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Daniel Moorer
This course describes the traits of Great Leaders who combine fierce resolve with personal humility. Indeed, they might be described more as “plow horses” as opposed to “show horses”. They see themselves as servants to the team and to the organization. They “hold the line” when faced with tough decisions and “do what must be done” when the time comes. Their leadership is based on solid ethical principles and they act with quiet, calm determination.
Read more
This course describes the traits of Great Leaders who combine fierce resolve with personal humility. Indeed, they might be described more as “plow horses” as opposed to “show horses”. They see themselves as servants to the team and to the organization. They “hold the line” when faced with tough decisions and “do what must be done” when the time comes. Their leadership is based on solid ethical principles and they act with quiet, calm determination.
Read more
This course describes the traits of Great Leaders who combine fierce resolve with personal humility. Indeed, they might be described more as “plow horses” as opposed to “show horses”. They see themselves as servants to the team and to the organization. They “hold the line” when faced with tough decisions and “do what must be done” when the time comes. Their leadership is based on solid ethical principles and they act with quiet, calm determination.
This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (ME-EM) degree offered on the Coursera platform. The ME-EM is designed to help engineers, scientists, and technical professionals move into leadership and management roles in the engineering and technical sectors. With performance-based admissions and no application process, the ME-EM is ideal for individuals with a broad range of undergraduate education and/or professional experience. Learn more about the ME-EM program at https://www.coursera.org/degrees/me-engineering-management-boulder.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Vision, Courage, and Resilience
Understand the value of vision, courage, and resilience as a leader.
Positive Outlook, Responsibility, and Collaboration
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Syllabus
Vision, Courage, and Resilience
Understand the value of vision, courage, and resilience as a leader.
Positive Outlook, Responsibility, and Collaboration
Read more
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Reviews summary
Essential traits for technical leaders
According to students, this course offers incredibly insightful content focused on developing crucial leadership qualities for technical professionals. Many found the material directly applicable, particularly praising the instructor's ability to bring concepts to life through personal stories and experience. Learners highlight the course's strong emphasis on humility, ethical principles, and servant leadership, providing a vital framework for the often-overlooked human side of technical leadership. While a majority commend its value for aspiring or new leaders, some more experienced participants noted the content could be basic or too abstract, desiring more tactical guidance or deeper dives into complex topics like negotiation or office politics. Overall, it’s a largely positive experience, foundational for those stepping into leadership roles.
Highly beneficial for new or aspiring leaders, less so for seasoned managers.
"Highly recommend for aspiring or new tech leaders. The insights on navigating workplace dynamics and the importance of a mentor are invaluable."
"I found this course somewhat basic for my level of experience (10+ years as a manager)... felt more geared towards someone just starting their leadership journey."
"While the principles are sound, there wasn't much new for me. It felt more suitable for a foundational understanding rather than advanced insights."
The professor's teaching style is often praised, though occasionally monotonous.
"The instructor's personal stories brought the concepts of vision and resilience to life."
"The best course in the specialization so far! The professor's delivery is excellent, and the content is directly applicable."
"The course has some good points... However, I felt the instructor's voice can be a bit monotonous at times."
Emphasizes crucial soft skills, ethics, and servant leadership.
"I appreciated the focus on humility and ethical leadership; it's exactly what I needed to refine my approach as a tech lead."
"This course truly highlights the less tangible but critical aspects of technical leadership. The emphasis on servant leadership and resilience is profound."
"This course provided a great framework for understanding the human side of leadership, which is often overlooked in technical training."
Provides highly practical advice and strategies for technical leaders.
"Just completed this course and it was incredibly insightful. The instructor's personal stories brought the concepts... to life."
"I've already started applying some of the principles regarding positive outlook and responsibility in my team."
"The content is directly applicable. I particularly benefited from the discussions on 'holding the line' and the need for quiet determination."
Some topics lack tactical depth for experienced learners.
"I found the module on office politics a bit superficial... don't expect deep dives into every single topic."
"I was hoping for more concrete strategies for things like negotiation in a tech context. The advice felt too general."
"Expected more practical, actionable steps for technical leaders. This felt like a philosophical discussion of leadership, not a tactical guide."
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 A Technical Leader's Qualities and Effectiveness with these
activities:
Review communication and interpersonal skills
Show steps
Strengthen your communication and interpersonal skills to effectively convey your vision, build relationships, and inspire your team.
Browse courses on
Communication Skills
Show steps
-
Practice active listening and empathy
-
Improve your verbal and non-verbal communication
-
Develop conflict resolution and negotiation skills
Develop a personal leadership development plan
Show steps
Create a tailored plan to guide your leadership growth, identifying areas for improvement and outlining specific actions to achieve your goals.
Browse courses on
Personal Development Plan
Show steps
-
Assess your current leadership strengths and weaknesses
-
Set specific and measurable leadership development goals
-
Identify resources, mentors, and experiences to support your growth
-
Regularly review and update your plan as you progress
Develop a leadership vision statement
Show steps
Craft a compelling leadership vision statement that articulates your values and aspirations, guiding your actions and inspiring others.
