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Dr Qin Zhou
Transform your leadership skills and become a catalyst for change in sustainability. This course provides practical strategies and proven change management techniques to help you drive sustainable transformation in your organisation.
You’ll explore key leadership models, change management frameworks, and sustainability strategies, equipping you with the tools to navigate organisational challenges and implement impactful change. Through real-world case studies and interactive learning, you’ll develop the confidence to lead sustainability initiatives that drive long-term success.
Read more
Transform your leadership skills and become a catalyst for change in sustainability. This course provides practical strategies and proven change management techniques to help you drive sustainable transformation in your organisation.
You’ll explore key leadership models, change management frameworks, and sustainability strategies, equipping you with the tools to navigate organisational challenges and implement impactful change. Through real-world case studies and interactive learning, you’ll develop the confidence to lead sustainability initiatives that drive long-term success.
Read more
Transform your leadership skills and become a catalyst for change in sustainability. This course provides practical strategies and proven change management techniques to help you drive sustainable transformation in your organisation.
You’ll explore key leadership models, change management frameworks, and sustainability strategies, equipping you with the tools to navigate organisational challenges and implement impactful change. Through real-world case studies and interactive learning, you’ll develop the confidence to lead sustainability initiatives that drive long-term success.
This course is a taster for the Online Masters in Sustainable Business Leadership MSc, but it is also suitable for professionals looking to enhance their leadership capabilities in sustainability and change management.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/bqc1m6/leadership
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What's inside
Syllabus
Week 1: Leadership in context
This week, you will explore the concepts of leadership and leadership effectiveness. You will analyse different types of power that leaders can employ to lead and influence others. Additionally, you will examine how and why leadership should adapt to current and changing environments, as well as the opportunities and challenges involved in leading sustainability initiatives.
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Syllabus
Week 1: Leadership in context
This week, you will explore the concepts of leadership and leadership effectiveness. You will analyse different types of power that leaders can employ to lead and influence others. Additionally, you will examine how and why leadership should adapt to current and changing environments, as well as the opportunities and challenges involved in leading sustainability initiatives.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Provides practical strategies and proven change management techniques, which are essential for driving sustainable transformation within organizations
Explores key leadership models, change management frameworks, and sustainability strategies, equipping learners with tools to navigate organizational challenges
Examines value-based leadership, which is a critical approach for guiding sustainability initiatives, especially within global contexts
Requires learners to analyze different types of power that leaders can employ to lead and influence others, which is standard in organizational leadership
Serves as a taster for the Online Masters in Sustainable Business Leadership MSc, which may require further study to gain a comprehensive understanding
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Reviews summary
Leadership for sustainable business transformation
According to learners, this course offers a highly relevant introduction to leadership and change management specifically within the context of sustainability. Many find the content provides practical strategies and frameworks that can be applied directly to their work. Students appreciate the focus on values-based leadership and the connection between business challenges and sustainability goals. While many see it as a good foundation, some more experienced learners note the content can feel like a basic introduction and might wish for more in-depth case studies or advanced topics.
Often seen as an introductory course.
"This course is a good starting point, but it feels quite introductory."
"I was hoping for more depth, but it serves as a solid basic overview."
"For someone new to the topic, it's great, but if you have experience, it might be too basic."
Offers a solid basis for the topic.
"I got a solid foundation in understanding leadership for sustainability."
"The course provides a good overview of key concepts in change management and sustainability."
"It helped solidify my understanding of the core principles in this field."
Provides useful strategies for work.
"I gained practical strategies that I can apply immediately in my organization."
"The change management frameworks provided are very applicable to real-world scenarios."
"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."
Addresses timely topics in sustainability.
"This course is highly relevant to current business needs focusing on sustainability and leadership."
"The topics covered are very current and important for today's leaders."
"I found the focus on sustainability within leadership and change management particularly valuable."
Could benefit from more depth.
"Could use more in-depth coverage on complex topics or real-world examples."
"I wished there were more detailed case studies to illustrate the concepts."
"More practical examples would make the theories easier to grasp."
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 Leadership and Change Management for Sustainability Success with these
activities:
Review 'Leading Change' by John Kotter
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with established change management principles to better understand the challenges and opportunities discussed in the course.
View
Leading Change, With a New Preface by the Author
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book's introduction and first three chapters.
-
Summarize Kotter's 8-step change model.
-
Reflect on how these steps apply to sustainability initiatives.
Review Basic Leadership Theories
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of fundamental leadership concepts to provide a strong foundation for the course's more advanced topics.
Browse courses on
Transformational Leadership
Show steps
-
Research different leadership theories online.
-
Create a table comparing the theories.
