Leadership and Character in Uncertain Times

This program is designed for U.S. and international leaders who are committed to using their positions to promote greater moral leadership and to make a difference for their organizations and countries, including:

• Government managers, policymakers, and practitioners working in nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations, and the corporate sector
• Candidates will be selected based on the goal of fostering a diversity of experiences and perspectives
• Individuals from developed, developing, newly industrialized, and transitional countries are encouraged to apply

Week One: The Adaptive Leadership Framework

During week one, you will be introduced to the concepts of adaptive leadership and moral leadership. Through lectures and videos with Faculty Chair Chris Robichaud and Professor Ron Heifetz, you will learn the basics of the adaptive leadership framework and how it can be applied to your work. 

Week Two: Moral Narratives

A crucial part of leadership involves acting with integrity and authenticity. To do this, you must first look inward to discover your core values. During week two, you will engage in online learning with Professor Dana Born to help you discover your true north through a series of exercises. 

Week Three: Negotiating Community Values

In the third week of the program, you will explore how to balance your own values with the values of a community, especially when there is conflict and disagreement. You will learn about Haidt's Moral Foundations Theory, cover cases on Nelson Mandela and the ANC, and continue to explore adaptive leadership content from many faculty you’ve already met, as well as Professor Farayi Chipungu. 

Week Four: Leading Within Organizations

Together with your cohort, you will explore behavioral sciences and how they can give us tools to bring about institutional change, especially as it concerns advancing matters of social justice. You will learn about choice architecture and nudges from faculty, including Professor Iris Bohnet and Professor Jennifer Lerner.

Week Five: Leading in Society

The final week will focus on advancing social justice outside of organizations, in society as a whole, and all the challenges that come with it. Cases discussed will include Eric Garner, Black Lives Matter, and the NYPD, featuring a unit with Professor Cornell Brooks.