The Persuasive Leader from Coursera

This aims primarily at post-baccalaureate students interested in leadership theory.

The course has four modules. Module 1 introduces students to agile leadership as (a) a logical sequel to adaptive and team leadership, and (b) the foundation of contemporary persuasive leadership. Topics include a working definition of agile leadership, the need for agile leadership, and characteristics of the agile leader. Module 2 answers the question, What is persuasive leadership? Topics include persuasive vs. coercive leadership, conversation as essential to persuasive leadership, types of persuasion, elements of persuasion, and principles of persuasion. Module 3 answers the question, Why persuasive leadership? Topics include setting the question, benefits to the organization, benefits, to the team, and benefits to the leader. Module 4 answers the question, Persuasive leadership: How? Topics include preparing the leader, preparing the team, engaging the team in a plan, executing the plan, and assessing and improving.

To complete this course successfully students should be able to analyze college-level readings and audio/visual presentations into understandable parts, including premises and conclusions; synthesize the results of the analysis into coherent and accurate summaries; and evaluate the results for accuracy and practical applicability.

This is one course in the Coursera specialization, Leadership: An Introduction. It examines current trends in leadership theory invoking several disciplines, including business, sociology, philosophy, history, and psychology.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to

• Define persuasive leadership

• Explain how adaptive leadership, team leadership, and agile leadership underlie persuasive

leadership

• Assess the value of persuasive leadership to contemporary organizational leadership

• Apply techniques of persuasive leadership to organizational challenges

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction; Agile Leadership

Module 1 -- Course Introduction and Agile Leadership -- includes a video introduction to the course; an audio recording and reading to accompany that video; and three lessons. Lesson 1 -- Agile Leadership-A Working Definition -- includes three readings, three videos, 11 recommended readings, and four lectures. Lesson 2 -- The Need for Agile Leadership--includes three readings, two videos, and one lecture. Lesson 3 -- The Agile Leader -- includes 1 reading and one lecture. The work you will do for this module includes watching the course introduction, the module introduction (including the accompanying audio and description), five videos from the internet, and six lecture videos; reading seven items; and taking a brief quiz after each lecture, and a longer assessment at the end of the module.

What is Persuasive Leadership?

Module 2 -- What is Persuasive Leadership? -- includes a video introduction to the module and five lessons. Lesson 1 -- A General Definition-- includes one reading, one video, and two lectures. Lesson 2 -- Conversation--includes three readings, three videos, and two lectures. Lesson 3 -- Types of Persuasion-- includes five readings, two videos, and three lectures. Lesson 4 -- Elements of Persuasion-- includes one reading and one lecture. Lesson 5 -- Principles of Persuasion--includes one reading and one lecture. The work you will do for this module includes watching the module introduction (along with the video of Malala Yousafzai's Nobel Peace Prize speech), five videos from the internet, and nine lecture videos; reading nine items; and taking a brief quiz after each lecture, and a longer assessment at the end of the module.

Why Persuasive Leadership?

Module 3 -- Why Persuasive Leadership? -- includes a video introduction to the module and four lessons. Lesson 1 -- Setting the Question-- includes two readings and two lectures. Lesson 2 -- Benefits to the Organization--includes two readings, one video, and three lectures. Lesson 3 -- Benefits to the Team-- includes two readings, two videos, and three lectures. Lesson 4 -- Benefits to the Leader-- includes two readings and three lectures. The work you will do for this module includes watching the module introduction (along with the video of Steve Jobs' Stanford commencement address), three videos from the internet, and 11 lecture videos; reading eight items; and taking a brief quiz after each lecture, and a longer assessment at the end of the module.

Persuasive Leadership: How?

