Leaders in Global Development from edX

This course is part of the Leadership in Global Development MicroMasters program. In order to get the most out of this course, we recommend that you have experience working in the development sector or a strong interest in this area. We also recommend that you complete the other three courses that make up the Leadership in Global Development MicroMasters program: The Science and Practice of Sustainable Development, Adaptive Leadership in Development, and Critical Development Perspectives.

Are you working in the development sector and looking to take the next step in your career and take on a leadership role?

This business and management course is an introduction to key leadership theories and concepts that you will need to be an effective leader and manager. You will learn how leadership is different from management.

You will learn practical skills needed to build a shared vision, and lead across boundaries. You will learn to recognise your own leadership style, and the leadership styles of others. You will learn the different types of power, and tools for gaining legitimacy in your development work.

Upon course completion, you will be prepared to take on leadership roles in development and work effectively across geographical, cultural, organizational and disciplinary boundaries.

You will also develop a personalized leadership plan throughout the course, which will help you continue your leadership journey after you complete the MOOC.

What you'll learn

To understand the importance of leadership in the development sector
To engage in self-leadership, by building self-awareness about your strengths and weaknesses as a leader in the context of global development
To understand different forms of leadership that are relevant to the development sector, and the key to successfully engaging in these forms of leadership
To identify techniques to ethically build power (the potential to influence) and design influence strategies

All graded assessment will be graded and have insightful feedback for learners to further refine their new knowledge and skills.

What's inside

Learning objectives

To understand the importance of leadership in the development sector
To engage in self-leadership, by building self-awareness about your strengths and weaknesses as a leader in the context of global development

To understand different forms of leadership that are relevant to the development sector, and the key to successfully engaging in these forms of leadership
To identify techniques to ethically build power (the potential to influence) and design influence strategies

To understand the importance of leadership in the development sector
To engage in self-leadership, by building self-awareness about your strengths and weaknesses as a leader in the context of global development
To understand different forms of leadership that are relevant to the development sector, and the key to successfully engaging in these forms of leadership
To identify techniques to ethically build power (the potential to influence) and design influence strategies

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Leadership Introduction to the concept of leadership in the context of global development, and the differences between leadership and management.

Module 2: Self-Leadership Highlights the importance of self-leadership and provides guidance on how to engage in self-leadership.

Module 3: Team, Transformational and Authentic Leadership Introduction to three groups of leadership theories - team leadership, transformational leadership and authentic leadership.

Module 4: Wise Leadership Introduction to wise leadership including understanding how wisdom is theorized in contemporary times and its relevance to global development.

Module 5: Leadership Contexts, Roles and Styles Introduction to the different possible leadership roles and styles, and highlights the importance of context.

Module 6: Adaptive Leadership to Address Challenges Exploration of the relevance of adaptive leadership in global development.

Module 7: Power, Legitimacy, Politics and Influence Discussion of the different types of power a leader may need to access, and how to maintain legitimacy.

Module 8: Leading Across Boundaries Exploration of how to be a successful leader across geographical, cultural, organisational and disciplinary boundaries.

Module 9: Principles and Methods of Leadership Development Analysis of key principles and methods of successful leadership, and suggestions for how to grow as a leader throughout your career.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

An understanding of leadership is crucial for those working in development to effectively manage and guide their efforts

A well-rounded exploration of various leadership theories and concepts, providing a solid foundation for aspiring and current leaders

The course assists in developing self-awareness, enabling individuals to understand their strengths and weaknesses as global development leaders

Practical skills for building shared vision and leading effectively, making this relevant for those looking to advance the development sector

Focuses on establishing legitimacy and enhancing influence in development work, ensuring that leaders are equipped with essential tools for successful collaboration

Aligned with the Leadership in Global Development MicroMasters program, offering a comprehensive pathway for career advancement

Leverages extensive background knowledge of experienced instructors, providing learners with valuable insights and expertise

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Leaders in Global Development with these activities:

Compile Course Materials

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Increase retention for concepts covered in the course

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Organize notes, assignments, and quizzes
Review materials regularly
Create a study guide

Volunteer with a Development Organization

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Apply leadership skills and make a difference in the world

Browse courses on Global Development

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Research development organizations
Find a volunteer opportunity that fits your interests
Volunteer your time and skills

Find a Leadership Mentor

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Get feedback on approach and improvement opportunities

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Identify potential mentors
Reach out to potential mentors
Build a relationship with your mentor
Set goals for your mentoring relationship
Meet with your mentor regularly

Five other activities

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Leadership in Practice

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Introduce different leadership concepts and how they can be applied

