Leading Oneself with Self-Knowledge from Coursera

Before we can lead others well, we must first learn to lead ourselves well. Knowing thyself is the starting point on this journey. In this course, you will come to understand the importance of three forms of awareness, craft a personal identity, gain understanding of how you work best, learn to be strategic with your time and energy, manage cognitive biases, mental models and better understand your worldview.

This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (ME-EM) degree offered on the Coursera platform. The ME-EM is designed to help engineers, scientists, and technical professionals move into leadership and management roles in the engineering and technical sectors. With performance-based admissions and no application process, the ME-EM is ideal for individuals with a broad range of undergraduate education and/or professional experience. Learn more about the ME-EM program at https://www.coursera.org/degrees/me-engineering-management-boulder.

What's inside

Syllabus

Increasing Awareness Leads to Understanding

Awareness, the most important part of this course, is covered in week 1. We will lay the foundation to know ourselves in a more intimate way. Before we can lead ourselves better, we must first learn to be curious, and pay attention to our motivations and behavior. We can start to develop self-awareness habit to ask why you act the way you do in certain situations. We do this through self, situational and social awareness.

Exploring Strengths to be Our Best

In week 2, we continue the work we have done with awareness and self, to move into strengths and core values. Research has shown that focusing on our strengths is superior to focusing on weaknesses too much. We will identify your strengths, values and superpowers and keep most of our attention there. Weaknesses will be addressed to keep them from being a liability, but resist the urge to turn them into a strength.

Developing Personal Identity for Intentional Change

In week 3, we will examine different models of “self.” We will explore how our view of “self” shapes our behavior. With the help of intentional change theory, we will explore three versions of self: ideal, real and ought. Then we will contrast these concepts with narrative self and future self. Once we have a firm grasp on our sense of self, we will create an “alter ego,” which is commonly used by high performers to execute at their best.

Becoming Strategic With Energy to Be More Effective

This week, we turn our attention to time and energy. Both are important, but you will come to learn that one is slightly more important. It is often not what you would expect. This idea is a game changer. In addition to managing time and energy, we will work to understand when you work best. Timing matters. Once we know this, we can strategically plan our day to take advantage of peaks and troughs that inevitably occur.

Understanding How Cognitive Patterns Drive Behavior

Our final week in the course examines how we see the world and what influences this view for each individual. The mechanisms that drive our view of the world are mental models, schema, cognitive biases, among others. With an understanding of how these psychological principles work and why, you will see the world, and those we interact with, differently.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides guidance on understanding oneself and improving leadership skills, which is valuable for individuals seeking personal and professional development

Introduces various models of self, including ideal, real, and ought selves, which can help learners gain a deeper understanding of their own identity

Taught by Ron Duren Jr., who has experience in engineering management and leadership development

Emphasizes the importance of awareness, strengths, personal identity, time management, and cognitive biases, which are key elements for personal and leadership development

Examines psychological principles such as mental models, schema, and cognitive biases, which can provide insights into how we perceive and interact with the world

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 Oneself with Self-Knowledge with these activities:

Review awareness concepts

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Refreshes foundational knowledge of awareness to prepare for the course

Browse courses on Awareness

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Read about different types of awareness
Identify situations where you have demonstrated awareness

Awareness journal

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Allows you to apply awareness concepts to real-life situations

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Set aside time each day to reflect on your thoughts and behaviors
Write down your observations in a journal
Identify patterns in your behavior

Explore strength assessment tools

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Provides guidance on understanding and identifying your strengths

Browse courses on Strengths

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Research different strength assessment tools
Choose a tool and complete the assessment
Review your results and identify your top strengths

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Attend a workshop on emotional intelligence

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Enhances your ability to manage your emotions and build stronger relationships

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Research and identify a reputable workshop
Register for the workshop and attend
Actively engage in the workshop activities
Apply what you learn to your personal and professional life

Network with other professionals in your field

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Expands your professional network and provides opportunities for collaboration

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Identify industry events and conferences
Attend events and introduce yourself to others
Follow up with individuals you meet and build relationships

Read 'Emotional Intelligence' by Daniel Goleman

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Provides insights into the importance of emotional intelligence and offers practical strategies for improving it

View Why We Meditate: The Science and Practice of... on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book
Read the book thoroughly
Take notes and highlight important passages
Reflect on what you have learned and apply it to your own life

Develop a personal development plan

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Provides a roadmap for your personal and professional growth

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Set your goals and objectives
Identify areas for improvement
Create a plan outlining the steps you will take to achieve your goals
Monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed

Career center

Learners who complete Leading Oneself with Self-Knowledge will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Management Consultant

Management Consultants help organizations improve their performance by providing advice and guidance on a variety of management issues, such as strategy, operations, and human resources. They work with clients to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement change. This course on Leading Oneself with Self-Knowledge may be useful for aspiring Management Consultants, as it can help them develop the self-awareness, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills necessary to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Senior Vice President

Senior Vice Presidents (SVPs) are responsible for a specific area of an organization, such as sales, marketing, or finance. They work with the CEO and other senior executives to develop and implement the strategic direction of the organization. This course on Leading Oneself with Self-Knowledge may be useful for aspiring SVPs, as it can help them develop the self-awareness, strategic thinking, and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.

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Executive Vice President

Executive Vice Presidents (EVPs) are responsible for a specific area of an organization, such as sales, marketing, or finance. They work with the CEO and other senior executives to develop and implement the strategic direction of the organization. This course on Leading Oneself with Self-Knowledge may be useful for aspiring EVPs, as it can help them develop the self-awareness, strategic thinking, and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.

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Leadership Coach

Leadership Coaches help individuals and teams develop their leadership skills and reach their full potential. They work with clients to identify their goals, develop strategies to achieve them, and overcome challenges. This course on Leading Oneself with Self-Knowledge may be useful for aspiring Leadership Coaches, as it can help them develop the self-awareness, strategic thinking, and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.

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Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are responsible for the overall leadership and management of an organization. They set the strategic direction of the organization, and oversee the implementation of that strategy. This course on Leading Oneself with Self-Knowledge may be useful for aspiring CEOs, as it can help them develop the self-awareness, strategic thinking, and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.

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Vice President

Vice Presidents (VPs) are responsible for a specific area of an organization, such as sales, marketing, or finance. They work with the CEO and other senior executives to develop and implement the strategic direction of the organization. This course on Leading Oneself with Self-Knowledge may be useful for aspiring VPs, as it can help them develop the self-awareness, strategic thinking, and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They work with stakeholders to define project scope, develop project plans, and manage project resources. This course on Leading Oneself with Self-Knowledge may be useful for aspiring Project Managers, as it can help them develop the self-awareness, strategic thinking, and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.

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Dean

Deans are responsible for the academic and administrative leadership of a college or school. They work with faculty and staff to develop and implement academic programs, and to ensure that the college or school is running smoothly and efficiently. This course on Leading Oneself with Self-Knowledge may be useful for aspiring Deans, as it can help them develop the self-awareness, strategic thinking, and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.

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Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officers (COOs) are responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization. They work with department heads to ensure that the organization is running smoothly and efficiently. This course on Leading Oneself with Self-Knowledge may be useful for aspiring COOs, as it can help them develop the self-awareness, strategic thinking, and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. They use statistical and data mining techniques to identify trends, patterns, and insights in data. This course on Leading Oneself with Self-Knowledge may be useful for aspiring Data Analysts, as it can help them develop the self-awareness, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills necessary to succeed in this role.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers are responsible for managing the human resources function of an organization, which includes recruiting, hiring, training, and developing employees. They also work to create a positive and productive work environment. This course on Leading Oneself with Self-Knowledge may be useful for aspiring Human Resources Managers, as it can help them develop the self-awareness, strategic thinking, and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing plans to promote products or services. They work with marketing teams to create and implement marketing campaigns, and track campaign results. This course on Leading Oneself with Self-Knowledge may be useful for aspiring Marketing Managers, as it can help them develop the self-awareness, strategic thinking, and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading and motivating sales teams to achieve sales goals. They work with sales teams to develop sales strategies, identify sales opportunities, and close deals. This course on Leading Oneself with Self-Knowledge may be useful for aspiring Sales Managers, as it can help them develop the self-awareness, strategic thinking, and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with stakeholders to identify business needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. They analyze business processes, identify inefficiencies, and recommend improvements. This course on Leading Oneself with Self-Knowledge may be useful for aspiring Business Analysts, as it can help them develop the self-awareness, strategic thinking, and communication skills necessary to succeed in this role.

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Organizational Development Specialist

Organizational Development Specialists are responsible for enhancing an organization's performance by improving its operations and structures. They help organizations identify their strengths and weaknesses, and develop strategies to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. This course on Leading Oneself with Self-Knowledge may be useful for aspiring Organizational Development Specialists, as it can help them develop the self-awareness and strategic thinking skills necessary to succeed in this role.

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