Leadership for Contemporary Organizations from edX

Leaders influence an organization’s strategic direction, culture, and day-to-day operations. In this course, we will highlight the complexity of leadership processes, and show that leader effectiveness is best understood by considering workplace dynamics and the organization’s external environment.

The course will cover some of the big questions related to leadership. Why do organizations need leaders? Is there one ideal way to lead? How do leaders and leadership development contribute to organizational development? Exploring these questions will be of value to anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of leadership and how to maximize its positive impact at work.

We begin with a brief overview of leadership history, from the ancient world to the present day, which explains how we arrived at contemporary mainstream leadership frameworks.

Our next section will focus on leadership traits and behaviors; students will learn about the traits and behaviors most commonly attributed to effective or ineffective leaders, and how context influences these relationships.

We will then question what is expected from leaders, and why people choose to pursue leadership roles. Students will learn about the role of leader identity and emotions in leadership processes and organizational outcomes.

Next, we will look at leadership development with a particular focus on coaching. Students will be able to explain the impact and limitations of coaching as a leadership development technique, and how to assess its effectiveness.

Our final section describes how leaders foster engagement and sense of meaningful work among employees.

This course is part of the UCx Micromasters in Organizational Psychology, and each key topic will increase your knowledge about this exciting field. In order to qualify for the MicroMasters Credential you will need to earn a Verified Certificate in each of the five courses.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How history has shaped expectations of leaders and leadership
Factors that contribute to leader emergence and effectiveness

Role and influence of emotions in leadership
How and why leadership influences employee growth, engagement, and purpose

How history has shaped expectations of leaders and leadership
Factors that contribute to leader emergence and effectiveness
Role and influence of emotions in leadership
How and why leadership influences employee growth, engagement, and purpose

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Course provides a solid foundation in leadership principles and practices

Engages with critical perspectives and industry insights

Ideal for those seeking to understand leadership's impact in organizational settings

Suitable for individuals exploring leadership roles or enhancing their leadership abilities

Focuses on core concepts and avoid overly theoretical or abstract discussions

Provides a well-rounded overview of leadership for diverse learners

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 for Contemporary Organizations with these activities:

Review general concepts of leadership

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Familiarize yourself with the basic concepts of leadership and organizational development to enhance your understanding of the course material.

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Read foundational works on leadership theories
Create a summary of different leadership styles and their impact

Explore TED talks or online resources on leadership best practices

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Stay up-to-date on current trends and insights in leadership by accessing thought-provoking content from industry experts and practitioners.

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Identify relevant TED talks or online resources
Watch or read the selected content
Summarize key takeaways and insights

Read 'Leadership: Theory and Practice' by Peter Northouse

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of various leadership theories, research, and practical applications to support your learning in the course.

View Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and... on Amazon

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Read each chapter thoroughly
Take notes on key concepts and theories
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises

Five other activities

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Compile a digital or physical library of leadership articles, books, and videos

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Develop a comprehensive resource hub of materials to support your continuous learning and stay updated on the latest trends in leadership theory and practice.

Browse courses on Organizational Development

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Conduct research to identify relevant materials
Organize and categorize the resources
Share your compilation with others

Participate in role-playing exercises on leadership scenarios

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Enhance your practical leadership abilities by actively participating in simulated scenarios, allowing you to test and refine your decision-making and interpersonal skills.

Browse courses on Leadership Development

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Review the provided case studies or scenarios
Form groups and assign roles
Engage in role-playing and discussions
Provide feedback and reflect on the experience

Attend a leadership workshop or seminar

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Gain exposure to practical tools, techniques, and strategies by attending a workshop or seminar led by experienced professionals in the field.

Browse courses on Leadership Development

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Research and identify relevant workshops or seminars
Register and attend the event
Actively participate in discussions and activities
Apply the learnings to your own leadership practice

Develop a presentation on a specific leadership theory

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Deepen your understanding of a specific leadership theory by researching, organizing, and presenting your findings, strengthening your analytical and communication skills.

Browse courses on Organizational Behavior

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Choose a leadership theory to focus on
Research and gather supporting evidence
Create a presentation outline
Develop visual aids and supporting materials
Practice your presentation and deliver it

Mentor or guide junior students or colleagues in leadership roles

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Enhance your leadership skills by sharing your knowledge and experiences with others, fostering their growth and professional development.

