Newcastle University

Aims

To enable students to lead and manage their Research teams more effectively.

To allow students to develop, recognize and reflect upon the skills that are involved in effective leadership.

This is a face to face module that enables participants to develop skills to be an effective leader. The module will allow students to understand their strengths and weaknesses in their current leadership style and develop in these areas. It will equip the students with the skills necessary to manage a Research team and to transform their leadership style. Although no pre-requisites are needed it is designed to inculcate a somewhat deeper understanding than usual introductory courses and so is appropriate for an M-level course.

Outline Of Syllabus

Developing self awareness
-Leadership v management
-Understanding ourselves
-How others see the world differently
-Emotional intelligence
-Communicating clearly as a manager
-Difficult discussions
-Balancing team requirements
-Behavioural styles
-Characteristics of effective leaders
-Motivation
-Importance of clear communication within a managers role
-Listening effectively
Getting the job done
-Prepare, present and persuade
-Personal power and influence – being assertive
-Prioritising work and organizing the team to complete/meet deadlines
-Principles of effective project management

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The teaching methods are varied and include lectures, small group teaching, reflective learning including development of a reflective portfolio, workshop activities and independent study. Intended learning outcomes include an understanding of leadership theory and a focus on current and optimal leadership style and building on the individuals ability to develop current to optimal leadership style. Pedagogic learning (lectures and self directive reading) will inform the increased understanding of leadership styles and theory, the diagnostic interaction will confirm current leadership style and the reflective elements and coaching will transform individuals from current to optimal leadership style to enable the student to become a transformational leader.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The purpose of the two written critiques is to allow the students a chance to reflect on the taught materials and apply what they have learned to their own leadership style and that of others. Written critiques provide a strong opportunity for self-reflection and this will focus the student on both the strengths and weaknesses of different leadership styles as well as their own. Overall this reflection will allow them to develop the skills necessary to be a better leader.