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Terrance Fitzsimmons

Strong leadership is regarded as one of the best predictors of organizational success and critical human capital required for career progression in almost every organization. However, leadership is also a highly complex and often misunderstood phenomenon. It‘s hard to define, but we all know good and bad leadership when we see it.

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Strong leadership is regarded as one of the best predictors of organizational success and critical human capital required for career progression in almost every organization. However, leadership is also a highly complex and often misunderstood phenomenon. It‘s hard to define, but we all know good and bad leadership when we see it.

This course will equip aspiring leaders with an understanding of what leadership is and how an individual can develop the skills required to become an effective leader in their organization. Taught by instructors and presenters with decades of business and not-for-profit leadership experience, you will learn the difference between leadership and management, the importance of understanding others and building empathy and relationships, and gain a better understanding of the different leadership styles you may encounter throughout your career.

Learn through a series of engaging videos, interviews, case studies, written reflections, peer feedback, and other self-insight activities. Our instructors and faculty will help you identify your own values and ethics as a leader, and most importantly, build your self-efficacy, your confidence and belief in your own ability to achieve intended results.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • What leadership means and how have we come to identify what it comprises.
  • Leadership styles and the theories behind them.
  • The relationship between power and leadership and how to influence others.
  • The role of ethics and values in leadership.
  • How to become a credible leader and business steward.
  • The importance of followership for leader outcomes.

Syllabus

MODULE 1: WHAT IS LEADERSHIP?Focuses on what is meant by leadership and how we have come to identify what it comprises.
MODULE 2: LEADERSHIP STYLES (The History of Leadership)Examines the history of leadership through exploring leadership theories.
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MODULE 3: POWER AND LEADERSHIPExamines the relationship between power and leadership.
MODULE 4: EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (Social Capital)Considers the emotional and social intelligence of leadership.
MODULE 5: BELIEVING IN SOMETHINGFocuses on the beliefs and values required to becoming an effective leader.
MODULE 6: HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND ETHICSConsiders leadership morals and values in relation to ethics and integrity.
MODULE 7: KNOW THYSELFEnables you to explore your own self in relation to becoming an effective leader.
MODULE 8: KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM AND INTELLIGENCEConsiders the critical skills required in building leadership credibility and trust.
MODULE 9: DIVERSITY IN LEADERSHIPExamines the key leadership skill of managing equity and inclusion within an ever increasingly diverseenvironment.
MODULE 10: THE ROLE OF THE STEWARDConsiders the role of stewardship in effective leadership.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops the knowledge and skills required to become an effective leader within any organization, suitable for aspiring leaders
Taught by instructors with decades of experience in business and non-profit leadership, providing real-world insights
Provides a comprehensive study of leadership, covering various leadership styles, theories, and ethical considerations
Uses a multi-modal approach with videos, interviews, case studies, and peer feedback to enhance engagement and learning
Recommended for students looking to develop leadership skills for career progression or personal growth

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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 Becoming an Effective Leader with these activities:
Review leadership case study library
Familiarize yourself with the nuances of leadership in different business and industry examples through reviewing case studies.
Browse courses on Case Analysis
Show steps
  • Identify at least ten different case studies on leadership.
  • Read and analyze each case study
  • Summarize key leadership approaches and outcomes from each case
Read the book "Good to Great" by Jim Collins
Learn from the research-backed principles and practices that distinguish truly great leaders and organizations.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow the book "Good to Great"
  • Read and reflect on the key concepts presented in the book
  • Apply the insights to your own leadership style and aspirations
Form a study group with other learners
Foster collaboration, share perspectives, and reinforce concepts with other students.
Show steps
  • Reach out to classmates and colleagues to find interested participants
  • Set regular meeting times and create a study schedule
  • Discuss course materials, share insights, and support each other's learning
Five other activities
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Complete an online course on emotional intelligence
Acquire a comprehensive understanding of emotional intelligence and its importance in leadership.
Browse courses on Emotional Intelligence
Show steps
  • Research and identify reputable online courses on emotional intelligence
  • Enroll in a course that best suits your needs
  • Complete the course and actively participate in discussions and assignments
Write a thought paper on ethical leadership
Develop critical thinking and articulation regarding ethical dilemmas commonplace in leadership roles.
Browse courses on Ethical Decision Making
Show steps
  • Identify a relevant topic on ethical leadership
  • Research and analyze existing literature on the topic
  • Develop a thesis statement
  • Write a draft and seek feedback from peers or mentors
  • Revise and finalize the paper
Attend a leadership workshop
Engage with leadership professionals and learn about industry best practices.
Show steps
  • Search for upcoming leadership workshops or conferences
  • Choose a workshop that aligns with your interests and goals
  • Register and pay for the workshop
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and activities
Lead a peer mentorship program within the course
Share your knowledge and experience with other learners, while enhancing your leadership and communication skills.
Show steps
  • Reach out to the instructor or other learners to express your interest in mentoring
  • Identify mentees who would benefit from your guidance
  • Establish a regular meeting schedule and mentorship plan
  • Provide support, guidance, and feedback to your mentees
Develop a leadership development plan
Create a personalized plan to identify areas for improvement and steps for fostering leadership.
Browse courses on Leadership Development
Show steps
  • Assess your current leadership skills using self-reflection or feedback from others
  • Identify areas for growth and improvement
  • Research and explore different leadership development opportunities
  • Set specific goals and objectives
  • Create a timeline and action plan

