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Superbosses

Managing Talent & Leadership

Sydney Finkelstein

How can a company thrive for the long term? It always comes down to people: finding talented people, retaining those people, and doing it continuously. In this course, Professor Sydney Finkelstein will teach participants how to support and leverage their biggest asset, the people around them. By learning to find world-class talent and help them move forward in their career, you will learn to build success for your organization and yourself. Using examples like the NFL’s Bill Walsh, the Slow Food Movement’s Alice Waters, and fashion’s Ralph Lauren, Professor Finkelstein shows that superbosses can be found across industries and up and down the org chart—and teaches us to find the superboss within.

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What's inside

Syllabus

The Superboss Leader
Superboss Secrets to Motivation
The Master-Apprentice Relationship
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Builds a strong foundation for aspiring leaders
Taught by Sydney Finkelstein, a recognized leadership expert
Provides practical strategies for identifying and developing talent
Explores the latest research on leadership and talent management
Case studies and examples from diverse industries and organizations
Designed for individuals looking to enhance their leadership skills

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Reviews summary

Superbosses: talent leadership & mindset shift

According to students, "Superbosses: Managing Talent & Leadership" is a largely positive and highly insightful course. Learners consistently praise Professor Sydney Finkelstein as a master storyteller and knowledgeable instructor who brings the concepts to life with compelling real-world examples. The course is seen as a game-changer, offering profound insights that lead to a mindset shift in how leaders approach talent development. While many find the course provides practical tools and strategies they can immediately apply, some wish for more step-by-step guidance or templates for direct application, noting it can feel somewhat abstract or geared towards larger organizations. Despite these minor points, the overall consensus is that it offers a solid framework and is a valuable investment for aspiring and current leaders.
Most beneficial for those in or aspiring to leadership roles, especially in larger organizations.
"Highly recommend for any leader."
"I struggled to see how to apply them directly to my small business. It felt more geared towards larger organizations."
"Excellent course for leadership development. Professor Finkelstein brings so much wisdom and experience. The entire journey was engaging, and I left with concrete ideas to foster talent."
Opinions vary on the immediate hands-on applicability of the course's concepts.
"The course provides a solid framework for understanding talent leadership. The case studies are insightful, though I wish there were more practical exercises or templates for direct application."
"While the content is interesting, I found it somewhat abstract. I was hoping for more step-by-step guidance on how to implement these ideas in my daily work."
"I gained practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work, especially in mentoring my team."
"This course really challenges your thinking about leadership. It's less about quick fixes and more about fundamental principles of nurturing talent. I appreciated the depth..."
The course excels at broadening perspectives and offering new strategic insights.
"My perspective on leadership has definitely broadened. A must for aspiring managers."
"This course really challenges your thinking about leadership. It's less about quick fixes and more about fundamental principles of nurturing talent."
"A profound course that shifted my mindset on talent development. The examples are powerful, and the professor's insights are deeply thought-provoking."
Professor Finkelstein's teaching style and real-world cases are highly praised.
"Absolutely brilliant! Professor Finkelstein is a master storyteller, bringing the 'superboss' concepts to life with incredible examples. I've already started applying several strategies to my team..."
"Professor Finkelstein is a rockstar! The course is structured logically, and his insights are profound. The examples of real-world leaders truly make the concepts stick."
"Professor Finkelstein makes complex ideas accessible. The course provides a strong foundation for understanding how to cultivate high-performing teams. I found the module on 'secrets to motivation' particularly valuable."

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 Superbosses: Managing Talent & Leadership with these activities:
Read "The Talent Code" by Daniel Coyle
Provides students with a deep understanding of the science of talent development and how to create a culture of excellence.
View The Culture Playbook on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book, "The Talent Code"
  • Take notes on the key concepts
  • Discuss the book with a group of colleagues
Practice Creating Talent Profiles
Helps students develop a strong understanding of the fundamentals of talent identification and management.
Browse courses on Talent Identification
Show steps
  • Review the article, "How to Create a Talent Profile"
  • Create a talent profile for a specific role
  • Get feedback on your talent profile from a mentor or colleague
Join a Talent Management Study Group
Provides students with an opportunity to learn from and collaborate with their peers.
Browse courses on Talent Management
Show steps
  • Find a group of peers who are interested in studying talent management
  • Set up regular meetings to discuss course materials and work on projects together
  • Share ideas and resources with each other
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Conduct a Talent Audit
Helps students develop the skills necessary to assess the talent needs of an organization.
Browse courses on Talent Management
Show steps
  • Develop a talent audit plan
  • Collect data on the organization's existing talent
  • Analyze the data and identify areas for improvement
  • Present your findings to your manager or a group of colleagues
Develop a Talent Management Plan
Allows students to apply their knowledge of talent management to a real-world scenario.
Browse courses on Talent Management
Show steps
  • Identify the key talent needs of your organization
  • Develop a plan to attract, develop, and retain top talent
  • Present your plan to your manager or a group of colleagues
Attend a HR Industry Conference
Provides students with an opportunity to learn from industry experts and connect with potential employers.
Browse courses on Human Resources
Show steps
  • Research upcoming HR industry conferences
  • Register for a conference that aligns with your interests
  • Attend the conference and participate in sessions and workshops
Mentor a Young Professional
Provides students with an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and make a positive impact on the next generation of HR professionals.
Browse courses on Mentoring
Show steps
  • Identify a young professional who you can mentor
  • Set up regular meetings to provide guidance and support
  • Help the young professional develop their skills and achieve their career goals