-
Identify the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Analyze a Sustainability Initiative
Show steps
Apply course concepts to a real-world example to deepen your understanding of the challenges and opportunities in leading sustainable change.
Show steps
-
Choose a sustainability initiative at an organization.
-
Research the initiative's goals and strategies.
-
Analyze the leadership approaches used.
-
Evaluate the initiative's success and impact.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Presentation on Change Management
Show steps
Synthesize course material and present it in a clear and engaging way to reinforce your learning and communication skills.
Show steps
-
Choose a specific change management topic.
-
Research the topic using course materials and external sources.
-
Create a visually appealing presentation.
-
Practice delivering the presentation.
Review 'The Necessary Revolution' by Peter Senge
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the systemic challenges of sustainability and how leadership can drive transformative change.
View
The Necessary Revolution
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book's key chapters on systems thinking.
-
Identify examples of organizations driving sustainable change.
-
Reflect on how systems thinking can inform leadership strategies.
Volunteer for a Sustainability Organization
Show steps
Apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting to gain practical experience and contribute to a sustainable cause.
Show steps
-
Research local sustainability organizations.
-
Identify volunteer opportunities that align with your interests.
-
Participate in volunteer activities and reflect on your experience.
Develop a Sustainability Action Plan
Show steps
Synthesize course learnings and create a practical plan for implementing sustainable change in your own organization or community.
Show steps
-
Identify a specific sustainability challenge.
-
Develop a detailed action plan with measurable goals.
-
Outline the resources and stakeholders needed.
-
Present the plan to a group for feedback.
Review 'Leading Change' by John Kotter
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with established change management principles to better understand the challenges and opportunities discussed in the course.
View
Leading Change, With a New Preface by the Author
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book's introduction and first three chapters.
- Summarize Kotter's 8-step change model.
- Reflect on how these steps apply to sustainability initiatives.
Review Basic Leadership Theories
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of fundamental leadership concepts to provide a strong foundation for the course's more advanced topics.
Browse courses on
Transformational Leadership
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different leadership theories online.
- Create a table comparing the theories.
- Identify the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Analyze a Sustainability Initiative
Show steps
Apply course concepts to a real-world example to deepen your understanding of the challenges and opportunities in leading sustainable change.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a sustainability initiative at an organization.
- Research the initiative's goals and strategies.
- Analyze the leadership approaches used.
- Evaluate the initiative's success and impact.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Presentation on Change Management
Show steps
Synthesize course material and present it in a clear and engaging way to reinforce your learning and communication skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific change management topic.
- Research the topic using course materials and external sources.
- Create a visually appealing presentation.
- Practice delivering the presentation.
Review 'The Necessary Revolution' by Peter Senge
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the systemic challenges of sustainability and how leadership can drive transformative change.
View
The Necessary Revolution
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book's key chapters on systems thinking.
- Identify examples of organizations driving sustainable change.
- Reflect on how systems thinking can inform leadership strategies.
Volunteer for a Sustainability Organization
Show steps
Apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting to gain practical experience and contribute to a sustainable cause.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research local sustainability organizations.
- Identify volunteer opportunities that align with your interests.
- Participate in volunteer activities and reflect on your experience.
Develop a Sustainability Action Plan
Show steps
Synthesize course learnings and create a practical plan for implementing sustainable change in your own organization or community.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific sustainability challenge.
- Develop a detailed action plan with measurable goals.
- Outline the resources and stakeholders needed.
- Present the plan to a group for feedback.
Career center
Learners who complete Leadership and Change Management for Sustainability Success will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Chief Sustainability Officer
Chief Sustainability Officer
A Chief Sustainability Officer provides strategic leadership and vision for an organization's sustainability efforts. A Chief Sustainability Officer is responsible for integrating sustainability into all aspects of the business, from operations to product development. This course provides practical strategies and proven change management techniques to help you drive sustainable transformation. With insight into the challenges of leading sustainability initiatives, a Chief Sustainability Officer helps their organization thrive.
Director of Sustainability
Director of Sustainability
A Director of Sustainability leads the development and implementation of sustainability programs across an organization. The Director of Sustainability works collaboratively with various departments to integrate sustainable practices into daily operations and long-term strategic planning. This course helps build a foundation in techniques to navigate organizational challenges and implement impactful changes. This course is particularly useful for a Director of Sustainability.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultant
A Sustainability Consultant helps organizations develop and implement sustainability strategies. This role involves assessing a client's operations, identifying opportunities for improvement, and recommending solutions to reduce environmental impact and enhance social responsibility. This course provides practical strategies to help a Sustainability Consultant drive transformation in an organization. With the course's focus on change management frameworks, a Sustainability Consultant can navigate challenges and implement changes effectively.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Manager
A Sustainability Manager drives and oversees an organization's sustainability initiatives. They develop strategies, implement programs, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. This course provides a foundational understanding of leadership in various contexts, including sustainability. In particular, the course explores opportunities and challenges involved in leading sustainability initiatives. The course also considers change process models and effective communication, both of which are relevant to a Sustainability Manager who champions change within an organization.
