Overview

Google, IBM & Meta Certificates – 40% Off

One plan covers every Professional Certificate on Coursera.

Leadership is everywhere. It is involved in nearly every social action, in some form. Many people who have the potential to be leaders do not realize it. Many who become leaders do not know how to manage those responsibilities. Great leaders can inspire change; bad leaders can cripple their followers with stress and frustration. What differentiates these two is a clear vision, an effective plan, and knowledge of how people work. In this class, you will learn the foundations of psychology at work, so that you can better understand others and guide them to shared goals. Along the way, you will answer these questions: Why do you want to be a leader? What kind of leader can you be? How can you persuade and influence people? How can you motivate and inspire people? Whether you are a formal or informal leader.

Syllabus

Topic 1. Why do you want to be a leader?

This module explores the foundations of leadership through the lens of organizational behavior and workplace psychology. You will examine how job attitudes, satisfaction, commitment, and workplace behaviors influence individual and team performance. The module also introduces job design principles, empowerment, and workplace outcomes, helping you understand how work can be structured to improve engagement, motivation, and effectiveness. By the end of the module, you will be able to evaluate factors that shape employee experiences and their impact on leadership and organizational success.

Topic 2. What kind of leader do you want to be?

This module examines how personality, values, and leadership styles influence leadership effectiveness. You will explore the relationship between individual differences and workplace behavior, distinguish between innate and situational influences on actions, and evaluate how values can be used to motivate others. The module also introduces major leadership styles and frameworks, helping you determine when different approaches are most appropriate for leading individuals and teams.

Topic 3. How can you persuade and influence people?

This module focuses on the role of power, influence, and persuasion in leadership. You will examine sources of power within organizations, the relationship between power, politics, and ethical behavior, and the factors that shape organizational influence. The module also explores principles of persuasion, authentic influence, and professional networking, enabling you to develop strategies for building credibility, fostering collaboration, and influencing others effectively in workplace settings.

Topic 4. How can you motivate and inspire people?

This module explores the factors that drive motivation, engagement, and emotional well-being in the workplace. You will examine major motivation theories, incentives, fairness, and goal-setting practices, while also exploring the role of emotions, emotional labor, and workplace stress. The module highlights how leaders can create supportive and productive work environments that encourage performance, resilience, and sustained motivation among individuals and teams.