Module 4 -- Persuasive Leadership: How? -- includes a video introduction to the module and five lessons. Lesson 1 --Prepare Yourself-- includes three readings and one lectures. Lesson 2 -- Prepare Your team--includes two readings and one lecture. Lesson 3 -- Engage Your Team in the Plan-- includes four readings, two videos, and six lectures. Lesson 4 -- Execute the Plan as a Team-- includes three readings and three lectures. Lesson 5 -- Assess and Improve -- includes one reading and two lectures. The work you will do for this module includes watching the module introduction, two videos from the internet, and 13 lecture videos; reading 13 items; and taking a brief quiz after each lecture, and a longer assessment at the end of the module.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores agile leadership, a foundational concept in contemporary persuasive leadership

Taught by Christopher Dreisbach, an experienced instructor in leadership theory

Develops essential leadership skills in persuasion, communication, and team management

Offers practical techniques and strategies that can be applied in organizational settings

Requires college-level critical thinking and analysis abilities, making it suitable for advanced learners

Covers various aspects of persuasive leadership, providing a comprehensive understanding of the topic

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 The Persuasive Leader with these activities:

Enhance Conversational Skills

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Strong conversational skills are essential for effective persuasive leadership.

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Practice active listening techniques.
Engage in meaningful conversations with diverse individuals.
Seek feedback on your conversational skills.

Explore TED Talks on Persuasive Leadership

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Gain inspiration and insights from experts in persuasive leadership.

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Identify TED Talks on persuasive leadership.
Watch and analyze the key takeaways from the talks.
Apply the lessons learned to your own leadership style.

Analyze Case Studies of Persuasive Leadership

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Develop critical thinking skills by examining real-life examples of persuasive leadership.

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Identify the key elements of the case study.
Analyze the persuasive techniques used.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the persuasive leadership.

Three other activities

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Develop a Plan for Persuasive Leadership

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Apply the principles of persuasive leadership to a real-world scenario.

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Identify the persuasive goals you want to achieve.
Research and identify the key elements of persuasion.
Craft a persuasive message that effectively communicates your ideas.
Develop a plan for implementing your persuasive message.

Develop a Video Presentation on Agile Leadership

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Enhance your communication and presentation skills while reinforcing your understanding of Agile Leadership.

Browse courses on Agile Leadership

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Research and gather information on Agile Leadership concepts.
Develop a clear and concise script for your video.
Create visually engaging and informative slides or visuals.
Record and edit your video.

Collaborate on Persuasive Communication Techniques

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Engage with peers to exchange ideas and improve persuasive communication strategies.

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Present a persuasive argument to your peers.
Receive feedback on your presentation and consider alternative perspectives.
Work together to refine your persuasive techniques.

Career center

Learners who complete The Persuasive Leader will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Communications Specialist

A Communications Specialist writes and produces internal and external communications for an organization. This can include writing speeches, articles, social media posts, and marketing materials. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies. The Persuasive Leader course can be helpful for a Communications Specialist because it provides training in persuasive leadership and communication techniques. This training can be helpful for developing and delivering effective communications that persuade and motivate audiences.

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Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns for an organization. This can include conducting market research, developing marketing strategies, and managing marketing budgets. They may also be responsible for overseeing the work of marketing staff. The Persuasive Leader course may be useful for a Marketing Manager because it provides training in persuasive leadership and communication techniques. This training can be helpful for developing and delivering effective marketing campaigns that persuade and motivate customers.

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Sales Manager

A Sales Manager is responsible for managing the sales department of an organization. This can include developing and implementing sales strategies, managing sales teams, and tracking sales performance. They may also be responsible for overseeing the work of sales staff. The Persuasive Leader course may be useful for a Sales Manager because it provides training in persuasive leadership and communication techniques. This training can be helpful for developing and delivering effective sales presentations that persuade and motivate customers.

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Training and Development Manager

A Training and Development Manager is responsible for managing the training and development department of an organization. This can include developing and delivering training programs, evaluating training effectiveness, and managing training budgets. They may also be responsible for overseeing the work of training and development staff. The Persuasive Leader course may be useful for a Training and Development Manager because it provides training in persuasive leadership and communication techniques. This training can be helpful for developing and delivering effective training programs that persuade and motivate employees.

