Leading in a Complex Environment from edX

Leaders must be prepared to succeed in fast-moving, complex, global business environments. This course is intended for people working in the modern-day global organization and will teach you how to tackle these complex and challenging issues, including:

How global issues, such as global warming and geopolitical tensions, impact an organization's decision-making process and how to navigate these challenging issues.
How leaders respond to and manage issues such as social responsibility, environmental sustainability, crisis management, and cultural differences.
How leaders represent their organizations and why it’s important they demonstrate virtue and authenticity to build trust.

This course draws on the diverse knowledge of both leadership scholars and experienced leaders. Through a series of engaging videos, interviews, case studies, written reflections, peer feedback, and other self-insight activities, this course alerts learners to intractable problems that are too often ignored. The course will not provide convenient off-the-rack answers, but asks students to dig deep into their own soul to firstly acknowledge the problems in our contemporary world and then reflect on whether they have the capacity to negotiate them.

What's inside

Learning objectives

External influences in leadership, the macro-conditions that shape the global context.
What the nature of power is and how to use it virtuously when representing your organization.

How to lead with social responsibility and for environmental and social sustainability.
How virtuous leadership needs to be representative and inclusive.

External influences in leadership, the macro-conditions that shape the global context.
What the nature of power is and how to use it virtuously when representing your organization.
How to lead with social responsibility and for environmental and social sustainability.
How virtuous leadership needs to be representative and inclusive.

Syllabus

MODULE 1: THE PLANET, PEOPLE AND LEADERSHIPFocuses on human responsibility for the planet and the underlying need for leadership virtue, considering broader social issues.

MODULE 2: THE PLANETExamines a range of philosophical concepts as frameworks to understand and address global leadership challenges.

MODULE 3: LEADING FOR SUSTAINABILITYSuccessful and virtuous leadersprovide insight onhow tobecome a reflective and virtuous leader when faced with the challenges of working in organizations that are largely oriented to short-term, profit-based criteria that often reward the wrong leaders.

MODULE 4: PERSUASIVE LEADERS: AVOIDING GREENWASH AND SPINConsiders authentic persuasion as an important leadership characteristic, and explores how inauthentic persuasion in organizations and in politics using greenwash and spin leads to a loss of public trust.

MODULE 5: BEING ‘POLITICAL’Considers the real issues of power, how leadership theory rarely deals with these andhow an authentic leader negotiates situations and uses power virtuously to achieve life-affirming outcomes.

MODULE 6: COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIPConsiders different types of courage, namely physical and moral courage. Alsoexplains the the concept of conation, which is moving from intention to action, in defining courageous leadership.

MODULE 7: WOMEN IN LEADERSHIPFocuses on the enablers needed for women to achieve positions of influence within their organizations and society at largeand identifies success factors and opportunities for the current and emerging generations of women leaders.

MODULE 8: THE WISE LEADERIntroduces the concept of wise leadership, providing an understanding of how wisdom is theorized in contemporary times and its relevance to leading for sustainable global development and fair organizations in order to promote human flourishing.

MODULE 9: PRACTICAL WISDOM IN ORGANIZATIONSConsiders how wisdom can be practically applied in organizational leadership settings and draws attention to the difficulty of being wise as organizations become more complicated by bureaucratic discourses.

MODULE 10: INDIGENOUS LEADERSHIPConsiders ancient wisdoms that have been retained within Indigenous cultures despite having suffered devastating oppression and exclusion.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores external influences on leadership, such as global warming and geopolitical tensions, which is relevant for leaders in contemporary global organizations

Develops understanding of the nature of power and how to use it virtuously, which is crucial for leaders representing their organizations

Teaches how to lead with social responsibility and for environmental and social sustainability, which are important qualities for leaders in today's business environment

Examines the importance of virtuous leadership being representative and inclusive, which is relevant for leaders seeking to build trust and foster a diverse and equitable workplace

Uses case studies, written reflections, peer feedback, and self-insight activities, which provide diverse and engaging learning experiences

Alerts learners to intractable problems often ignored in leadership discussions, encouraging critical reflection and self-awareness

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 Leading in a Complex Environment with these activities:

Watch videos on global warming.

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Enhance your understanding of global warming, its impact, and potential solutions. This will provide a strong foundation for the course's discussions on environmental sustainability and leadership.

Browse courses on Global Warming

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Find reputable sources for videos on global warming.
Watch the videos and take notes.
Summarize the key points of the videos.

Read 'The Future of Leadership'

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Explore the evolving landscape of leadership in the 21st century. Gain insights into the qualities and practices of successful leaders in a globalized and interconnected world.

View Leading with Vulnerability on Amazon

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Read the chapters that align with the course topics.
Take notes and highlight key concepts.
Reflect on how the book's ideas relate to your own leadership aspirations.

Read 'For the Love of Animals'

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Gain insight into the ethical implications of environmentalism and climate change. Understand the complexities of sustainability and the importance of social responsibility.

View The Lives of Animals on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes.
Summarize the main arguments and themes of the book.
Reflect on your own thoughts and feelings about the book's content.
Discuss the book with others.

