In this course, students prepare for a leadership role in the modern organization. They examine the basic principles of leadership, motivational theory, the importance of communication, and current and future trends. Students assess, discuss, and learn how to apply their own styles of leadership in the workplace and the community. They engage in a range of assignments that emphasize ethical leadership through personal and interpersonal effectiveness and organizational development. Students also learn the importance of followership and the similarities between the roles of follower and leader at all levels of the organization.

All businesses experience change. Sometimes change is required to ensure stability; other times, the purpose of change is expansion for competitive advantage. In this course, students explore the responsibilities of managers and leaders to implement effective organizational change as well as to ensure that employees understand the function and benefits of change. Students examine change as it impacts people, processes, and products. They learn to employ tools for dealing with and managing change. They also examine methods for coping with change as an individual, a member of a group, and a member of an organization.

Effective leadership requires attention to values and ethics, communication, team empowerment, change management, and more. In this course, students assume a leadership position within a fictional organization. Through discussions, assignments, and interactive resources, they build and ultimately apply their skills to meet a career-related challenge. Students have the opportunity to earn a micro-credential in leadership upon successful completion of the course.