We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Dr Richard Claydon

Why are organisational misbehaviours such as cynicism, apathy, bullying and disengagement increasingly prevalent in the workplace? This course examines these tensions and how transformational, authentic and inclusive leadership styles offer an alternative to the more autocratic, job-centred and controlling leadership styles of the past. You’ll learn how the digital revolution, along with an increased focus on projects and teamwork, has dramatically altered the perception of leadership in a way that now demands all organisational members take on some form of self-leadership. And you’ll learn how this change is causing tensions between traditional leaders and the contemporary practices vital to maintain agility in today’s ultra-competitive marketplace. This learning will be complemented by structured activities such as video lectures, quizzes, discussion prompts and written assessments.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

The Leadership Challenge
Welcome to your first week in the Adapt your leadership style course. This week you will take a look at the material that will be covered in this course, what you can expect to learn, and the questions that you explore. This week presents you with a number of models and tools to help you develop a helicopter view of the challenges of contemporary leadership and become confident in your ability to critically analyze the wide range of ideas and theories you will encounter. This week you will examine the concept of leadership as something possessed by an individual, looking at personality traits, profiles, attitudes and behaviors associated with the practice of leadership.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops critical leadership perspectives, which are vital to leading in ultra-competitive marketplaces
Explores a wide range of leadership styles, decision-making variables, and team leadership models
Examines how the digital revolution and a focus on projects and teamwork have shaped leadership perceptions
Taught by a recognized expert in leadership and organizational behavior, Dr. Richard Claydon
Covers contemporary leadership practices that are essential for maintaining agility in today's ultra-competitive marketplace
Offers a comprehensive understanding of leadership theories, from individual to organizational levels

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Exploring modern leadership theories and contexts

According to learners, this course offers a well-structured and comprehensive look at various leadership theories, moving from individual to organizational levels and covering modern concepts such as transformational, authentic, and critical perspectives. Many students found the content engaging and thought-provoking, particularly appreciating the insights into contemporary challenges and ambiguities in leadership. However, some learners noted a perceived lack of practical, actionable guidance on *how* to adapt one's personal leadership style, feeling it leaned more towards theory than application. While strong in academic breadth, those seeking immediate 'how-to' tools may find the practical application limited.
Lectures and content are considered thought-provoking.
"Excellent course! The content was engaging and easy to follow."
"The video lectures were well-produced and the instructor explained complex ideas clearly."
"Really enjoyed the discussions on modern leadership challenges and the critical perspectives module was thought-provoking."
Addresses contemporary leadership challenges and ambiguities.
"Very relevant for today's challenges in the workplace."
"The focus on leading teams and dealing with ambiguity was particularly useful for my current role."
"Appreciated the insights into how the digital age and teamwork impact leadership today."
Provides a solid foundation in diverse leadership theories.
"The content was well-structured and the theories were explained clearly. I particularly enjoyed the modules on transformational and authentic leadership."
"Solid introduction to leadership theories. The structure is logical, moving from individual to organizational levels."
"The course covered a wide range of leadership theories, which was very informative and helped broaden my understanding."
Some found assessments unclear or disconnected from content.
"The assessments felt disconnected from the weekly content."
"The assessments were sometimes confusing and the grading criteria weren't always clear."
"Quizzes helped reinforce learning, but written assessments felt less aligned with the lectures."
More focus on theory, less on 'how-to' practical skills.
"Needed more practical examples on how to actually adapt your style. It felt a bit too theoretical at times."
"Too much theory and not enough practical advice. I was expecting more 'how-to' guidance on changing my style."
"While academically interesting, the course doesn't provide many tools you can immediately use to 'adapt' your style."