Browse courses on
Vision Statements
Show steps
-
Reflect on your personal values and beliefs
-
Define the purpose and goals of your leadership
-
Draft a vision statement that is clear, concise, and inspiring
-
Share your vision statement with others for feedback and refinement
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Engage in peer discussions on leadership qualities
Show steps
Compare and contrast different leadership qualities, fostering a deeper understanding of their impact on team dynamics.
Browse courses on
Leadership Qualities
Show steps
-
Share personal experiences and insights on effective leadership
-
Discuss challenges and obstacles faced by leaders
-
Identify areas for personal growth and development
Practice applying principles of ethical leadership
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of ethical leadership principles by practicing their application in various scenarios.
Browse courses on
Ethical Leadership
Show steps
-
Identify ethical dilemmas that leaders may face
-
Analyze case studies and determine appropriate ethical responses
-
Role-play leadership situations that involve ethical decision-making
Design a presentation on a leadership topic
Show steps
Enhance your communication and leadership skills by crafting a compelling presentation that effectively conveys your ideas and inspires your audience.
Browse courses on
Public Speaking
Show steps
-
Choose a relevant leadership topic and develop a clear presentation outline
-
Conduct research and gather supporting evidence
-
Design visually appealing and engaging slides
-
Practice delivering your presentation and gather feedback
Explore online leadership development programs
Show steps
Enhance your leadership skills by accessing valuable online resources and guided tutorials that provide practical insights and exercises.
Browse courses on
Leadership Development
Show steps
-
Research and identify reputable online leadership development programs
-
Enroll in courses that align with your specific leadership needs
-
Actively engage with the course materials and participate in discussions
Read 'Good to Great' by Jim Collins
Show steps
Gain insights into the characteristics and practices of exceptional leaders and organizations by exploring the research findings presented in this book.
View
Leading to Greatness: 5 Principles to Transform...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Identify the key principles of leadership effectiveness
-
Analyze case studies of successful and unsuccessful organizations
-
Apply the lessons learned to your own leadership journey
Review communication and interpersonal skills
Show steps
Strengthen your communication and interpersonal skills to effectively convey your vision, build relationships, and inspire your team.
Browse courses on
Communication Skills
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Practice active listening and empathy
- Improve your verbal and non-verbal communication
- Develop conflict resolution and negotiation skills
Develop a personal leadership development plan
Show steps
Create a tailored plan to guide your leadership growth, identifying areas for improvement and outlining specific actions to achieve your goals.
Browse courses on
Personal Development Plan
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Assess your current leadership strengths and weaknesses
- Set specific and measurable leadership development goals
- Identify resources, mentors, and experiences to support your growth
- Regularly review and update your plan as you progress
Develop a leadership vision statement
Show steps
Craft a compelling leadership vision statement that articulates your values and aspirations, guiding your actions and inspiring others.
Browse courses on
Vision Statements
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Reflect on your personal values and beliefs
- Define the purpose and goals of your leadership
- Draft a vision statement that is clear, concise, and inspiring
- Share your vision statement with others for feedback and refinement
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Engage in peer discussions on leadership qualities
Show steps
Compare and contrast different leadership qualities, fostering a deeper understanding of their impact on team dynamics.
Browse courses on
Leadership Qualities
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Share personal experiences and insights on effective leadership
- Discuss challenges and obstacles faced by leaders
- Identify areas for personal growth and development
Practice applying principles of ethical leadership
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of ethical leadership principles by practicing their application in various scenarios.
Browse courses on
Ethical Leadership
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify ethical dilemmas that leaders may face
- Analyze case studies and determine appropriate ethical responses
- Role-play leadership situations that involve ethical decision-making
Design a presentation on a leadership topic
Show steps
Enhance your communication and leadership skills by crafting a compelling presentation that effectively conveys your ideas and inspires your audience.
Browse courses on
Public Speaking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a relevant leadership topic and develop a clear presentation outline
- Conduct research and gather supporting evidence
- Design visually appealing and engaging slides
- Practice delivering your presentation and gather feedback
Explore online leadership development programs
Show steps
Enhance your leadership skills by accessing valuable online resources and guided tutorials that provide practical insights and exercises.
Browse courses on
Leadership Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify reputable online leadership development programs
- Enroll in courses that align with your specific leadership needs
- Actively engage with the course materials and participate in discussions
Read 'Good to Great' by Jim Collins
Show steps
Gain insights into the characteristics and practices of exceptional leaders and organizations by exploring the research findings presented in this book.
View
Leading to Greatness: 5 Principles to Transform...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the key principles of leadership effectiveness
- Analyze case studies of successful and unsuccessful organizations
- Apply the lessons learned to your own leadership journey
Career center
Learners who complete A Technical Leader's Qualities and Effectiveness will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Technical Lead
Technical Lead
Holding the reins of technical projects can be challenging and rewarding. Technical Leads are primarily responsible for directing a team of engineers and ensuring the team delivers excellent work on time and within budget. This course can help a Technical Lead by demonstrating how to inspire team members, motivate them, and create a vision that the entire team can get behind and support.
