Principles of Character Driven Leadership from edX

In this course, you'll have the opportunity to master the key concepts and interrelationships of values, ethics and leadership which lead to earning trust, which is the essence of leadership. Principles of Character Driven Leadership provides the you with the core concepts of character-driven leadership defined as the commitment to do the right thing, the right way for the right reasons. The course focuses on values; individual, organizational, and national, along with ethics; culminating with a clear understanding of leadership.

The course is led by a former U.S. Army Lieutenant General with leadership experience of over 36 years in the Army and over 10 years in higher education.

You will explore the “leader in me” by examining the values they embrace and the causes that they believe in, along with understanding “the environment I lead in” and the criticality of comprehending where they lead and who they lead. Examples include leaders and environments focused on international affairs.

What you'll learn

This course is designed for aspiring leaders at the entry-level, mid-career and senior level.

Modules at a glance:

Examine and determine your personal values.
Explain the aspirational and evident values of your employer or organization.
Evaluate the relationship of ethics and leadership.
Describe how applying your personal leadership will improve working conditions for employees and organizational performance.
Identify your strategy for applying character-driven leadership in your role.
At the completion of this course, students will be able to:

Analyze the core concepts associated with character-driven leadership.
Assess the origins of your personal values and select the values that determine your character.
Evaluate how organizational and national values shape your environment and U.S. international affairs.
Evaluate the basis of your personal ethics and the impact of organizational and national ethical actions.
Evaluate the fundamental elements of leadership and the impact of character-driven leadership when leading individuals or organizations.
Communicate effectively through written and verbal forms.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops the leader's ability to prioritize values

Teaches learners how to develop a leadership style that inspires others

Emphasizes critical thinking and ethical decision-making in leadership roles

Suitable for learners of all levels of experience, from entry-level to senior leaders

Taught by an experienced U.S. Army Lieutenant General with over 36 years of leadership experience

Provides insights into international affairs leadership

Career center

Learners who complete Principles of Character Driven Leadership will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Leadership Consultant

A Leadership Consultant may find the Principles of Character-Driven Leadership to be helpful in learning how to effectively lead and motivate teams. The course covers topics such as values, ethics, and leadership, which are all essential for success in this field. Additionally, the course can help consultants develop their own personal leadership style.

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Organizational Development Manager

Principles of Character-Driven Leadership can be useful for Organizational Development Managers who want to learn how to create a more ethical and values-driven workplace. The course covers topics such as values, ethics, and leadership, which are all essential for success in this field. Additionally, the course can help managers develop their own personal leadership style.

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Risk Manager

Risk Managers may find the Principles of Character-Driven Leadership to be helpful in learning how to create a more ethical and risk-aware organization. The course covers topics such as values, ethics, and leadership, which are all essential for success in this field. Additionally, the course can help Risk Managers develop their own personal leadership style.

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Forensic Accountant

Forensic Accountants may find the Principles of Character-Driven Leadership to be helpful in learning how to investigate and prevent fraud. The course covers topics such as values, ethics, and leadership, which are all essential for success in this field. Additionally, the course can help Forensic Accountants develop their own personal leadership style.

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Compliance Officer

A Compliance Officer may find the Principles of Character-Driven Leadership to be helpful in learning how to create a more ethical and compliant organization. The course covers topics such as values, ethics, and leadership, which are all essential for success in this field. Additionally, the course can help Compliance Officers develop their own personal leadership style.

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Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants may find the Principles of Character-Driven Leadership to be helpful in learning how to create a more sustainable and ethical business. The course covers topics such as values, ethics, and leadership, which are all essential for success in this field. Additionally, the course can help Sustainability Consultants develop their own personal leadership style.

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Internal Auditor

Internal Auditors may find the Principles of Character-Driven Leadership to be helpful in learning how to create a more ethical and compliant organization. The course covers topics such as values, ethics, and leadership, which are all essential for success in this field. Additionally, the course can help Internal Auditors develop their own personal leadership style.

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Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

A Corporate Social Responsibility Manager may find the Principles of Character-Driven Leadership to be helpful in learning how to create a more sustainable and ethical business. The course covers topics such as values, ethics, and leadership, which are all essential for success in this field. Additionally, the course can help CSR Managers develop their own personal leadership style.

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Nonprofit Executive Director

Nonprofit Executive Directors may find the Principles of Character-Driven Leadership to be useful in learning how to lead a mission-driven organization. The course covers topics such as values, ethics, and leadership, which are all essential for success in this field. Additionally, the course can help Executive Directors develop their own personal leadership style.

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Compliance Analyst

A Compliance Analyst may find the Principles of Character-Driven Leadership to be helpful in learning how to create a more ethical and compliant organization. The course covers topics such as values, ethics, and leadership, which are all essential for success in this field. Additionally, the course can help Compliance Analysts develop their own personal leadership style.

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Chief Executive Officer

The Principles of Character-Driven Leadership course can be useful for aspiring CEOs who want to learn how to lead with integrity and purpose. The course covers topics such as values, ethics, and leadership, which are all essential for success in this role. Additionally, the course can help CEOs develop their own personal leadership style.

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Public Administrator

Public Administrators may find the Principles of Character-Driven Leadership to be helpful in learning how to lead in the public sector. The course covers topics such as values, ethics, and leadership, which are all essential for success in this field. Additionally, the course can help Public Administrators develop their own personal leadership style.

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Corporate Governance Officer

Corporate Governance Officers may find the Principles of Character-Driven Leadership to be helpful in learning how to create a more ethical and values-driven organization. The course covers topics such as values, ethics, and leadership, which are all essential for success in this field. Additionally, the course can help Corporate Governance Officers develop their own personal leadership style.

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Human Resources Manager

A Human Resources Manager may find the Principles of Character-Driven Leadership to be helpful in learning how to create a more ethical and values-driven workplace. The course covers topics such as values, ethics, and leadership, which are all essential for success in this field. Additionally, the course can help managers develop their own personal leadership style.

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Certified Fraud Examiner

Certified Fraud Examiners may find the Principles of Character-Driven Leadership to be helpful in learning how to investigate and prevent fraud. The course covers topics such as values, ethics, and leadership, which are all essential for success in this field. Additionally, the course can help Certified Fraud Examiners develop their own personal leadership style.

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