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Consultant

A Consultant provides advice and assistance to organizations on a variety of topics. This can include business strategy, marketing, human resources, and technology. Consultants may work independently or for a consulting firm. The Persuasive Leader course may be useful for a Consultant because it provides training in persuasive leadership and communication techniques. This training can be helpful for developing and delivering effective consulting presentations that persuade and motivate clients.

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Professor

A Professor is a faculty member at a college or university. Professors are responsible for teaching, research, and service. The Persuasive Leader course may be useful for a Professor because it provides training in persuasive leadership and communication techniques. This training can be helpful for developing and delivering effective lectures and presentations that persuade and motivate students.

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Entrepreneur

An Entrepreneur is someone who starts and operates their own business. Entrepreneurs are responsible for all aspects of their business, including developing a business plan, securing financing, and marketing their products or services. The Persuasive Leader course may be useful for an Entrepreneur because it provides training in persuasive leadership and communication techniques. This training can be helpful for developing and delivering effective presentations that persuade and motivate investors and customers.

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Public relations manager

A Public Relations Manager is responsible for managing the public relations department of an organization. This can include developing and implementing public relations strategies, managing media relations, and responding to public inquiries. They may also be responsible for overseeing the work of public relations staff. The Persuasive Leader course may be useful for a Public Relations Manager because it provides training in persuasive leadership and communication techniques. This training can be helpful for developing and delivering effective public relations campaigns that persuade and motivate the public.

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Nonprofit Manager

A Nonprofit Manager is responsible for managing a nonprofit organization. This can include developing a strategic plan, managing staff, and fundraising. Nonprofit Managers may work in a variety of fields, such as education, healthcare, and social services. The Persuasive Leader course may be useful for a Nonprofit Manager because it provides training in persuasive leadership and communication techniques. This training can be helpful for developing and delivering effective fundraising presentations that persuade and motivate donors.

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Writer

A Writer writes for a variety of purposes, such as to inform, educate, or entertain. Writers may work independently or for a publisher or other organization. The Persuasive Leader course may be useful for a Writer because it provides training in persuasive leadership and communication techniques. This training can be helpful for developing and delivering effective writing that persuades and motivates readers.

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Social Media Manager

A Social Media Manager is responsible for developing and executing social media strategies for an organization. This can include creating and managing social media content, engaging with customers on social media, and tracking social media performance. They may also be responsible for overseeing the work of social media staff. The Persuasive Leader course may be useful for a Social Media Manager because it provides training in persuasive leadership and communication techniques. This training can be helpful for developing and delivering effective social media campaigns that persuade and motivate customers.

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Politician

A Politician is someone who holds or seeks elected office. Politicians are responsible for representing the interests of their constituents and developing and implementing public policy. The Persuasive Leader course may be useful for a Politician because it provides training in persuasive leadership and communication techniques. This training can be helpful for developing and delivering effective speeches and presentations that persuade and motivate voters.

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Leadership Coach

A Leadership Coach helps leaders develop their leadership skills and abilities. This can include providing feedback, coaching, and support. Leadership Coaches may work independently or for a coaching firm. The Persuasive Leader course may be useful for a Leadership Coach because it provides training in persuasive leadership and communication techniques. This training can be helpful for developing and delivering effective coaching sessions that persuade and motivate clients.

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Human Resources Manager

A Human Resources Manager is responsible for managing the human resources department of an organization. This can include recruiting, hiring, training, and developing employees. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing HR policies and procedures. The Persuasive Leader course may be useful for a Human Resources Manager because it provides training in persuasive leadership and communication techniques. This training can be helpful for developing and delivering effective communications that persuade and motivate employees.

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Motivational Speaker

A Motivational Speaker inspires and motivates audiences to achieve their goals. Motivational Speakers may speak at conferences, seminars, and other events. The Persuasive Leader course may be useful for a Motivational Speaker because it provides training in persuasive leadership and communication techniques. This training can be helpful for developing and delivering effective speeches that persuade and motivate audiences.

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