Sustainability Reporting Specialist
Sustainability Reporting Specialist
This role involves the collection, analysis, and reporting of an organization’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance data. A Sustainability Reporting Specialist is in charge of ensuring accurate and transparent communication of sustainability efforts to stakeholders. This course provides practical strategies and proven change management techniques to help drive sustainable transformation within an organization, which are skills a sustainability reporting specialist may exercise.
Change Management Consultant
Change Management Consultant
A Change Management Consultant guides organizations through periods of transition. They assess organizational needs, develop change management plans, and implement strategies to minimize disruption and maximize adoption. This course helps build a foundation in change process models, as it considers how to plan and implement sustainability change initiatives. With the course's focus on change management frameworks, a Change Management Consultant can improve their ability to navigate challenges and implement impactful changes.
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
A Corporate Social Responsibility Manager develops and implements CSR strategies that align with an organization's values and goals. This role involves stakeholder engagement, program development, and reporting on social and environmental impact. This course examines value-based leadership, which is critical for guiding sustainability initiatives. Specifically, this course is useful for a Corporate Social Responsibility Manager who needs to navigate the complexities of managing sustainability on a global scale.
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
An Operations Manager oversees the daily activities of an organization, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and quality. They manage resources, streamline processes, and implement strategies to improve overall performance. This course examines different types of power that leaders can employ to lead and influence others. The course also delves into how and why leadership should adapt to current and changing environments, which are both skills that an Operations Manager will use.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultant
An Environmental Consultant advises organizations on environmental issues, such as regulatory compliance, pollution prevention, and resource management. The Environmental Consultant conducts assessments, develops solutions, and provides training to improve environmental performance. The course may be useful for an Environmental Consultant. The course examines leadership and its importance in sustainability contexts. The course also explores different change process models.
Training and Development Manager
Training and Development Manager
A Training and Development Manager designs and delivers training programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge. They assess training needs, develop curriculum, and evaluate program effectiveness. This course examines change process models and considers how to plan and implement a sustainability change initiative through effective communication and employee commitment, both of which are relevant to a Training and Development Manager.
Project Manager
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes specific projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required specifications. The Project Manager coordinates resources, manages risks, and communicates with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. The course explores different change process models and analyzes the role of leadership in the change process, skills that are helpful to the Project Manager.
Business Development Manager
Business Development Manager
A Business Development Manager identifies and pursues new business opportunities to drive revenue growth. They build relationships with potential clients, develop sales strategies, and negotiate deals. This course explores different types of power that leaders can employ to lead and influence others. The discussions on leadership effectiveness are relevant to a Business Development Manager.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Manager
A Human Resources Manager oversees the management of an organization's workforce. They develop policies, manage employee relations, and ensure compliance with labor laws. A course that discusses effective communication and employee commitment may be relevant to a Human Resources Manager. An understanding of change models may also be helpful.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialist
A Public Relations Specialist manages an organization's reputation through strategic communication. The Public Relations Specialist develops media relations, creates content, and manages crisis communications. This course may be relevant to a Public Relations Specialist, as it discusses leadership and leadership effectiveness.
Community Organizer
Community Organizer
A Community Organizer works with community groups to advocate for social change. This role involves building relationships, facilitating meetings, and mobilizing people to take action. The course's focus on different types of power that leaders can employ to lead and influence others may be applicable to a Community Organizer.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/bqc1m6/leadership
Reading list
We've selected two books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Leadership and Change Management for Sustainability Success.
Save
Provides a comprehensive framework for leading organizational change, which is directly relevant to the course's focus on change management for sustainability. Kotter's 8-step process widely recognized and practical approach. It offers valuable insights into overcoming resistance and driving successful change initiatives. This book useful reference tool for understanding the dynamics of change and implementing effective strategies.
Explores how organizations can drive systemic change towards sustainability. It provides a framework for understanding complex systems and developing effective strategies for creating a more sustainable world. It offers a broader perspective on sustainability challenges and the role of leadership in addressing them. This book is more valuable as additional reading to expand on the course's core concepts.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/bqc1m6/leadership
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Effort
3 weeks of study, 3 hours/week
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Leeds
Instructor
Dr Qin Zhou
Language
English
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