This module is part of the Work@UL professional diploma in Strategic Leadership. This module is designed to examine and to consider what we mean by leadership in general, and specifically strategic leadership by examining the role of the leader in a digital era. It aims to evaluate the issues involved in developing individual leaders and developing leadership capacity in organisations. It focuses on the importance of a leader's vision, in particular the need for a digital strategy to be led from the top. Furthermore, it encourages students to become critical consumers of leadership information.

This module rethinks what we mean by leadership, examines different sources of leadership and considers why the idea of leadership has become so important in organisational transformation. The role of emotions in the process of leadership are addressed by considering the use of positive and negative emotions in leadership, and focusing on the emotional intelligence capabilities of effective leaders. Students will consider leadership through a meaning- making/sense-making lens and consider the context in which transformational and authentic leadership take place. The module has a number of practical elements for students to consider, including knowing yourself as a leader (elements of identity as a leader, self- awareness, leadership styles, self-assessments); how to develop individual leaders and developing leadership capacity in organisations. This module will explore the following key areas; The Process of Leadership; Leadership Styles; Psychology of Leadership; Leadership Capacity; Strategy; Strategic Planning; Leading Strategy; Organisational Culture; Organisational Change; Leading Teams; Coaching; Developing Leadership Skills.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: • Identify and critically evaluate the underlying theories in the psychology of leadership. • Assess the importance of different types of leadership and the specific challenges to strategic leaders within different organisations. • Develop a critical understanding of the application of a variety of leadership styles through which individuals can exercise leadership more effectively. • Critically evaluate the dark side of leadership including ethics, defensive routines and dysfunctional leadership and consider how to learn from leadership failures. • Demonstrate and critique the linkages between organisational culture, leadership and organisational change which are critical in digital transformation. • Synthesise the main challenges to effective leadership including the requirements of top leadership teams and leader-follower relationship. • Develop a multilevel perspective on leadership by considering the different linkages individual leaders and developing leadership capacity in organisations. • Critically appraise the dimensions of leading strategy - Process, Context and Content. • Formulate and evaluate strategic options in an organisation.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: • Awareness of personal leadership styles and leadership competency development needs. • Analytical and critical thinking, people and team management and decision making skills. • Appreciate and value the challenge of leading strategically and, its implications for employees, managers and organisations. • Display a greater appreciation of the complexity of leadership and influence through the use of case studies, discussion, reading, and reflection. • Engage in self-reflection through the use of self-assessment and reflective activities. • Appreciate the importance of formulating a strategy for the organisation leading strategically and to overall organisational success.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: N/A

The module will be taught using a range of methods including lectures, online platforms (including e-tivities, VLEs, and Social media platforms), role-plays, psychological simulations, teamwork activities and presentations. Graduate attributes will be developed in the following ways: Knowledgeable: Students will gain a deep knowledge of change management and transformation through lectures, on-line activities, role-plays, psychological simulations, teamwork activities and presentations; Proactive: Students are expected to be proactive in their own learning through independent study and self-directed learning; Responsible: Students will develop a sense of responsibility through class discussions on various ethical issues involved change management and digital transformation; Collaborative: Students will be required to participate in class discussions and group work; Articulate: Students will become articulate in discussing leadership through the use of in-class discussions, presentations and written coursework