Five other activities

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Join a study group.

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Engage in discussions, share ideas, and learn from diverse perspectives on the course topics. This will foster critical thinking, enhance understanding, and expand your knowledge.

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Find or create a study group.
Meet regularly to discuss course materials.
Work together on assignments and projects.
Provide feedback and support to each other.

Participate in online discussion forums.

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Engage in thoughtful discussions, ask questions, and share your perspectives on the course topics. This will enhance your understanding, foster critical thinking, and connect you with fellow learners.

Browse courses on Leadership

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Read the discussion prompts and materials.
Formulate your thoughts and responses.
Post your comments and questions.
Respond to other participants' posts.

Develop a personal leadership philosophy.

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Define your guiding principles and values as a leader. This process will help you make informed decisions, navigate ethical dilemmas, and inspire others.

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Introspect on your values, beliefs, and experiences.
Research different leadership theories and models.
Identify the principles that resonate most with you.
Draft a written statement of your personal leadership philosophy.

Write a blog post on a leadership topic.

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Share your knowledge, insights, and perspectives on a topic related to the course. This will reinforce your understanding, improve your communication skills, and contribute to the broader leadership discussion.

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Choose a topic that interests you and aligns with the course content.
Research the topic thoroughly.
Develop an outline for your blog post.
Write a draft and edit your post.
Publish your blog post on a relevant platform.

Volunteer with an organization related to the course topics.

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Apply your knowledge and skills in a practical setting. This will provide hands-on experience, enhance your empathy, and make a meaningful contribution to your community.

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Research organizations that align with your interests.
Contact the organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend volunteer training and orientation.
Participate in volunteer activities and projects.
Reflect on your volunteer experience and its relevance to the course.

Career center

Learners who complete Leading in a Complex Environment will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Project Manager

A Project Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing projects. They work with teams to complete projects on time and within budget. This course may be helpful for Project Managers as it provides insights into leading in a complex environment and managing global issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Consultant

A Consultant provides advice and expertise to organizations on a specific topic or issue. They work with clients to identify and solve problems, and they develop and implement solutions. This course may be helpful for Consultants as it provides insights into leading in a complex environment and managing global issues.

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Chief Executive Officer

A Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the overall success of a company. They make important decisions about the company's strategy, operations, and finances. This course may be useful for CEOs as it provides insights into leading in a complex environment and managing global issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Executive Officer

Chief Operating Officer

A Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a company. They work closely with the CEO to implement the company's strategy and ensure that the company is running smoothly. This course may be helpful for COOs as it provides insights into leading in a complex environment and managing global issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Operating Officer

Department Manager

A Department Manager is responsible for the operations of a specific department within a company. They oversee all aspects of the department's business, including finance, marketing, sales, and operations. This course may be helpful for Department Managers as it provides insights into leading in a complex environment and managing global issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Department Manager

General Manager

A General Manager is responsible for the overall operations of a company's business unit or division. They oversee all aspects of the business, including finance, marketing, sales, and operations. This course may be helpful for General Managers as it provides insights into leading in a complex environment and managing global issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for General Manager

Division Manager

A Division Manager is responsible for the operations of a specific division or department within a company. They oversee all aspects of the division's business, including finance, marketing, sales, and operations. This course may be helpful for Division Managers as it provides insights into leading in a complex environment and managing global issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Division Manager

Chief Marketing Officer

A Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is responsible for the marketing and branding of a company. They develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote the company's products or services. This course may be helpful for CMOs as it provides insights into leading in a complex environment and managing global issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Marketing Officer

Chief Financial Officer

A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for the financial health of a company. They manage the company's finances, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. This course may be helpful for CFOs as it provides insights into leading in a complex environment and managing global issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Financial Officer

Analyst

An Analyst researches and analyzes data to identify trends and patterns. They provide insights and recommendations to organizations to help them make better decisions. This course may be helpful for Analysts as it provides insights into leading in a complex environment and managing global issues.

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Chief Technology Officer

A Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is responsible for the technology and infrastructure of a company. They lead the development and implementation of new technologies to support the company's business goals. This course may be helpful for CTOs as it provides insights into leading in a complex environment and managing global issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Technology Officer

Chief Human Resources Officer

A Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) is responsible for the human resources of a company. They develop and implement HR policies and procedures, and they manage the company's employees. This course may be helpful for CHROs as it provides insights into leading in a complex environment and managing global issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Human Resources Officer

Researcher

A Researcher conducts research to investigate and understand specific topics or issues. They collect and analyze data to develop new knowledge and insights. This course may be helpful for Researchers as it provides insights into leading in a complex environment and managing global issues.

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Editor

An Editor reviews and edits written content to ensure that it is clear, concise, and error-free. They work with writers to improve the quality of their writing. This course may be helpful for Editors as it provides insights into leading in a complex environment and managing global issues.

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Writer

A Writer creates written content for a variety of purposes, such as marketing, communication, and education. They develop and write articles, blog posts, website content, and other written materials. This course may be helpful for Writers as it provides insights into leading in a complex environment and managing global issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer