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Learn key leadership skills, concepts and theories needed to be a successful leader in development.
This course is part of the Leadership in Global Development MicroMasters program. In order to get the most out of this course, we recommend that you have experience working in the development sector or a strong interest in this area. We also recommend that you complete the other three courses that make up the Leadership in Global Development MicroMasters program: The Science and Practice of Sustainable Development, Adaptive Leadership in Development, and Critical Development Perspectives.
Are you working in the development sector and looking to take the next step in your career and take on a leadership role?
This business and management course is an introduction to key leadership theories and concepts that you will need to be an effective leader and manager. You will learn how leadership is different from management.
You will learn practical skills needed to build a shared vision, and lead across boundaries. You will learn to recognise your own leadership style, and the leadership styles of others. You will learn the different types of power, and tools for gaining legitimacy in your development work.
Upon course completion, you will be prepared to take on leadership roles in development and work effectively across geographical, cultural, organizational and disciplinary boundaries.
You will also develop a personalized leadership plan throughout the course, which will help you continue your leadership journey after you complete the MOOC.
Participants should have experience, or a strong interest in working in development. While not compulsory, it is recommended that learners have completed a bachelor degree in a relevant discipline.
All graded assessment will be graded and have insightful feedback for learners to further refine their new knowledge and skills.
Module 1: Introduction to Leadership
Introduction to the concept of leadership in the context of global development, and the differences between leadership and management.
Module 2: Self-Leadership
Highlights the importance of self-leadership and provides guidance on how to engage in self-leadership.
Module 3: Team, Transformational and Authentic Leadership
Introduction to three groups of leadership theories - team leadership, transformational leadership and authentic leadership.
Module 4: Wise Leadership
Introduction to wise leadership including understanding how wisdom is theorized in contemporary times and its relevance to global development.
Module 5: Leadership Contexts, Roles and Styles
Introduction to the different possible leadership roles and styles, and highlights the importance of context.
Module 6: Adaptive Leadership to Address Challenges
Exploration of the relevance of adaptive leadership in global development.
Module 7: Power, Legitimacy, Politics and Influence
Discussion of the different types of power a leader may need to access, and how to maintain legitimacy.
Module 8: Leading Across Boundaries
Exploration of how to be a successful leader across geographical, cultural, organisational and disciplinary boundaries.
Module 9: Principles and Methods of Leadership Development
Analysis of key principles and methods of successful leadership, and suggestions for how to grow as a leader throughout your career.
"The whole course was very useful for my future career. The best aspect was the reading material because it did really widen the horizon of my views on my leadership development. Overall, the course itself has organized the vision and insights for what it means to be a leader in global development." - Mariya, Kazakhstan
Who can take this course?
Unfortunately, learners residing in one or more of the following countries or regions will not be able to register for this course: Iran, Cuba and the Crimea region of Ukraine. While edX has sought licenses from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to offer our courses to learners in these countries and regions, the licenses we have received are not broad enough to allow us to offer this course in all locations. edX truly regrets that U.S. sanctions prevent us from offering all of our courses to everyone, no matter where they live.
Who can take this course?
Unfortunately, learners residing in one or more of the following countries or regions will not be able to register for this course: Iran, Cuba and the Crimea region of Ukraine. While edX has sought licenses from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to offer our courses to learners in these countries and regions, the licenses we have received are not broad enough to allow us to offer this course in all locations. edX truly regrets that U.S. sanctions prevent us from offering all of our courses to everyone, no matter where they live.
