HarvardX: Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles

Acquire the critical leadership skills needed in today’s fluid and constantly shifting business environment. In this brief, introductory leadership development course, you will be provided with a pragmatic diagnosis-and-action approach to developing, using, and practicing leadership in organizations, teams, and communities. Whether a potential or current leader, manager, entrepreneur, or professional looking to expand your leadership capabilities, this course has the foundational elements that will provide you with the skills to lead with confidence.

During this course you will be able to articulate and identify business challenges, organizational problems, and complex workplace issues in such a way that you can accurately diagnose the issues and devise appropriate business solutions. You will acquire knowledge of formal organizational authority as well as the mechanics of informal organizational influence; and how each affects individual and group decisions, decision-making, and organizational effectiveness.

Topics that will be covered include: stakeholder management, leading with trust, organizational communication, business communication, conflict resolution, change management, working under pressure in organizations, emotional intelligence, and organizational leadership. You will learn to identify who the stakeholders are in an organizational setting, build and maintain high-trust relationships, lead productive conflict, and manage change effectively in dynamic workplace environments. The course will further introduce you to strategies you can employ to function and succeed in situations of uncertainty and rapid change. 

After completion of this course you will be able to practice your leadership abilities more efficiently and to more constructive effect, lead stronger relationships, manage and help to resolve organizational difficulties, and have a personal framework for leadership success, professional development, team leadership, and long-term career growth. This course provides a strong foundation in adaptive leadership, strategic leadership, workplace leadership, and effective leadership practices for modern organizations.