Great leaders don't simply react to challenges—they anticipate them, inspire others, and create opportunities for meaningful change. But what sets exceptional leaders apart? Is leadership an innate talent, or can it be developed through knowledge, experience, and intentional practice? In this course, you'll discover that effective leadership is a skill that can be learned, refined, and applied. Through strategic thinking, ethical decision- making, and practical application, you'll build the confidence and capabilities to lead with purpose in today's dynamic professional world.

Leadership is more than managing people—it's about understanding how to inspire others, navigate complexity, solve problems, and create meaningful change. Throughout this course, you'll examine the essential roles of ethics, integrity, and character while learning how effective leaders develop and execute strategies that produce results.

Drawing on ideas from cognitive psychology, systems thinking, and game theory, you'll explore four powerful approaches to strategic leadership that help leaders gain insight, drive innovation, and achieve their goals. You'll also discover four distinct leadership styles—visionary, directive, incubating, and collaborative—and learn when and how to apply each one effectively.

Learning goes beyond theory. Through engaging case studies, self-assessments, and reflective activities, you'll evaluate your own leadership strengths, identify opportunities for growth, and apply course concepts to authentic personal and professional situations. You'll also develop a Learning Opportunity case study that demonstrates your ability to think strategically and lead with purpose. 

Whether you aspire to lead a dance program, manage an arts organization, direct a studio, or inspire others in any professional setting, this course will equip you with practical leadership tools, strategic decision-making skills, and the confidence to lead with vision, integrity, and impact.

Book required: Olson, Aaron K. & Simerson, B. Keith. (2015). Leading with Strategic Thinking: For Ways Effective Leaders Gain Insight, Drive Change, and Get Results. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.