Leadership Skills from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Leading the Self: Mindfulness, Inner Stability, and Positive Strengths

In this module, you will learn about introspection, closely analyzing your inner self, and developing the ability to be self-led before leading others effectively. This module highlights the importance of leading oneself by elaborating on aspects of psychology, brain sciences, and human behavior. You will be introduced to some key challenges faced when interacting with others and find ways to better manage your behavior and conduct. In addition, you will also gain insight into core psychological strengths and positive mindsets, as they are essential to be an effective leader. Lastly, the module discusses issues about automaticity, inner game, mindfulness, multitasking, emotional intelligence, inculcating a learning mindset, and positive strengths.

Leading Downward: Leader Behaviors and Leadership Styles

This module will focus on leader behaviors and different leadership styles. You will learn about the TREAT leadership framework and the different leadership styles proposed by the TREAT leadership theory. The TREAT framework has been developed based on rigorous research, and it highlights the leadership competencies that should be developed in leaders of new-age organizations. You will also gain insight into how the framework highlights the importance of five behavioral competencies for leaders: task orientation, relation orientation, empowerment, authenticity, and team building. Finally, the module elaborates on each one of these behavioral competencies and delves deep into how you can develop and incorporate these into your behavior.

Building Sustainable Relationships: Supportive Communication and Decision-making Biases

This module focuses on enabling you to create sustainable and positive relationships. You will learn about supportive communication and decision-making biases, which are important aspects of building sustainable and positive relationships. The module also covers the theory of empowering communication and some key aspects that leaders must keep in mind when communicating with their subordinates and peers. It also discusses some biases that impact our interactions with others. You will also explore and review the work of Nobel laureates and other behavioral economists. Lastly, you will analyze key biases that impact a leader’s decision-making.

Power, Politics, and Leading Upwards

In this module, you will learn about power, politics, and how to lead upwards. The module will introduce you to power and politics in organizations, different sources of power, and how to acquire those sources of power. The module also discusses how to lead upward and manage your supervisors and bosses. Power and politics are integral to any organization and exist everywhere. It is extremely difficult to run away from these issues. Hence, it becomes important for leaders to embrace these challenges and learn to manage them effectively to suit their own and the organization’s larger interests. You will also gain insight into different sources of power, how to develop power, and the use of politics to influence people positively toward achieving their goals. Lastly, you will learn to apply these ideas to forge effective boss-subordinate relationships that can enable effective performance and long-term success.

Ethics, Culture, and Change Management

In this module, you will learn about managing ethical dilemmas, developing organizational culture, and managing change. Ethical dilemmas are inherent to leadership. Leaders need to make a decision and decide between two rights or two wrongs. In this module, you will gain insight into how to navigate life’s ethical dilemmas. In addition, the module discusses the usual organizational culture and how you can build a transformational culture that is conducive to high performance. You will also learn about the LEAP framework of culture. Lastly, the module explores how you can lead and manage change in organizations. Using the real-life example from a corporate organization and public life, you will learn how leaders can inspire change in organizations.

Leadership and Ancient Indian Wisdom: Lessons from the Mahabharata

This module covers leadership lessons from the great Indian epic The Mahabharata. The fundamental question is: can leadership lessons be learned from the Mahabharata? In this module, you will look into the lives of important characters from this ancient Indian epic and analyze various aspects of leadership, such as demonstrating the correct values, decision-making ability, integrity, principles, and leading oneself and others. Borrowing from different disciplines, such as literature, philosophy, politics, and psychology, the module will present a leadership triangle comprising six levels. These levels are positive personality, peace with personal identity, purpose, positive use of power and politics, paradoxical leadership, and principled pragmatism. Finally, you will explore the grounded approach where mythology and leadership amalgamate through scholarship and practice.

Peer Review Assignment

This is a peer-review assignment based on the concepts taught in the Leadership Skills course. In this assignment, you will be able to apply the skills you learned to become more adept in your journey of leadership.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers leadership in a comprehensive manner, making it ideal for learners of all experience levels

Taught by an instructor who is recognized for their work in leadership

Examines leadership from a variety of perspectives, including business management, philosophy, spirituality, and psychology

Provides learners with a practical and coherent theoretical framework for applying and exercising leadership

Develops core leadership skills, such as communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution

May be particularly relevant for learners who are interested in developing their leadership skills in a business or organizational setting

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 Skills with these activities:

Review the key concepts of leadership

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This activity will help you refresh your memory on the key concepts of leadership before starting the course.

Browse courses on Leadership

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Read through your notes from previous leadership courses or workshops.
Review online resources or articles about leadership.

Volunteer with a non-profit organization that focuses on leadership development

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This activity will allow you to gain practical experience in a leadership role and make a positive impact on your community.

Browse courses on Leadership

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Identify a non-profit organization that focuses on leadership development.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend a volunteer orientation and training.
Participate in volunteer activities and take on leadership roles.

Attend a peer-led discussion on a leadership topic

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This activity will allow you to connect with other leaders, share ideas, and learn from their experiences.

Browse courses on Leadership

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Identify a peer-led discussion on a leadership topic.
Attend the discussion and actively participate.

Five other activities

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Read 'Leadership Without Easy Answers'

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This book provides a practical framework for understanding and addressing the challenges of leadership in complex and uncertain environments.

View Adaptive Leadership: The Heifetz Collection (3... on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-3 to understand the concept of adaptive leadership.
Identify a leadership challenge you are facing and apply the principles of adaptive leadership to develop a plan for addressing it.

