Business Leadership
(Non-Vocational)

Course Title:

Business Leadership: Principles and Practices

Course Duration:

40 Hours 

Course Type:

Non-Vocational / Continuing Education

Course Description:

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This non-vocational course offers a comprehensive introduction to the core principles of effective leadership within a business context. Students will explore leadership theories, styles, and strategies while developing practical skills in communication, decision-making, team building, and change management. The course encourages reflective practice and prepares learners to lead with confidence in both professional and community settings.

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Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand and apply key leadership theories and models.

• Identify and develop personal leadership styles and strengths.

• Communicate effectively as a leader in diverse settings.

• Foster team performance, motivation, and collaboration.

• Manage change and lead through challenges with resilience.

• Make ethical decisions and lead with integrity and vision.

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Introduction to Leadership (4 hours)

• Definition and role of leadership

• Leadership vs. management

• Historical and modern leadership theories

• Characteristics of effective leaders

 

Leadership Styles and Self-Assessment (4 hours)

• Transformational, transactional, servant, and situational leadership

• Leadership style inventories

• Reflective leadership development planning

 

Communication and Emotional Intelligence (4 hours)

• Verbal and non-verbal communication in leadership

• Active listening and feedback techniques

• Emotional intelligence and self-awareness

 

Team Building and Motivation (4 hours)

• Building effective teams

• Group dynamics and team roles

• Motivational theories (Maslow, Herzberg, McClelland)

• Conflict resolution strategies

 

Visioning and Strategic Thinking (4 hours)

• Crafting and communicating a compelling vision

• Strategic leadership and goal alignment

• Decision-making tools for leaders

 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Leadership (4 hours)

• Inclusive leadership practices

• Cultural competence and leading across differences

• Addressing bias and building equitable environments

 

Leading Organizational Change (4 hours)

• Change management models (Kotter, Lewin)

• Overcoming resistance to change

• Communicating and sustaining change

 

Ethical Leadership and Integrity (4 hours)

• Principles of ethical decision-making

• Leadership dilemmas and accountability

• Transparency and trust-building

 

Innovation and Leadership in the Digital Age (4 hours)

• Leadership in innovation and entrepreneurship

• Adaptive leadership and agility

• Technology, remote teams, and digital communication

 

Leadership in Action and Final Presentations (4 hours)

• Leadership case study analysis

• Final individual or group leadership action plan presentations

• Peer feedback and reflective discussion

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Instructional Methods:

• Interactive lectures and discussions

• Case studies and scenario-based learning

• Self-assessments and reflection journals

• Role-play and group activities

• Guest speakers and video analysis (optional)

Assessment (Formative Only – Non-Graded):

• Weekly participation and group exercises

• Personal leadership development plan

• Leadership style self-assessment

• Final presentation: “My Leadership Vision and Action Plan”

Required Materials:

• Course reader or instructor-prepared handouts

• Access to leadership videos, podcasts, and articles

• Notebook or digital journal for reflection

Target Audience:

• Aspiring or emerging leaders

• Adult learners interested in professional or personal development

• Community organizers, entrepreneurs, or team leads

• College students in any program stream seeking to build leadership skills