Career center

Learners who complete Superbosses: Managing Talent & Leadership will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Talent Management Consultant
As a Talent Management Consultant, you specialize in providing guidance and support to organizations on all aspects of talent management. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and best practices of talent acquisition, development, and retention. You will learn how to help organizations build and maintain a high-performing workforce, contributing to their overall success and competitiveness.
See salaries and explore the career path for Talent Management Consultant
Executive Coach
As an Executive Coach, your role involves working closely with senior leaders to enhance their leadership capabilities and drive organizational performance. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the principles and practices of executive coaching. You will learn how to effectively guide leaders in developing their self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking abilities, ultimately contributing to their success and the success of their organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Executive Coach
Talent Acquisition Manager
In the role of Talent Acquisition Manager, you are responsible for identifying, attracting, and hiring top talent for your organization. This course will provide you with in-depth knowledge and practical strategies for finding and acquiring exceptional individuals who align with your company's values and strategic goals. By leveraging the principles taught in this course, you can build a robust talent pipeline and contribute to the growth and success of your organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Talent Acquisition Manager
Leadership Coach
In your role as a Leadership Coach, you work closely with leaders to enhance their leadership capabilities and drive organizational performance. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the principles and practices of leadership coaching. You will learn how to effectively guide leaders in developing their self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking abilities, contributing to their success and the success of their organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Leadership Coach
Leadership Development Manager
As a Leadership Development Manager, you are responsible for identifying, developing, and empowering future leaders within your organization. This course will provide you with the tools and knowledge to create and implement comprehensive leadership development programs that equip individuals with the skills and mindset necessary to succeed in leadership roles.
See salaries and explore the career path for Leadership Development Manager
Organizational Development Consultant
As an Organizational Development Consultant, you help organizations improve their performance and effectiveness through the application of behavioral science principles. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of organizational development theories and practices. You will learn how to diagnose organizational challenges, design and implement effective interventions, and evaluate the outcomes of change initiatives, contributing to the growth and success of organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Development Consultant
Organizational Development Manager
In the role of Organizational Development Manager, you play a pivotal role in shaping and enhancing the performance and culture of your organization. This course will provide you with valuable insights into the principles and practices of effective leadership, talent management, and organizational development. By understanding how to foster a high-performing and innovative work environment, you can contribute to the long-term growth and success of your organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Development Manager
Organizational Psychologist
As an Organizational Psychologist, you study and apply psychological principles to improve organizational effectiveness and employee well-being. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the application of psychology to the workplace. You will learn how to assess and develop talent, design and implement effective interventions, and promote a positive and supportive work environment, contributing to the overall success and well-being of organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Psychologist
Human Resources Manager
As a Human Resources Manager, your role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including managing employee relations, developing and implementing HR policies, and fostering a positive work environment. This course will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead and motivate your team, create a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, and contribute to the overall success of your organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
As an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, you specialize in the application of psychological principles to the workplace, focusing on employee selection, training, and performance improvement. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in the field of industrial-organizational psychology. You will learn how to use psychological principles to enhance employee motivation, job satisfaction, and productivity, contributing to the overall success of organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Human Capital Manager
As a Human Capital Manager, you play a vital role in managing and developing the human capital of your organization. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of human capital management principles and practices. You will learn how to effectively attract, develop, and retain a talented workforce, contributing to the overall success and competitiveness of your organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Human Capital Manager
Business Consultant
In the role of Business Consultant, you provide advisory services to organizations, helping them improve their performance and achieve their strategic goals. This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to effectively assess organizational challenges, develop and implement tailored solutions, and contribute to the growth and success of your clients. By leveraging the principles taught in this course, you can build a strong foundation as a business consultant.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Consultant
Chief Executive Officer
As the Chief Executive Officer of your organization, developing exceptional leadership skills is critical. This course provides a unique opportunity to learn from the experiences of successful leaders who have fostered high-performing teams and achieved remarkable results. Through case studies and practical insights, you will gain valuable knowledge on how to attract, motivate, and retain exceptional talent while building a culture of innovation and productivity.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Executive Officer
Professor of Organizational Behavior
As a Professor of Organizational Behavior, you teach and conduct research on the behavior of individuals and groups within organizations. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in organizational behavior theories and research methods. You will learn how to effectively teach and engage students, conduct rigorous research, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field, inspiring future generations of leaders and scholars.
See salaries and explore the career path for Professor of Organizational Behavior
Career Counselor
As a Career Counselor, you provide guidance and support to individuals as they navigate their career paths. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of career development theories and practices. You will learn how to help individuals identify their strengths, explore career options, and develop effective job search strategies. This course can help you build a strong foundation as a career counselor and enhance your ability to empower individuals in their career journeys.
See salaries and explore the career path for Career Counselor