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 Adapt your leadership style with these activities:
Review the different leadership styles discussed in module 2
Reviewing leadership styles from an earlier module can prepare you for more advanced concepts covered later in the course.
Browse courses on Leadership Styles
Show steps
  • Go back to module 2
  • Reread the sections on leadership styles
  • Summarize the key points of each leadership style
Review: Emotional Intelligence
Refreshing your knowledge of emotional intelligence can help you understand the course materials more effectively.
Show steps
  • Read Chapter 1: Introduction
  • Take notes on the key concepts of emotional intelligence
  • Reflect on how these concepts apply to your own life
Attend a webinar on the role of emotional intelligence in leadership
Watching a webinar on the role of emotional intelligence in leadership can provide you with insights and practical strategies for developing your emotional intelligence in the workplace.
Browse courses on Emotional Intelligence
Show steps
  • Find a webinar on the role of emotional intelligence in leadership
  • Register for the webinar
  • Attend the webinar and take notes on key takeaways
  • Reflect on how you can apply the insights gained from the webinar to your own leadership style
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Participate in a peer discussion on the challenges of leading in a digital environment
Engaging in peer discussions can offer you diverse perspectives on the challenges associated with leadership in a digital context.
Browse courses on Digital Leadership
Show steps
  • Join a peer discussion group or forum
  • Introduce a topic for discussion on the challenges of leading in a digital environment
  • Facilitate the discussion, ensuring all participants have a chance to share their perspectives
Practice Active Listening
Practicing active listening can help you improve your communication skills, a valuable asset for contemporary workplace settings.
Browse courses on Active Listening
Show steps
  • Find a partner and take turns speaking for 2 minutes each
  • While the other person is speaking, practice active listening techniques such as maintaining eye contact, nodding, and asking clarifying questions
  • Provide feedback to your partner on their active listening skills
Develop a plan for implementing transformational leadership in your workplace
Starting a project that involves creating an implementation plan for a particular leadership strategy can help you explore and apply course concepts more deeply.
Show steps
  • Identify the key principles of transformational leadership
  • Assess the current leadership style in your workplace
  • Develop a plan for implementing transformational leadership strategies
  • Present your plan to your supervisor or a mentor for feedback
Attend a workshop on managing conflict in the workplace
Attending a specialized workshop can help you develop practical conflict management skills and deepen your understanding of this crucial topic.
Browse courses on Conflict Resolution
Show steps
  • Identify and register for a reputable workshop on conflict management
  • Attend the workshop and actively engage in the activities and discussions
  • Apply the strategies and techniques learned from the workshop in your own workplace
Create a video about the importance of authenticity in leadership
Creating an explanatory video about the concept of authenticity in leadership can reinforce your understanding of this key leadership attribute.
Browse courses on Authentic Leadership
Show steps
  • Research the concept of authentic leadership
  • Identify key examples of authentic leaders
  • Develop a storyboard for your video
  • Create a video using a video editing software
Create a personal leadership portfolio
Creating a leadership portfolio can help you synthesize and showcase your learning from this course.
Browse courses on Leadership Development
Show steps
  • Gather materials such as assignments, projects, and presentations you have completed throughout this course
  • Organize and curate these materials into a portfolio
  • Reflect on your growth and development as a leader through the completion of this portfolio