Complete the 'Emotional Intelligence for Leaders' online course

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This course will help you develop the self-awareness and empathy skills necessary to lead effectively.

Browse courses on Emotional Intelligence

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Sign up for the course on Coursera.
Complete all the lessons and assignments.

Develop a leadership development plan

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This activity will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and develop a plan to improve your leadership skills.

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Identify your leadership strengths and weaknesses.
Set goals for your leadership development.
Develop a plan to achieve your goals.
Implement your plan and track your progress.

Write a blog post about a leadership challenge you have faced and how you overcame it

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This activity will allow you to reflect on your leadership experiences, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and share your insights with others.

Browse courses on Leadership

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Identify a leadership challenge you have faced.
Describe the challenge and the context in which it arose.
Explain how you approached the challenge and the steps you took to overcome it.
Reflect on what you learned from the experience and how it has shaped your leadership style.
Write and publish your blog post.

Participate in a leadership competition or case study

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This activity will challenge you to apply your leadership skills in a competitive environment.

Browse courses on Leadership

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Identify a leadership competition or case study that you can participate in.
Prepare for the competition or case study by researching the topic and developing a plan.
Participate in the competition or case study and give it your best effort.
Reflect on your performance and identify areas for improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete Leadership Skills will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Relationship Manager

Relationship Managers maintain relationships with clients and customers, and they work to ensure satisfaction and retention. Relationship Managers also identify and develop new business opportunities. The Leadership Skills course can be useful for Relationship Managers as it will help them build and maintain strong relationships with clients and customers. The course will also teach Relationship Managers about ethics and communication skills.

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Management Consultant

Management Consultants advise companies and other organizations on how to improve their performance. They help businesses identify problems, develop solutions, and implement changes. The Leadership Skills course can be useful for Management Consultants as it will help them develop important consulting skills such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. The course will also teach Management Consultants about ethics and business culture.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. They work with stakeholders to define project scope, develop project plans, and track project progress. The Leadership Skills course can be useful for Project Managers as it will help them develop the skills needed to lead and manage projects. The course will also teach Project Managers about ethics and decision-making.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers plan and direct the human resources function of an organization. They work with stakeholders to develop and implement human resources policies and programs. The Leadership Skills course can be useful for Human Resources Managers as it will help them develop the skills needed to lead and manage the human resources function. The course will also teach Human Resources Managers about ethics and decision-making.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and management of products. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to bring new products to market and to improve existing products. The Leadership Skills course can be useful for Product Managers as it will help them develop the skills needed to lead and manage a team. The course will also teach Product Managers about ethics and decision-making.

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Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify, assess, and manage risks. They work with stakeholders to develop and implement risk management plans. The Leadership Skills course can be useful for Risk Managers as it will help them develop the skills needed to lead and manage risk. The course will also teach Risk Managers about ethics and decision-making.

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Compliance Officer

Compliance Officers ensure that organizations comply with laws and regulations. They work with stakeholders to develop and implement compliance programs. The Leadership Skills course can be useful for Compliance Officers as it will help them develop the skills needed to lead and manage compliance programs. The course will also teach Compliance Officers about ethics and decision-making.

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Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers manage the public relations function of an organization. They work with stakeholders to develop and implement public relations campaigns. The Leadership Skills course can be useful for Public Relations Managers as it will help them develop the skills needed to lead and manage the public relations function. The course will also teach Public Relations Managers about ethics and communication skills.

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Organizational Development Consultant

Organizational Development Consultants help organizations improve their performance. They work with stakeholders to identify and assess organizational problems, and they develop and implement strategies to improve organizational performance. The Leadership Skills course can be useful for Organizational Development Consultants as it will help them develop the skills needed to lead and manage organizational change. The course will also teach Organizational Development Consultants about ethics and decision-making.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability programs for organizations. They work with stakeholders to identify and assess sustainability risks and opportunities, and they develop and implement strategies to improve sustainability performance. The Leadership Skills course can be useful for Sustainability Managers as it will help them develop the skills needed to lead and manage sustainability programs. The course will also teach Sustainability Managers about ethics and decision-making.

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Nonprofit Executive Director

Nonprofit Executive Directors lead and manage nonprofit organizations. They are responsible for the overall strategy and direction of the organization. The Leadership Skills course can be useful for Nonprofit Executive Directors as it will help them develop the skills needed to lead and manage nonprofit organizations. The course will also teach Nonprofit Executive Directors about ethics and decision-making.

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Corporate Trainer

Corporate Trainers develop and deliver training programs for employees. They work with stakeholders to identify training needs and to develop and implement training programs. The Leadership Skills course can be useful for Corporate Trainers as it will help them develop the skills needed to lead and manage training programs. The course will also teach Corporate Trainers about ethics and communication skills.

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Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are the top executives of organizations. They are responsible for the overall strategy and direction of the organization. The Leadership Skills course can be useful for CEOs as it will help them develop the skills needed to lead and manage organizations. The course will also teach CEOs about ethics and decision-making.

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Change Manager

Change Managers help organizations plan and implement change. They work with stakeholders to identify and assess the impact of change, and they develop and implement strategies to manage change. The Leadership Skills course can be useful for Change Managers as it will help them develop the skills needed to lead and manage change. The course will also teach Change Managers about ethics and decision-making.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts study information, look for patterns, and try to find meaningful insights for the companies that they work for. They do this by gathering and cleaning data, then creating data visualizations and reports that management and stakeholders can use to make better decisions. The Leadership Skills course can be useful for aspiring Data Analysts as it will help them develop the skills needed to collect, interpret, and analyze data. The course can also teach Data Analysts about communications and ethics.

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