Key Information
About the content
Improve your decision making skills within the context of leadership development using theoretical approaches and concepts with this online course from the University of Lincoln.
Explore the issues of effective decision making from a leadership perspective
On this two-week course, you’ll frame decision making skills as an integral part of effective leadership. You’ll discover theoretical approaches to decision making, and develop your personal style as a leader and decision maker.
Identify the skills and qualities of an effective leader
You’ll delve into what makes an effective leader and distinguish the difference between leadership and management. You’ll also explore the evolution of leadership theories from the 1980s to the present day, contextualising your own leadership style within these existing frameworks.
With this knowledge, you’ll begin to identify your own strengths and weaknesses as a leader, helping you plan a professional development strategy that reflects these areas for improvement.
Examine leadership theories relating to decision making
Decision making is a complex process, underpinned by effective leadership and the development of people within the team or organisation.
You’ll learn how decisions are formulated, shaped by attitudes, perceptions, and values. You’ll also explore each step of the decision making process, allowing you to assess every problem using all of the available information.
Avoid cognitive biases in individual and group decision making
As with leadership styles, there are multiple styles of decision making and types of decision makers.
You’ll explore the four different styles and identify where you sit within this framework. You’ll also examine common cognitive biases, helping you improve the quality of your decisions by avoiding these pitfalls.
By the end of this course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the factors that impact decisions as a leader. You’ll be able to approach problems logically, with the skills to make decisions free of biases where possible.
Prerequisite
This course is designed for supervisors, managers, and team leaders, looking to improve their decision making from a leadership perspective.
It’s also suitable for those wanting to progress their career and move into a leadership role, by furthering their knowledge of leadership principles and practice.
Syllabus
Syllabus
Week 1: Leadership
Week 2: Leadership and Decision Making
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Explore how individuals formulate decisions
- Evaluate factors which might diminish the effectiveness of the decisions made
Instructors
University of Lincoln
The University of Lincoln is rated in the top 20 UK universities for student satisfaction in the Guardian University Guide 2022 and the Complete University Guide 2022.
Platform
FutureLearn is a massive open online course (MOOC) learning platform founded in December 2012.
It is a company launched and wholly owned by The Open University in Milton Keynes, England. It is the first UK-led massive open online course learning platform, and as of March 2015 included 54 UK and international University partners and unlike similar platforms includes four non-university partners: the British Museum, the British Council, the British Library and the National Film and Television School.
