approaches by emphasizing real-time emotionally intelligent and relational decision-making as central to simulation-based education.