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 Superbosses: Managing Talent & Leadership.
Cover image
Superbosses
Save
By the course instructor, Sydney Finkelstein, illustrates key principles of superbosses. It can serve as a companion piece to the course, either working together with it or as an alternative.
Superbosses
Paperback
Check
Superbosses
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Ideal Team Player
Save
Provides insight into building and maintaining effective teams, enhancing the skill set of superbosses.
The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and...
Hardcover
$$
The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and...
Paperback
$$
(Deutsch) Die 3 Tugenden idealer Teamplayer (German Edition)
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Impact Players
Save
Explores the concept of "multipliers", leaders who increase the smarts and capabilities of the people around them, a core element of superbosses.
Impact Players
Paperback
Check
Impact Players
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Talent Code
Save
Offers detailed insight into the neuroscience behind talent development, providing further understanding for superbosses to identify and nurture talent.
The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful...
Hardcover
$$
The Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown....
Hardcover
$$
The Little Book of Talent: 52 Tips for Improving...
Hardcover
$$
Daniel Coyle 2 Books Collection Set [The Culture...
Paperback
$$
(Français) Le talent code: On ne naît pas talentueux, on le...
Paperback
$$$$
(中文) The Talent Code:Greatness Isn't Born.It's...
Hardcover
$$
The Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown....
Kindle Edition
$$
(Français) Le Talent Code (French Edition)
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Traction
Save
Although not specifically focused on superbosses, this book provides practical advice on customer acquisition which can benefit business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Traction
Paperback
$$
(Français) Traction - Comment toute start-up peut développer...
Kindle Edition
$$
(Italiano) Traction. Le strategie vincenti per ottenere una...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Electric Cables
Save
Explores the elements of successful team culture, which is essential for superbosses to create and maintain.
Electric cables, their construction and cost, 1909...
Leather Bound
$$$
Drive
Save
Delves into the science of motivation, offering insights for superbosses to effectively lead and inspire teams.
Drive
Paperback
Check
Drive
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Good to Great
Save
Examines the qualities of exceptional companies, providing lessons that superbosses can apply to create and sustain successful organizations.
Good to Great
Paperback
Check
Good to Great
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword
Save
Explores the challenges of innovation in established organizations, which superbosses may face when trying to implement new ideas and approaches.
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...
Hardcover
$$
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...
Audio CD
$$
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...
Kindle Edition
$$
Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Save
Introduces the principles of lean startup methodology, offering guidance for superbosses involved in product development and innovation.
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Hardcover
$$
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Kindle Edition
$$
Joosr Guide to ... the Mckinsey Way by Ethan Rasiel
Save
Provides an overview of the consulting industry and the McKinsey approach, which can provide valuable insights for superbosses seeking to enhance their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
A Joosr Guide to... The McKinsey Way by Ethan...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
A Mission Statement for Your Life
Save
This classic book offers timeless principles for personal and professional effectiveness, which can be valuable for superbosses in their daily work and interactions.
A Mission Statement for Your Life
Paperback
Check
A Mission Statement for Your Life
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Supercommunicators
Save
Explores the formation and impact of habits, providing valuable insights for superbosses to understand and influence the behaviors of their teams.
Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret...
Hardcover
$$
Charles Duhigg 3 Books Collection Set...
Paperback
$$$
(Español) Supercomunicadores [Supercommunicators]: Cómo...
Audible Audiobook
$$
(Português) Supercomunicadores [Supercommunicators]: Como...
Audible Audiobook
$
(Deutsch) Supercommunicators: Wie man die geheime Sprache...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Effort
Four weeks of study, approximately four hours per week.
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Dartmouth College
Instructor
Sydney Finkelstein
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша tiếng Việt
This course belongs to a collection called Strategic Leadership: Impact, Change, and Decision-Making. It's comprised of four courses:
  1. Why Smart Executives Fail: Common Mistakes & Warning Signs
  2. Superbosses: Managing Talent & Leadership (viewing)
  3. Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science
  4. Lessons on Wisdom: Personal Leadership for Your Life
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Builds a strong foundation for aspiring leaders
Taught by Sydney Finkelstein, a recognized leadership expert
Provides practical strategies for identifying and developing talent
Explores the latest research on leadership and talent management
Case studies and examples from diverse industries and organizations
Designed for individuals looking to enhance their leadership skills
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