Engineering Manager
Engineering Manager
An Engineering Manager is accountable for the technical health of a product. They also oversee the people, processes, and technology that goes into creating it. A solid understanding of how to lead a team with vision and determination is critical. This course explains how to do just that.
Software Development Manager
Software Development Manager
Software Development Managers plan, execute, and oversee the development of new software products. They also manage the team of engineers and other professionals who work on these projects. This course can be helpful for Software Development Managers looking to refine their leadership approach, cultivate a strong team culture, and build consensus for their project roadmap.
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Assurance Managers oversee the quality of products and services to ensure that they meet customer requirements. They also develop and implement quality control processes and procedures. This course can be helpful for Quality Assurance Managers to develop the leadership skills needed to motivate a quality assurance team and create processes that contribute to delivering high quality products.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and oversee projects from start to finish. This involves leading a team of people to deliver a project on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course covers the leadership traits and strategies needed for project managers to achieve success.
Technical Program Manager
Technical Program Manager
Technical Program Managers work with multiple engineering teams to manage complex development efforts. This course can be helpful for Technical Program Managers by teaching them strategies to prioritize projects, allocate resources, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design, develop, and integrate complex systems. They also work with other engineers and stakeholders to ensure that systems meet customer requirements. This course may be useful for Systems Engineers who want to improve their leadership skills and learn how to better manage and motivate a team.
Technical Architect
Technical Architect
Technical Architects design and develop the architecture of software systems. They also work with other engineers to ensure that systems are scalable, reliable, and secure. This course can help Technical Architects to strengthen their leadership skills and learn how to effectively communicate with stakeholders.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the overall success of a product. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to define the product vision and roadmap. This course may be helpful for Product Managers who want to develop their leadership skills and learn how to better manage and motivate a team.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. They work with a variety of tools and techniques to analyze data and extract insights. This course can be helpful for Data Scientists who want to develop their leadership skills and learn how to better present their findings to stakeholders.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course can be helpful for Data Analysts who want to develop their leadership skills and learn how to better communicate their findings to stakeholders.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and test software systems. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies to create software that meets customer requirements. This course may be useful for Software Engineers who want to develop their leadership skills and learn how to better manage and motivate a team.
Computer Scientist
Computer Scientist
Computer Scientists research and develop new computing technologies. They also design and implement software systems. This course may be useful for Computer Scientists who want to develop their leadership skills and learn how to better manage and motivate a team.
Information Systems Manager
Information Systems Manager
Information Systems Managers plan, implement, and oversee the use of information systems in an organization. They work with users to identify their needs and develop systems that meet those needs. This course may be useful for Information Systems Managers who want to develop their leadership skills and learn how to better manage and motivate a team.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course may be useful for Cybersecurity Analysts who want to develop their leadership skills and learn how to better manage and motivate a team.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/jpclf5/a
Reading list
We've selected 13 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
A Technical Leader's Qualities and Effectiveness.
Explores the concept of self-deception and its impact on leadership. It provides practical tools and strategies for leaders to overcome self-deception and become more effective.
This classic book on leadership and personal effectiveness provides a comprehensive framework for developing the habits and skills necessary for success.
Presents a research-based model of leadership and provides practical advice for leaders at all levels. It includes case studies, exercises, and tools for developing leadership skills.
Explores the challenges faced by established organizations in adapting to disruptive innovation. It provides insights into the factors that lead to innovation and failure, and offers strategies for overcoming the innovator's dilemma.
Save
Presents a framework for building great companies. It identifies the key factors that differentiate good companies from great companies, and provides practical advice for leaders who want to achieve greatness.
Provides a practical guide to building successful startups using the lean methodology. It emphasizes the importance of experimentation, iteration, and customer feedback, and offers tools and techniques for implementing lean principles in your own startup.
Save
Explores the concept of mindset and its impact on success. It shows how a growth mindset can lead to greater resilience, motivation, and achievement, and provides strategies for developing a growth mindset in yourself and others.
This classic work on military strategy provides insights into the principles of leadership and decision-making. It offers practical advice for leaders in any field, and has been studied and applied by leaders for centuries.
Presents a comprehensive framework for understanding and practicing leadership. It identifies the key elements of leadership, and provides practical advice for leaders at all levels.
Explores the concept of authentic leadership and its importance for organizational success. It provides insights into the qualities and behaviors of authentic leaders, and offers practical advice for developing your own authentic leadership style.
Provides a practical guide to building a strong leadership pipeline within an organization. It identifies the key stages in the leadership development process, and offers advice for developing and promoting leaders at all levels.
Explores the five key skills of disruptive innovators. It provides practical advice for developing these skills and applying them to your own organization.
Presents a fable about a dysfunctional team and the five dysfunctions that prevent it from achieving its full potential. It offers practical advice for overcoming these dysfunctions and building a high-performing team.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/jpclf5/a
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Effort
4 weeks of study; 3-5 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado Boulder
Instructor
Daniel Moorer
Language
English
Transcript
tiếng Việt
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Principles of Leadership: Leading Technical Teams. It's comprised of three courses:
- Challenges of Leading Technical Teams
- Challenges of Leading Individuals in the Tech Industry
- A Technical Leader's Qualities and Effectiveness (viewing)
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