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Strategic Leadership

Jared Cook

It’s said that the more unpredictable the environment, the greater the opportunity — if you have the leadership skills to capitalize on it. That’s what this course is for, to provide learners with the analytical frameworks and inspiration to help them define strategy within their organization.

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It’s said that the more unpredictable the environment, the greater the opportunity — if you have the leadership skills to capitalize on it. That’s what this course is for, to provide learners with the analytical frameworks and inspiration to help them define strategy within their organization.

Learners will uncover leadership strengths through self-analysis to guide them through any situation. In this course, learners will define their inner aspirations, and how these influence their communication, decision-making, risk-taking, as well as how they interpret information and communicate stories of successes and failures.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Define the steps of strategic thinking as applied to leadership.
  • Develop conflict resolution strategies.
  • Recognize trade-offs and risks of implementing a given strategy.
  • Develop a process to communicate among all stakeholders in an organization.
  • Develop a strategy for a given project or organization.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches how to define strategy within an organization
Explores leadership strengths through self-analysis
Examines conflict resolution strategies
Develops risk recognition and trade-off analysis
Teaches a process for stakeholder communication
Guides strategy development for projects and organizations

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Reviews summary

Strategic leadership: frameworks for modern leaders

According to learners, this course offers practical analytical frameworks for developing strategic leadership skills in unpredictable environments. Students appreciate the emphasis on self-analysis to uncover personal leadership strengths and understand their influence on communication and decision-making. The course is seen as highly relevant for current and aspiring leaders seeking to enhance their ability to define strategy, manage risks, and effectively communicate with stakeholders, preparing them to tackle real-world organizational challenges.
Most beneficial for those with some leadership experience.
"It's best suited for aspiring or current leaders who are ready to apply strategic frameworks in a practical setting."
"I found this course highly impactful because I could directly relate the concepts to my existing management role."
"While comprehensive, I believe a background in organizational dynamics would maximize its benefits."
Teaches strategies for engaging stakeholders effectively.
"Learning how to communicate effectively with all stakeholders was a standout feature for me."
"The course provided a clear process for sharing vision and strategy across different levels of the organization."
"I now feel more confident in telling compelling stories about organizational successes and challenges."
Cultivates self-awareness to enhance leadership style.
"The self-analysis exercises helped me deeply understand my own leadership strengths and aspirations."
"I now see how my personal values influence my decision-making and communication as a leader."
"This course was instrumental in developing my inner guidance system for effective leadership."
Equips leaders to manage risks in dynamic environments.
"I feel better equipped to make informed decisions and assess trade-offs and risks in unpredictable situations."
"The course provided great insights into capitalizing on opportunities even when the environment is volatile."
"It truly prepared me to lead my team through times of change and ambiguity with greater confidence."
Provides analytical frameworks for real-world strategy.
"The analytical frameworks provided were incredibly useful for applying strategic thinking in my organization."
"I gained actionable insights from the course that I could immediately implement to improve my team's processes."
"This course helped me connect abstract strategic concepts to practical, everyday leadership challenges."

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 Strategic Leadership with these activities:
Materials Review: Consolidate Your Course Resources
Organize and review your course materials, including lecture notes, readings, and assignments. This will help you identify areas that need further attention and ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the course content.
Show steps
  • Gather all relevant materials for the course.
  • Review and summarize key concepts and ideas from each resource.
  • Identify any gaps in your understanding and note down questions for further clarification.
  • Create a system for organizing your materials for easy reference and review.
Mentorship: Connect with a Seasoned Strategist
Seek guidance and support from an experienced strategist who can provide valuable insights, share best practices, and help you develop your leadership skills in the field.
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors through professional networks, alumni associations, or online platforms.
  • Reach out to individuals who align with your career goals and interests.
  • Build a mutually beneficial relationship by setting clear expectations and respecting boundaries.
Practice Drills: SWOT Analysis
Complete practice exercises focused on SWOT analysis. These drills will strengthen your understanding of the framework, enabling you to conduct effective SWOT analyses and make informed decisions.
Browse courses on SWOT Analysis
Show steps
  • Find online quizzes, worksheets, or case studies that provide SWOT analysis exercises.
  • Analyze the provided scenarios and identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
  • Compare your results with others and discuss different perspectives.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Guided Tutorials: Embrace Active Recall
Engage in active recall by following online tutorials on effective memorization techniques. This will enhance your information retention and understanding of the course content.
Show steps
  • Locate credible tutorials on spaced repetition, the Feynman technique, or flashcards.
  • Follow the instructions provided in the tutorials to apply active recall strategies to your course material.
Project: Conflict Resolution Simulation
Develop conflict resolution abilities through a simulation. It provides a safe space to practice techniques, fostering practical understanding and improving your conflict management skills.
Browse courses on Conflict Resolution
Show steps
  • Identify a real-world conflict scenario to serve as the basis for your simulation.
  • Create a plan for the simulation, including the parameters, roles, and desired outcomes.
  • Conduct the simulation and observe the interactions between the participants.
  • Debrief after the simulation, analyzing the strategies that were successful and areas for improvement.
Peer Discussion: Strategy Analysis
Engage in peer discussions to analyze real-world case studies and strategies. This collaborative learning experience will enhance your understanding and decision-making abilities.
Show steps
  • Form a peer group with diverse perspectives and expertise.
  • Select case studies that represent various strategic scenarios.
  • Analyze the case studies, identifying the key factors, challenges, and potential solutions.
  • Present your group's analysis and engage in discussions with your peers.
Create: Infographic on Strategic Decision-Making
Create a visually engaging infographic summarizing the key principles of strategic decision-making, making it easier to remember and apply these concepts in your own decision-making processes.
Browse courses on Strategic Decision-Making
Show steps
  • Gather information from the course materials and external sources on the principles of strategic decision-making.
  • Design a visually appealing infographic that clearly presents the information.
  • Share the infographic with others and gather feedback to improve its impact.