Career center

Learners who complete Adapt your leadership style will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Chief Learning Officer
Chief Learning Officers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of learning and development for their organizations. They work with leaders at all levels to develop and implement learning and development strategies, and to ensure that employees have the skills and knowledge they need to be successful. This course may be useful for Chief Learning Officers because it provides an overview of leadership styles and how to adapt them to different situations. The course also covers topics such as team leadership, organizational leadership, and leadership and ambiguity. These topics can help Chief Learning Officers to develop the skills they need to effectively lead their learning and development teams.
Program Director
Program Directors are responsible for planning, developing, and evaluating academic programs. They work with faculty, staff, and students to ensure that programs are meeting the needs of students and the community. This course may be useful for Program Directors because it provides an overview of leadership styles and how to adapt them to different situations. The course also covers topics such as team leadership, organizational leadership, and leadership and ambiguity. These topics can help Program Directors to develop the skills they need to effectively lead their programs.
Organizational Development Manager
Organizational Development Managers are responsible for planning, developing, and implementing organizational development programs for their organizations. They work with leaders at all levels to help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to be effective leaders. This course may be useful for Organizational Development Managers because it provides an overview of leadership styles and how to adapt them to different situations. The course also covers topics such as team leadership, organizational leadership, and leadership and ambiguity. These topics can help Organizational Development Managers to develop the skills they need to effectively design and deliver organizational development programs.
Principal
Principals are responsible for the overall leadership and management of schools. They work with teachers, staff, students, and parents to create a positive and productive learning environment. This course may be useful for Principals because it provides an overview of leadership styles and how to adapt them to different situations. The course also covers topics such as team leadership, organizational leadership, and leadership and ambiguity. These topics can help Principals to develop the skills they need to effectively lead their schools.
Superintendent
Superintendents are responsible for the overall leadership and management of school districts. They work with principals, teachers, staff, students, and parents to create a positive and productive learning environment for all students. This course may be useful for Superintendents because it provides an overview of leadership styles and how to adapt them to different situations. The course also covers topics such as team leadership, organizational leadership, and leadership and ambiguity. These topics can help Superintendents to develop the skills they need to effectively lead their school districts.
Higher Education Administrator
Higher Education Administrators are responsible for the overall leadership and management of colleges and universities. They work with faculty, staff, students, and parents to create a positive and productive learning environment. This course may be useful for Higher Education Administrators because it provides an overview of leadership styles and how to adapt them to different situations. The course also covers topics such as team leadership, organizational leadership, and leadership and ambiguity. These topics can help Higher Education Administrators to develop the skills they need to effectively lead their institutions.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers are responsible for the overall leadership and management of nonprofit organizations. They work with staff, volunteers, donors, and clients to create a positive and productive work environment. This course may be useful for Nonprofit Managers because it provides an overview of leadership styles and how to adapt them to different situations. The course also covers topics such as team leadership, organizational leadership, and leadership and ambiguity. These topics can help Nonprofit Managers to develop the skills they need to effectively lead their organizations.
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics, including leadership development. They work with clients to identify and address challenges, and to develop and implement solutions. This course may be useful for Consultants because it provides an overview of leadership styles and how to adapt them to different situations. The course also covers topics such as team leadership, organizational leadership, and leadership and ambiguity. These topics can help Consultants to develop the skills they need to effectively advise their clients on leadership development.
Leadership Development Manager
Leadership Development Managers are responsible for planning, developing, and implementing leadership development programs for their organizations. They work with leaders at all levels to help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to be effective leaders. This course may be useful for Leadership Development Managers because it provides an overview of leadership styles and how to adapt them to different situations. The course also covers topics such as team leadership, organizational leadership, and leadership and ambiguity. These topics can help Leadership Development Managers to develop the skills they need to effectively design and deliver leadership development programs.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources for their organizations. They work with leaders at all levels to develop and implement HR policies and procedures, and to manage employee relations. This course may be useful for Human Resources Managers because it provides an overview of leadership styles and how to adapt them to different situations. The course also covers topics such as team leadership, organizational leadership, and leadership and ambiguity. These topics can help Human Resources Managers to develop the skills they need to effectively manage their HR departments.
Executive Coach
Executive Coaches work with executives and other leaders to help them develop their leadership skills and achieve their goals. They provide one-on-one coaching, as well as group coaching and workshops. This course may be useful for Executive Coaches because it provides an overview of leadership styles and how to adapt them to different situations. The course also covers topics such as team leadership, organizational leadership, and leadership and ambiguity. These topics can help Executive Coaches to develop the skills they need to effectively coach their clients.
Training and Development Manager
Training and Development Managers are responsible for planning, developing, and implementing training and development programs for their organizations. They work with leaders at all levels to identify and address training needs, and to develop and deliver training programs. This course may be useful for Training and Development Managers because it provides an overview of leadership styles and how to adapt them to different situations. The course also covers topics such as team leadership, organizational leadership, and leadership and ambiguity. These topics can help Training and Development Managers to develop the skills they need to effectively design and deliver training programs.
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
Diversity and Inclusion Managers are responsible for developing and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives for their organizations. They work with leaders at all levels to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace. This course may be useful for Diversity and Inclusion Managers because it provides an overview of leadership styles and how to adapt them to different situations. The course also covers topics such as team leadership, organizational leadership, and leadership and ambiguity. These topics can help Diversity and Inclusion Managers to develop the skills they need to effectively lead their diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers are responsible for planning, developing, and evaluating instructional materials and programs. They work with subject matter experts to create learning experiences that are effective and engaging. This course may be useful for Instructional Designers because it provides an overview of leadership styles and how to adapt them to different situations. The course also covers topics such as team leadership, organizational leadership, and leadership and ambiguity. These topics can help Instructional Designers to develop the skills they need to effectively design and develop instructional materials.
Teacher
Teachers are responsible for planning, delivering, and assessing instruction for students. They work with students of all ages and abilities to help them learn and grow. This course may be useful for Teachers because it provides an overview of leadership styles and how to adapt them to different situations. The course also covers topics such as team leadership, organizational leadership, and leadership and ambiguity. These topics can help Teachers to develop the skills they need to effectively lead their classrooms.

Reading list

We've selected 14 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 Adapt your leadership style.
Classic in the field of leadership and provides a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and theories. It is particularly useful for those who are new to the topic or who want to refresh their understanding of the basics.
Provides a practical guide to developing emotional intelligence, which is essential for effective leadership. It is particularly useful for those who want to improve their ability to understand and manage their own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.
Provides a positive and inspiring perspective on leadership. It is particularly useful for those who want to create a more positive and productive work environment.
Provides a practical guide to developing leaders at all levels of an organization. It is particularly useful for those who are responsible for developing and managing leadership talent.
Provides a framework for understanding why successful companies can fail to innovate. It is particularly useful for those who want to lead their organizations through periods of change and disruption.
Provides a framework for building a great company. It is particularly useful for those who want to lead their organizations to sustained success.
Provides a practical guide to building a successful startup. It is particularly useful for those who want to lead their organizations through periods of rapid growth and change.
Provides a raw and honest account of the challenges of leading a technology company. It is particularly useful for those who want to learn from the experiences of a successful entrepreneur.
This ancient Chinese text provides timeless wisdom on strategy and leadership. It is particularly useful for those who want to develop a more strategic mindset.
This classic work of political philosophy provides a controversial but insightful look at the nature of power and leadership. It is particularly useful for those who want to understand the dark side of leadership.
This ancient Chinese text provides a poetic and enigmatic exploration of the nature of leadership and the universe. It is particularly useful for those who want to develop a more intuitive and holistic approach to leadership.
This classic Japanese text provides a practical guide to the art of swordsmanship and leadership. It is particularly useful for those who want to develop their physical and mental toughness.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser