Advanced Leadership Skills

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad via Coursera

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Overview

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In today’s complex and rapidly evolving workplace, leadership is not just about authority, it is about how effectively you use power, build influence, and earn trust. This advanced leadership course explores the deeper dimensions of mindful leadership, power dynamics, influence strategies, and trust-building within organizations. Building on foundational concepts from the award-winning, world-famous, Leadership Skills course, this course equips you with practical, evidence-based tools and interdisciplinary insights to lead with intention, responsibility, and impact. You will examine how power operates in organizations, why some individuals gain influence while others do not, and how leaders can use power ethically to drive positive outcomes. Through a blend of business management, psychology, philosophy, communication, and real-world leadership examples, you will develop the capabilities needed to navigate high-risk, complex systems operating under uncertainty, manage career and leadership transitions, build a powerful personal brand and strong executive presence, and foster high-trust work environments. This course is designed for mid- to senior-level professionals, aspiring leaders, and managers who want to enhance their leadership effectiveness and build sustainable careers. Whether you are leading teams, managing change, or shaping organizational culture, this course will help you develop a modern leadership toolkit rooted in mindfulness, communication, and strategic influence. By the end of this course, you will be able to lead with clarity, credibility, and purpose, creating organizations that are resilient, ethical, and trust-driven.

Syllabus

Introduction and Non-Violent Communication

In this module, you will learn about aspects of ‘nonviolent communication’ (NVC). This module will take you on a series of exercises and practices to learn NVC concepts as well as apply them to your communication and relationships. Nonviolent communication is one of the important aspects of creating high-trust workplaces, and we will be exposed to the essential ingredients in this module. In addition, you will also gain insight into some exercises that you can practice as you go along, managing different activities in personal and/or professional life.

Leading High-Risk, Complex Systems

This module aims to help leaders learn how failures evolve in organisations, how to prevent failures and how to effectively manage risk in a complex organisation. The module helps leaders understand reasons for large-scale failures in complex systems. Second, the module helps learners to understand how leaders may respond to ambiguous threats within organisations. Next, the learner understands the communication barriers that exist within many organizations which serve to suppress dissenting views, candid questioning, constructive inquiry and admission of past mistakes. Finally, this module gives guidance on leadership and decision-making in high-stakes situations.

Acing Leadership Transitions

This module is geared toward preparing leaders to navigate leadership Transition journeys successfully. It will provide a very practical framework to navigate the first 4-6 months of leadership transition to locate and mitigate Transition Challenges and plan and initiate a successful journey.

Personal Branding and Executive Presence

This module explores how Executive Presence (EP) and personal brand building contribute to career growth and leadership readiness. It focuses on aligning your authentic self with strong communication, confidence, and strategic thinking to build trust and influence. You will learn practical ways to enhance your visibility, stand out, and communicate a compelling personal brand that goes beyond technical skills.

Leadership for Success: Creating Systems for Scalability

This module uses the case of Ricardo Semler of Semco to explore how leaders shape organisational culture, drive mindset shifts, and lead change. It highlights how Semler transformed his organisation by building a high-trust, democratic workplace. Learners will understand the leadership philosophy, actions, and systems that enabled sustained performance and scalability, and gain insights into creating people-centric, future-ready organisations.

The ‘Sewa’ Principle

This module explores the Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Festival as a powerful case study in large-scale execution and leadership. It examines how a temporary city for millions was created in a short span through the efforts of thousands of volunteers and a shared vision. Learners will gain insights into leadership principles, organisational design, and high-trust cultures that enable extraordinary outcomes, and understand how these lessons can be applied across diverse organisational contexts.