Career center

Learners who complete Strategic Leadership will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Entrepreneur
An Entrepreneur is someone who starts their own business. This course may be useful to an Entrepreneur by providing them with the skills to develop and implement a strategic plan for their business. The course can also help Entrepreneurs to develop their leadership and communication skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur
Project Manager
A Project Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing projects. This course may be useful to a Project Manager by providing them with the skills to develop and implement a strategic plan for their projects. The course can also help Project Managers to develop their leadership and communication skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Consultant
A Consultant provides expert advice to clients on a variety of business issues. This course may be useful to a Consultant by providing them with the skills to develop and communicate strategic plans for their clients. The course can also help Consultants to develop their problem-solving and decision-making skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant
General Manager
A General Manager is responsible for the overall operation of a company or division. This course may be useful to a General Manager by providing them with the skills to develop and implement a strategic plan for their organization. The course can also help General Managers to develop their leadership and communication skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for General Manager
Vice President of Operations
A Vice President of Operations is responsible for the overall operation of a company or division. This course may be useful to a Vice President of Operations by providing them with the skills to develop and implement a strategic plan for their organization. The course can also help Vice Presidents of Operations to develop their leadership and communication skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Vice President of Operations
Operations Manager
An Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a company. This course may be useful to an Operations Manager by providing them with the skills to develop and implement a strategic plan for their organization. The course can also help Operations Managers to develop their leadership and communication skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager
Strategy Consultant
A Strategy Consultant provides expert advice to clients on a variety of strategic issues. This course may be useful to a Strategy Consultant by providing them with the skills to develop and communicate strategic plans for their clients. The course can also help Strategy Consultants to develop their problem-solving and decision-making skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Strategy Consultant
Technology Manager
A Technology Manager is responsible for managing the technology resources of a company. This course may be useful to a Technology Manager by providing them with the skills to develop and implement a strategic plan for their organization. The course can also help Technology Managers to develop their leadership and communication skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technology Manager
Training Manager
A Training Manager is responsible for developing and implementing training programs for a company. This course may be useful to a Training Manager by providing them with the skills to develop and implement a strategic plan for their organization. The course can also help Training Managers to develop their leadership and communication skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Training Manager
Product Manager
A Product Manager is responsible for developing and managing the product strategy for a company. This course may be useful to a Product Manager by providing them with the skills to develop and implement a strategic plan for their organization. The course can also help Product Managers to develop their leadership and communication skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns for a company. This course may be useful to a Marketing Manager by providing them with the skills to develop and implement a strategic plan for their organization. The course can also help Marketing Managers to develop their leadership and communication skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager
Sales Manager
A Sales Manager is responsible for developing and managing the sales strategy for a company. This course may be useful to a Sales Manager by providing them with the skills to develop and implement a strategic plan for their organization. The course can also help Sales Managers to develop their leadership and communication skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager
Systems Analyst
A Systems Analyst is responsible for designing and implementing information systems for companies. This course may be useful to a Systems Analyst by providing them with the skills to develop and implement a strategic plan for their organization. The course can also help Systems Analysts to develop their leadership and communication skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst
Human Resources Manager
A Human Resources Manager is responsible for managing the human resources of a company. This course may be useful to a Human Resources Manager by providing them with the skills to develop and implement a strategic plan for their organization. The course can also help Human Resources Managers to develop their leadership and communication skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager
Chief Operating Officer
A Chief Operating Officer (COO) is the second-in-command at a company and reports directly to the CEO. The COO typically has a strong understanding of all aspects of the business and is responsible for day-to-day operations. This course may be useful to a COO by providing them with the skills to develop and implement a strategic plan for the company. The course can also help COOs to develop their communication and conflict resolution skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Operating Officer

