OB 372 / 01 - High-Performance Leadership

Instructor(s):
Carole Robin

Meeting Times:

TF

10:00 AM-11:45 AM

Units: 4

Course Description:
Although many leadership approaches will achieve good performance, it is the premise of this course that the assumptions underlying traditional approaches to leadership frequently blocks excellence. This course will present a new approach that sees leadership as a joint responsibility of members and the leader. Implementing this new definition requires strong teams, shared vision and mutual influence relationships. Class time will be spent describing this approach and exploring how both leaders and members can build such teams, make vision real and relevant and develop mutual influence relationships. Through the use of video, written cases and in-class role-plays, the specifics of how to build a high performance unit will be discussed. Although most of the time will be spent on the leader dealing with direct reports, attention will also be paid to the other two leadership functions of dealing sidewards and upwards. In addition to class time, students will be randomly assigned to 7-person Skill Development groups. For Bradford's section in fall quarter, they meet for two and a half hours on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday evening or Wednesday day. For Robin's sections in winter and spring, they meet for two and a half hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evening or Wednesday day. (Attempts will be made to take student preferences into account in making the group assignments.) Role-plays and critical incidents will let students increase their competencies in implementing this leadership model by trying out various approaches and receiving peer feedback. Students will rotate responsibility for planning and conducting these sessions. There will also be a group simulation. There will be an on-going log and a final 5-page self-assessment paper.

Class Notes:
Attendence at the first two classes is required for those on the waitlist as well as enrolled. One excused absence is allowed after that.
Must attend all SDG meetings.

Appropriateness:	MBA, Sloan, & PhD Students
Attendance:	Mandatory whether registered or on waitlist
Capacity:	Capacity limited to 56 students
Exams:	No Exam
Grade Distribution:	Participation 25% PP 50% Skill Dev Group 25%
Mode of Instruction:	Lecture, Discussion, Role Play
Pass/Fail option:	P/F Not Allowed
Projects or Papers:	Numerous Assignments