Career center

Learners who complete Becoming an Effective Leader will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) lead and manage companies, set policies, and make decisions that affect the entire organization. By taking this course, you'll gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful CEO, including how to develop a vision, set goals, and motivate employees. You'll also learn about the ethical and legal responsibilities of CEOs, and how to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Operating Officers (COOs) are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a company. They work closely with the CEO to implement the company's vision and goals. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful COO, including how to manage operations, improve efficiency, and motivate employees. You'll also learn about the ethical and legal responsibilities of COOs, and how to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
General Manager
General Managers (GMs) are responsible for the overall management of a company or organization. They work with senior management to develop and implement the company's vision and goals. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful GM, including how to manage operations, improve efficiency, and motivate employees. You'll also learn about the ethical and legal responsibilities of GMs, and how to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
Vice President of Operations
Vice Presidents of Operations (VPOs) are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a company or organization. They work with the CEO and COO to implement the company's vision and goals. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful VPO, including how to manage operations, improve efficiency, and motivate employees. You'll also learn about the ethical and legal responsibilities of VPOs, and how to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
Director of Operations
Directors of Operations (DOOs) are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a company or organization. They work with senior management to develop and implement the company's vision and goals. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful DOO, including how to manage operations, improve efficiency, and motivate employees. You'll also learn about the ethical and legal responsibilities of DOOs, and how to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
Operations Manager
Operations Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a company or organization. They work with senior management to develop and implement the company's vision and goals. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Operations Manager, including how to manage operations, improve efficiency, and motivate employees. You'll also learn about the ethical and legal responsibilities of Operations Managers, and how to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing projects. They work with project teams to achieve the project's goals and objectives. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Project Manager, including how to plan and organize projects, manage resources, and motivate team members. You'll also learn about the ethical and legal responsibilities of Project Managers, and how to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and guidance to companies and organizations. They work with clients to identify problems and develop solutions. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Consultant, including how to analyze problems, develop solutions, and communicate effectively. You'll also learn about the ethical and legal responsibilities of Consultants, and how to build strong relationships with clients.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts work with companies and organizations to identify and solve business problems. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, analyze data, and develop solutions. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Business Analyst, including how to gather requirements, analyze data, and develop solutions. You'll also learn about the ethical and legal responsibilities of Business Analysts, and how to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. They work with investors, customers, and employees to build successful businesses. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Entrepreneur, including how to develop a business plan, raise capital, and manage a team. You'll also learn about the ethical and legal responsibilities of Entrepreneurs, and how to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers lead and manage sales teams. They work with salespeople to develop and implement sales strategies. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Sales Manager, including how to develop and implement sales strategies, motivate salespeople, and manage a sales team. You'll also learn about the ethical and legal responsibilities of Sales Managers, and how to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers lead and manage marketing teams. They work with marketers to develop and implement marketing strategies. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Marketing Manager, including how to develop and implement marketing strategies, motivate marketers, and manage a marketing team. You'll also learn about the ethical and legal responsibilities of Marketing Managers, and how to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers lead and manage human resources departments. They work with HR professionals to develop and implement HR policies and procedures. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Human Resources Manager, including how to develop and implement HR policies and procedures, motivate HR professionals, and manage an HR department. You'll also learn about the ethical and legal responsibilities of Human Resources Managers, and how to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
Financial Manager
Financial Managers lead and manage finance departments. They work with finance professionals to develop and implement financial strategies. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Financial Manager, including how to develop and implement financial strategies, motivate finance professionals, and manage a finance department. You'll also learn about the ethical and legal responsibilities of Financial Managers, and how to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
Information Technology Manager
Information Technology Managers lead and manage information technology departments. They work with IT professionals to develop and implement IT strategies. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Information Technology Manager, including how to develop and implement IT strategies, motivate IT professionals, and manage an IT department. You'll also learn about the ethical and legal responsibilities of Information Technology Managers, and how to build strong relationships with stakeholders.

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 Becoming an Effective Leader.
Provides a comprehensive overview of leadership in organizations, covering topics such as leadership styles, power and influence, and ethical decision-making. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Examines the factors that distinguish good companies from great companies. It provides insights into the leadership practices that are essential for sustained success.
Provides a framework for understanding and developing emotional intelligence. It valuable resource for leaders who want to improve their ability to connect with others and build strong relationships.
Helps individuals identify their strengths and develop strategies for using them to achieve their goals. It valuable resource for leaders who want to build on their strengths and become more effective.
Presents the concept of a growth mindset and explains how it can lead to greater success. It valuable resource for leaders who want to develop a more positive and resilient mindset.
Provides a framework for developing leaders at all levels of an organization. It valuable resource for leaders who want to build a strong leadership team.
Examines the challenges that established companies face when they try to innovate. It valuable resource for leaders who want to create a culture of innovation in their organizations.
Provides a framework for building successful startups. It valuable resource for leaders who want to launch new ventures or innovate within existing organizations.
Provides a contrarian view of business and innovation. It valuable resource for leaders who want to think differently and create breakthrough products and services.
Provides practical advice on how to build and lead a successful technology company. It valuable resource for leaders who are facing the challenges of growth and innovation.
Provides a step-by-step guide to building a successful startup. It valuable resource for leaders who are just getting started with their entrepreneurial journey.
This classic text on military strategy provides insights into the nature of leadership and competition. It valuable resource for leaders who want to develop their strategic thinking and decision-making skills.

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