Reading list

We've selected 16 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 Strategic Leadership.
Cover image
The Leadership Challenge Workbook
Save
This widely acclaimed book offers insights into the five practices of exemplary leaders and provides strategies for developing these practices.
The Leadership Challenge Workbook
Paperback
$$
The Leadership Challenge Workbook
Kindle Edition
$$
The Student Leadership Challenge: Student Workbook...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
HBR's 10 Must Reads for Executive Teams
Save
This classic book provides a step-by-step process for leading change effectively and offers insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with change management.
HBR's 10 Must Reads for Executive Teams
Paperback
$$
HBR's 10 Must Reads for Executive Teams
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Innovator's DNA, Updated, with a New Preface
Save
Identifies the five skills that are essential for disruptive innovators and provides strategies for developing these skills.
The Innovator's DNA, Updated, with a New Preface:...
Hardcover
$$
The Innovator's DNA, Updated, with a New Preface:...
Audible Audiobook
$$
Cover image
The Crux
Save
Provides a simple framework for evaluating the quality of a strategy and offers guidance for developing effective strategies.
The Crux: How Leaders Become Strategists
Hardcover
$$
The Crux: How Leaders Become Strategists
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Human Resource Management for MBA and Business...
Save
Introduces the fundamental elements of strategic leadership and provides practical guidance for managers to develop and implement effective strategies.
Human Resource Management for MBA and Business...
Paperback
$$
Human Resource Management for MBA and Business...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword
Save
Explores the challenges that established companies face in adapting to disruptive technologies and provides strategies for overcoming these challenges.
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...
Hardcover
$$
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...
Audio CD
$$
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Workbook 25th...
Save
Presents 21 fundamental principles of leadership that are essential for success.
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Workbook 25th...
Paperback
Check
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Workbook 25th...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
A Mission Statement for Your Life
Save
This bestselling book offers a comprehensive framework for personal and professional development and provides strategies for developing habits that lead to success.
A Mission Statement for Your Life
Paperback
Check
A Mission Statement for Your Life
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your...
Save
Offers candid insights into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship and provides practical advice for building and leading a successful company.
What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your...
Hardcover
$$
What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Electric Cables
Save
Explores the elements that create and sustain high-performing teams and organizations and provides strategies for fostering a positive and productive culture.
Electric cables, their construction and cost, 1909...
Leather Bound
$$$
Cover image
Supercommunicators
Save
Explores the science of habit formation and provides strategies for changing habits and improving performance.
Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret...
Hardcover
$$
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
$$
Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Save
Introduces the principles of lean manufacturing and applies them to startups, offering a practical guide for developing and testing new products and services.
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Hardcover
$$
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Traction
Save
Provides a practical framework for developing and executing a traction strategy for startups and early-stage businesses.
Traction
Paperback
$$
(Français) Traction - Comment toute start-up peut développer...
Kindle Edition
$$
(Italiano) Traction. Le strategie vincenti per ottenere una...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Emotional Intelligence to Improve Your Life
Save
Explores the concept of emotional intelligence and its importance in leadership and personal success.
Emotional Intelligence to Improve Your Life
Paperback
Check
Emotional Intelligence to Improve Your Life
Kindle Edition
Check
Drive
Save
Challenges traditional notions of motivation and provides insights into what truly drives people to perform at their best.
Drive
Paperback
Check
Drive
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Way of the Warrior
Save
This ancient Chinese military treatise offers timeless principles of strategy and tactics that remain relevant in business and leadership today.
The Path of the Warrior Ornate Box Set: The Art of...
Hardcover
$$
The Way of the Warrior: Deluxe Silkbound Editions...
Hardcover
$$
The Way of the Warrior: The Way of the Samurai, The...
Hardcover
$$

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Course image
Effort
5 to 10 hours per week for 6 weeks
Level
Intermediate
Via
edX
Institution
Doane University
Instructor
Jared Cook
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches how to define strategy within an organization
Explores leadership strengths through self-analysis
Examines conflict resolution strategies
Develops risk recognition and trade-off analysis
Teaches a process for stakeholder communication
Guides strategy development for projects and organizations
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