View When Teams Collide on Amazon

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Read the first five chapters
Research the main concepts
Discuss the concepts with a peer

Practice Leadership Skills

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Develop skills in settings that are not graded

Browse courses on Leadership Skills

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Find a peer to practice with
Choose a leadership skill to practice
Role-play a situation where you would use this skill
Get feedback from your peer

Developing a Leadership Plan

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Develop a clear direction of development

Browse courses on Leadership Development

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Find a tutorial on developing a leadership plan
Create a list of your strengths and weaknesses
Set goals for your development
Create a plan for achieving your goals
Share your plan with a mentor or peer

Start a Small Project

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Apply leadership concepts and skills in a real-world setting

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Identify a problem or opportunity
Develop a plan to address the problem or opportunity
Implement your plan
Evaluate the results of your project

Attend a Leadership Workshop

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Develop skills with guidance from an instructor

Browse courses on Leadership Development

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Research leadership workshops
Choose a workshop that fits your needs
Attend the workshop
Apply what you learned to your work

Career center

Learners who complete Leaders in Global Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Development Director

A Development Director plays a pivotal role in securing funding and building relationships with donors. This course can help you develop the leadership skills necessary to inspire and motivate your team, as well as the self-awareness to recognize your own strengths and weaknesses as a leader. You will learn how to build a shared vision, lead across boundaries, and gain legitimacy in your development work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Development Director

Program Manager

As a Program Manager, you will be responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating development programs. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to manage a team, build partnerships, and achieve your program's goals. You will learn how to lead across boundaries, identify techniques to ethically build power, and design influence strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Social Entrepreneur

Social Entrepreneurs use business principles to address social and environmental issues. This course will help you develop the leadership skills you need to start and grow a successful social enterprise. You will learn how to build a shared vision, lead across boundaries, and identify techniques to ethically build power and design influence strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Entrepreneur

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and develop policies to address social and economic issues. This course will help you build a foundation in leadership and management, which will be essential for influencing policy decisions and managing teams. You will learn how to engage in self-leadership, understand different forms of leadership, and build your ability to lead across boundaries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close out projects. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to manage projects effectively. You will learn how to build a team, manage stakeholders, and achieve your project's goals. You will also learn how to lead across boundaries and identify techniques to ethically build power.

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Nonprofit Executive Director

Nonprofit Executive Directors oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to lead a nonprofit organization effectively. You will learn how to build a shared vision, manage a team, and lead across boundaries. You will also learn the different types of power a leader may need to access and how to maintain legitimacy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Executive Director

Consultant

Consultants provide expert advice and guidance to organizations. This course will help you develop the leadership skills you need to be a successful consultant. You will learn how to build relationships, manage clients, and deliver high-quality work. You will also learn how to lead across boundaries and identify techniques to ethically build power and design influence strategies.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability programs for organizations. This course will help you build a foundation in leadership and management, which will be essential for managing sustainability programs and building relationships with stakeholders. You will learn how to engage in self-leadership, understand different forms of leadership, and build your ability to lead across boundaries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Managers develop and implement CSR programs for businesses. This course will help you build a foundation in leadership and management, which will be essential for managing CSR programs and building relationships with stakeholders. You will learn how to engage in self-leadership, understand different forms of leadership, and build your ability to lead across boundaries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Public Administrator

Public Administrators manage government programs and services. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective public administrator. You will learn how to build a team, manage stakeholders, and achieve your program's goals. You will also learn how to lead across boundaries and identify techniques to ethically build power.

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Peacebuilder

Peacebuilders work to prevent and resolve conflict. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Peacebuilder. You will learn how to build relationships, manage teams, and lead across boundaries. You will also learn the different types of power a leader may need to access and how to maintain legitimacy.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people overcome social and economic challenges. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Social Worker. You will learn how to build relationships, manage clients, and lead across boundaries. You will also learn the different types of power a leader may need to access and how to maintain legitimacy.

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International Development Officer

International Development Officers work with governments, NGOs, and other organizations to promote economic and social development in developing countries. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective International Development Officer. You will learn how to build relationships, manage projects, and lead across boundaries.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Officer

Humanitarian Aid Worker

Humanitarian Aid Workers provide assistance to people affected by natural disasters, conflict, and other emergencies. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Humanitarian Aid Worker. You will learn how to build relationships, manage teams, and lead across boundaries.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students and help them reach their full potential. This course may be useful for developing the leadership skills you need to be an effective teacher. You will learn how to build relationships, manage students, and lead across boundaries. You will also learn the different types of power a leader may need to access and how to maintain legitimacy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher