Which online courses are recommended for developing leadership skills

Okay, so I’m trying to find some good online courses to help me become a better leader. I’m not really sure where to start, there are so many options out there! I’m looking for something that’s both practical and engaging, not just a bunch of dry theory.

Ideally, the courses would cover things like:

• Effective communication: How to communicate vision, give feedback, and build rapport.
• Team building: How to motivate teams and foster a collaborative environment.
• Strategic thinking: How to develop and implement strategies.
• Conflict resolution: How to manage disagreements constructively.
• Decision-making: How to make sound judgements under pressure.
• Emotional intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions, both your own and others’.

My experience level is… intermediate. I’ve held team lead roles before, but I want to really excel and move into more senior leadership positions. So, beginner courses are probably a bit too basic, but advanced courses assuming decades of experience might be overwhelming.

Budget-wise, I’m willing to invest in quality. I’d prefer something under $1000 per course, but if there’s something truly exceptional, I might be able to stretch that a bit. Free options are also great if they’re actually useful!

Finally, I’m looking for something that’s relatively flexible in terms of time commitment. I have a full-time job, so I’d prefer courses that can be completed at my own pace and don’t require attending live lectures at specific times. Certificates of completion are a bonus, as I can use them on my LinkedIn profile.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Answer

To develop leadership skills, numerous online courses cater to various learning styles and needs. Here’s a breakdown of highly recommended options, categorized by platform and focus area:

I. Courses Offered by Universities & Business Schools (Often with Certificates or Credentials):

• Coursera: This platform partners with numerous universities to offer comprehensive leadership programs.

  • "Inspiring Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence" by Case Western Reserve University: Focuses on understanding and developing emotional intelligence (EQ), a cornerstone of effective leadership. It covers self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. The course often includes practical exercises and assessments to gauge your EQ.
  • "Leadership: Practical Skills" by the University of Queensland: This program provides actionable skills for leading teams, managing performance, and motivating others. It covers topics like communication, delegation, conflict resolution, and strategic thinking. It’s suitable for both aspiring and experienced leaders.
  • "High-Performance Collaboration: Leadership, Teamwork, and Negotiation" by Northwestern University: Explores the dynamics of effective collaboration and offers strategies for leading high-performing teams. It covers topics like team building, communication, conflict management, negotiation, and decision-making in a collaborative setting.
  • "Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization" by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: A more extensive program that covers strategic thinking, organizational design, change management, and innovation. It’s designed for individuals aiming for senior leadership roles.
  • "Leading People and Teams Specialization" by the University of Michigan: Focuses on the human side of leadership, covering topics like motivation, engagement, performance management, and diversity and inclusion.
  • "Leading with Effective Communication (Skills for Success)" by Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University): Emphasizes the importance of clear, concise, and persuasive communication for effective leadership. It covers various communication techniques and strategies for different leadership scenarios.

• edX: Similar to Coursera, edX hosts courses from top universities worldwide.

  • "Leadership Communication for Maximum Impact: Storytelling" by Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University): Focuses on the power of storytelling in leadership, covering how to craft compelling narratives to inspire, motivate, and influence others.
  • "Becoming a Resilient Leader" by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology): Equips individuals with the tools and strategies to develop resilience, a crucial leadership trait in today’s volatile business environment. It covers topics like stress management, emotional regulation, and bouncing back from setbacks.
  • "Organizational Leadership" by Arizona State University: A comprehensive introduction to organizational leadership principles and practices. It covers topics such as strategic planning, organizational structure, culture, and change management.
  • "Power and Influence for Positive Impact" by CatalystX (a global nonprofit): Focuses on understanding and using power and influence ethically and effectively to drive positive change within organizations.

• FutureLearn: This platform offers courses from UK and international universities and organizations.

  • "Leading with Innovation" by Griffith University: Explores the principles and practices of leading innovation within organizations. It covers topics like fostering creativity, generating ideas, managing innovation projects, and building a culture of innovation.
  • "Digital Skills: Leadership" by Accenture: Focuses on leadership skills in the digital age, covering topics like digital transformation, leading virtual teams, and leveraging technology to drive innovation.

II. Courses Offered by Online Learning Platforms & Businesses (Focus on Practical Application):

• LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com): Offers a vast library of video courses on various leadership topics, often taught by industry experts.

  • "Leadership Foundations" by Lisa McCarthy: A comprehensive overview of leadership principles and practices, suitable for beginners.
  • "Leading without Formal Authority" by Lisa Earle McLeod: Explores how to influence and lead others effectively, even without a formal leadership title.
  • "Strategic Thinking" by Dorie Clark: Provides practical strategies for developing strategic thinking skills, essential for effective leadership.
  • "Delegating Tasks" by Todd Dewett: This is a focused course on delegation. It is a leadership skill needed to allow you to focus on higher level activities.

• Udemy: Another popular platform with a wide range of leadership courses.

  • "Leadership and Management: Learn to Lead, Inspire, and Motivate" by multiple instructors: A collection of courses covering various leadership aspects, including communication, motivation, and team building.
  • "The Complete Leadership Course: Build Your Leadership Skills" by Chris Croft: A comprehensive course covering a wide range of leadership topics, including communication, motivation, delegation, and conflict resolution.
  • "Leadership Mastery: How to Lead a Team, Boost Productivity" by Stefan Milosevic: Focuses on practical strategies for leading teams, improving productivity, and achieving organizational goals.

• Skillshare: Offers creative and practical courses, often with a focus on hands-on learning.

  • Numerous short courses cover specific leadership skills, such as public speaking, presentation skills, and conflict resolution. The courses typically have a project orientation.

III. Considerations When Choosing a Course:

• Your Current Skill Level: Are you new to leadership, or do you have some experience? Choose a course that aligns with your current knowledge and experience.
• Your Learning Style: Do you prefer video lectures, readings, or hands-on activities? Some platforms offer more interactive learning experiences than others.
• Your Goals: What specific leadership skills do you want to develop? Do you want to improve your communication skills, strategic thinking, or ability to motivate others?
• Budget: Some courses are free, while others require a fee. Consider your budget when making your choice. Also check if there is a way to audit the course, it might offer a no cost option.
• Time Commitment: Courses vary in length and intensity. Choose a course that fits your schedule and availability.
• Instructor Credentials: Research the instructor’s experience and qualifications. Look for instructors with a proven track record in leadership development.
• Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews from other students to get a sense of the course’s quality and effectiveness.

IV. Specific Skill-Based Course Examples:

• Communication Skills: "Leading with Effective Communication (Skills for Success)" (Coursera/Kellogg), "Communication Skills for Leaders" (LinkedIn Learning). Look for courses that focus on active listening, giving feedback, and public speaking.
• Strategic Thinking: "Strategic Thinking" (LinkedIn Learning), "Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization" (Coursera/University of Illinois). Focus on learning frameworks and approaches to problem-solving and long-term planning.
• Emotional Intelligence: "Inspiring Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence" (Coursera/Case Western Reserve), various courses on LinkedIn Learning tagged with "Emotional Intelligence." Look for courses that focus on self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills.
• Conflict Resolution: "Conflict Resolution Foundations" (LinkedIn Learning), many courses on Udemy dealing with conflict management.
• Team Building: Courses on LinkedIn Learning related to Team Management.
• Leading Virtual Teams: "Leading at a Distance" (LinkedIn Learning). It deals with new ways to communicate with a remote workforce.

V. Tips for Maximizing Learning:

• Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve from the course.
• Be Active: Participate in discussions, complete assignments, and apply what you learn in your work.
• Take Notes: Summarize key concepts and ideas.
• Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from colleagues, mentors, or your instructor.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: The best way to develop leadership skills is to practice them in real-world situations.
• Join a Community: Some platforms have communities to collaborate with other learners.

By carefully considering your needs and goals and choosing the right online courses, you can significantly enhance your leadership skills and advance your career. Remember that learning is a continuous process, so commit to ongoing development.