Online Class: Leading and Leadership

This convenient online course can be taken from anywhere. You can participate in our online classes from home, from your office, even when you travel. A PC or laptop, modem and browser bring the virtual classroom to you, when and where you want to participate.

At a glance:

Dates: April 8-May 19, 2008
Location: Online
Instructor: Susan Paddock
Contact: Robbi Dreifuerst 608-262-3830, rdreifuerst@dcs.wisc.edu
To enroll: See registration options.

Description:

This course covers what is required to be an effective leader, whether at the top of an organization or as a middle manager.  It includes discussions of leadership theories and specific leadership strategies and techniques.  Class includes readings, case studies and discussions.

The course begins with Week Zero, a one-week orientation period October 4-10, which allows students time to familiarize themselves with the course site, navigation tools, etc., before the class formally begins on October 11.

Objectives:

Week 1: Definition of Leadership; Identifying Leaders and Leadership Traits
Develop an understanding of what is required for effective leadership; evaluate the traits and characteristics of effective leaders. Develop a personal “character set” for your own leadership effectiveness.

Week 2:  Identifying What Effective Leaders Do
Identify specific leadership behaviors through personal examples and case studies.  Identify what an effective leader does and what behaviors you should develop or strengthen to improve your effectiveness.

Week 3:  Identifying Effective Leadership Strategies
Use a situational leadership approach to approach leadership issues. Discussion of personal situations and case studies.

Week 4:  Leading as a Middle Manager
Identify specific skills required of an effective middle manager.  Identify power bases and influence strategies.  Identify four strategies for leading as a follower, and six things you should know in order to manage your boss.

Week 5: Leading in Times of Change or Crisis
Identify the specific leadership behaviors and skills needed during times of crisis or change.  Understand the specific role of the leader during these times.

Week 6: Using and Developing Leadership Skills
Describe the issues and challenges facing leaders in the future, and develop a plan for personal leadership development.

Final paper (2-3 pages) on your leadership philosophy required of all students seeking full credit (18 hours) in the CPM program.  The paper should describe your philosophy of leadership, how you developed that philosophy (including reference to any other leadership ideas or philosophies that shaped your thinking), and how you apply (or plan to apply) that leadership philosophy in your work.

Your instructor:

Susan Paddock is a professor of governmental affairs in the Department of Professional Development and Applied Studies at UW-Madison and director of the Wisconsin Certified Public Manager Program.

Student Requirements:

CPM online classes are conducted using the Desire2Learn platform. Registered students are given the course Web site address, along with a password to access the course.

A one-week orientation period precedes each class, allowing students time to familiarize themselves with the course site before the class formally begins.

Students are required to:

• Read weekly chapters, articles, case studies, and/or lecturettes either sent by mail or posted on the course site.
• Respond to weekly questions and points of discussion in the Discussion Board.
• Complete a summative writing assignment.

General information:

Location: Online

Fees: $295

Registration deadline: March 25

Cancellation policy: If you are unable to participate in a group class or arrange for a substitute, you may obtain a refund minus the $20 administrative fee by contacting our registration department at least 3 business days prior to the program. If you cancel 3 business days or less before the program, or do not participate, you are responsible for the entire fee. To cancel or arrange for a substitute, please call 800-725-9692. No refund is given for cancellation of an Independent Study class. Exceptions to this policy will be determined by CPM program staff on a case-by-case basis.

For program information contact: Robbi Dreifuerst, coordinator of the CPM Program, 608-262-3830, rdreifuerst@dcs.wisc.edu

Registration options:

By phone: Call 608-262-7942 or toll-free 800-725-9692.

By mail: Print, complete and mail the UW Continuing Studies registration form.

By fax: Print, complete and fax the UW Continuing Studies registration form.

Online: Secure online registration is available for this program

WCPM is a program of the
Department of Professional Development & Applied Studies
610 Langdon St., Rm. 313.....Madison WI 53703
Phone: 608-263-2088 or .....(800) 442-4617
Fax: 608-265-2329.....E-mail: pdas@dcs.wisc.edu