Browse courses on Leadership Development

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Identify opportunities to mentor or guide others
Create a supportive and collaborative relationship
Provide guidance, feedback, and encouragement
Reflect on your own leadership style and growth

Career center

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

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. They are responsible for all aspects of their business, from developing the idea to marketing and sales. This course can be very useful as it will help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Entrepreneur. You will learn about the different aspects of entrepreneurship, including market research, product development, and financial management. You will also learn about the importance of communication and how to build strong relationships with your team and customers.

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Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officers are in charge of leading all aspects of a company. They make decisions on behalf of the company and manage its day-to-day operations. This course can be very useful as it will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective leader and decision-maker. You will learn about the different leadership styles and how to adapt your style to different situations. You will also learn about the importance of communication and how to build strong relationships with your team. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be a successful CEO.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Executive Officer

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers are responsible for managing the human resources of a company. They recruit, hire, and train employees. They also develop and implement policies and procedures related to employee benefits, compensation, and performance management. This course can be very useful as it will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Human Resources Manager. You will learn about the different aspects of human resources management, including recruitment, performance management, and employee relations. You will also learn about the importance of communication and how to build strong relationships with your team. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be a successful Human Resources Manager.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics. They help organizations improve their performance and achieve their goals. This course can be very useful as it will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Consultant. You will learn about the different aspects of consulting, including project management, communication, and problem-solving. You will also learn about the importance of building strong relationships with your clients.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers are responsible for leading and managing nonprofit organizations. They develop and implement programs and services to meet the needs of the community. They also manage the organization's finances and fundraising efforts. This course can be very useful as it will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Nonprofit Manager. You will learn about the different aspects of nonprofit management, including program development, fundraising, and financial management. You will also learn about the importance of communication and how to build strong relationships with your team and the community.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business needs and recommending solutions. They work with stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. This course can be very useful as it will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Business Analyst. You will learn about the different aspects of business analysis, including requirements gathering, process mapping, and data analysis. You will also learn about the importance of communication and how to build strong relationships with your team and stakeholders.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading and managing a team of salespeople. They develop and implement sales strategies to achieve sales targets. They also provide training and support to their team. This course can be very useful as it will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Sales Manager. You will learn about the different aspects of sales management, including sales forecasting, pipeline management, and customer relationship management. You will also learn about the importance of communication and how to build strong relationships with your team. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be a successful Sales Manager.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course may be useful as it will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Project Manager. You will learn about the different aspects of project management, including project planning, risk management, and stakeholder management. You will also learn about the importance of communication and how to build strong relationships with your team. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be a successful Project Manager.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the activities of a company's operations. They ensure that the company's operations run smoothly and efficiently. This course may be useful as it will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Operations Manager. You will learn about the different aspects of operations management, including production, inventory management, and quality control. You will also learn about the importance of communication and how to build strong relationships with your team. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be a successful Operations Manager.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for planning and executing marketing campaigns. They develop and implement marketing strategies to promote products or services. They also manage the company's brand and reputation. This course may be useful as it will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Marketing Manager. You will learn about the different aspects of marketing, including market research, product development, and advertising. You will also learn about the importance of communication and how to build strong relationships with your team. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be a successful Marketing Manager.

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Therapist

Therapists help people improve their mental health and well-being. They provide counseling, support, and guidance. This course may be useful as it will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Therapist. You will learn about the different aspects of therapy, including counseling techniques, diagnosis, and treatment planning. You will also learn about the importance of communication and how to build strong relationships with your clients.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people cope with difficult life situations. They provide counseling, support, and resources. This course may be useful as it will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Social Worker. You will learn about the different aspects of social work, including counseling, case management, and advocacy. You will also learn about the importance of communication and how to build strong relationships with your clients.

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Educator

Educators teach and support students in their learning. They create and implement lesson plans, assess student progress, and provide feedback. This course may be useful as it will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Educator. You will learn about the different aspects of education, including curriculum development, classroom management, and assessment. You will also learn about the importance of communication and how to build strong relationships with your students.

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Physician

Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. They prescribe medication, perform surgeries, and provide preventive care. This course may be useful as it will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Physician. You will learn about the different aspects of medicine, including anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. You will also learn about the importance of communication and how to build strong relationships with your patients.

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Nurse

Nurses provide care and support to patients in hospitals and other healthcare settings. They administer medication, monitor patient progress, and provide emotional support. This course may be useful as it will help you develop the skills you need to be an effective Nurse. You will learn about the different aspects of nursing, including patient care, medical terminology, and pharmacology. You will also learn about the importance of communication and how to build strong relationships with your patients and their families.

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